Rural England Prosperity Fund business energy and resource grant

What is the grant available for?

The Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) is a ‘top up’ fund allocated to Rural Districts in England as an addition to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

North Kesteven District Council has been allocated £224,218 for the 25/26 financial year. This funding will be used to deliver the Business Energy and Resources Grant (BERG) scheme which will be a discretionary capital grant that will support small and micro business operating in North Kesteven with investments aimed at reducing energy costs and improving resource efficiency.

The grant programme aims to meet Government missions to kick-start the growth of the economy and develop the circular economy within rural North Kesteven. It seeks to improve energy efficiency of rural business by lowering emissions, managing resources and encouraging the development of green tourism. Thereby also improving the competitiveness of rural businesses while protecting and enhancing our rural environment which is The District’s distinctive Place defining asset enjoyed by all.

Capital or Revenue or Both?

The fund is for capital investments only.  In practice this means purchase and installations costs of eligible equipment (outlined below).

The grant will support investments in energy saving and efficiency technologies including:

• Solar panels.
• Battery Storage.
• Heat Pumps.
• Insulation.
• Small scale wind turbines.
• Support for circular economy projects.
• Other technologies associated with improving energy efficiency and or the management of natural resources and environmental sustainability.

Percentage of project cost

There is a maximum intervention rate (grant %) of 70%. This means all applicants must be able to contribute a minimum of 30% of the total cost of the submitted application. Any match funding contribution less than this will result in an ineligible application.

The grant requested (70% or less of the total cost) must be more than £5,000.

Any eligibility criteria

Click here to read the full eligibility criteria.  

What grant amounts are available?

As this is a capital fund, payments will only be made on proof of expenditure. Applicants must plan to finance the entire project cost up front, with reimbursement of the awarded grant made after all evidence has been submitted and approved.

The grant requested (70% or less of the total cost) must be more than £5,000.

Who provides the grant?

North Kesteven District Council. 

How to apply for the grant?

Click here to read the criteria, and to apply.