Funding & grants

There are resources available to help businesses explore potential funding opportunities.

North Somerset High Street Innovation Fund

Along with 100 other areas across the country North Somerset Council has been awarded £100,000 from central Government as part of a High Street Innovation Fund to revitalise high streets and tackle the challenge of empty retail properties.

Please visit the High Street Innovation Fund page for an Application form, Criteria and Guidance notes.

North Somerset 4 Business

is a free online tool allowing businesses in North Somerset to search for funding schemes that they may be eligible for from EU, national, regional and local sources.

Visit North Somerset 4 Business.

North Somerset Enterprise Agency

can also provide advice on sources of business finance as part of the service to new and growing businesses.

Visit our case study North Somerset Enterprise Agency.

The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE)

This funding programme is designed to support the creation of genuinely sustainable farming, forestry and food sectors whilst bringing wider benefits for the economy, environment and rural communities. It runs until 2013.

Funding covers: skills development, social enterprise, business support, supply chain and adding value, resource management, sustainable rural tourism and community-led development.

The social and community enterprise strand is aimed at improving the provision of services in your rural community or securing the long term future of an existing service.

To discuss a project idea contact the Rural Focus Service on 08456 047 047 or visit the DEFRA website.

Sustainable travel grants

A new grant fund to help employers promote sustainable travel is now available for the 2012/13 financial year through North Somerset Council’s Sustainable Travel and Road Safety Team. For more information visit our sustainable travel grants for businesses page.