Two schemes to specifically help rural areas are being run by Hampshire County Council: the Rural Retailers and Community Enterprises Grant, and the Community Challenge Fund.
There are grants of up to £20,000 available under the Rural Retailers and Community Enterprises Grant Scheme.
The scheme has been set up to provide financial support to help rural retailers grow, increase their productivity and provide new services, as well as encourage the development of both new and existing community enterprises which have a retail element.
Groups can also apply for grants of up to £5,000 under the Community Challenge Fund.
Communities interested in the grants should contact Jennie Pell (jennie.pell@hants.gov.uk ) or Emily Preston (emily.preston@hants.gov.uk ) on 01962 846571.
Other Hampshire County Council grant schemes of interest to rural communities include: the Small Grants Scheme Countryside Access; the Community Buildings Fund and the Community Transport Grant and the Valuing Hampshire Communities Grant.
