Small and micro producers in the New Forest can boost their business thanks to a new £20,000 small grant scheme. 

The New Forest National Park Authority in partnership with New Forest District Council is offering small grants of up to £1,000 to New Forest micro and small producers in the food and drink and art and craft sectors.   

The New Forest Rural England Prosperity Fund supports businesses to grow and community-based organisations to invest in improvements to facilities to benefit local residents and the wider economy of the district.  The grant can cover up to 100% of eligible costs and is specifically aimed at the micro and small businesses which play a key role in sustaining the New Forest economy. 

The grant scheme is funded by the Rural England Prosperity Fund as part of the wider UK Shared Prosperity Fund.   

New Forest National Park Authority member Mary Davies, who represents the NPA member on the New Forest Business Partnership, said: ‘Micro and small producers are at the heart of the food, drink and craft sectors in the New Forest and they need support to help grow their business, to adopt new ways of working or enter new markets.   

‘Often just a small grant can make a big difference and this fund has been designed to support those businesses that are often overlooked by the bigger grant schemes that require a large amount of match funding.’ 

New Forest District Council’s portfolio holder for planning and economy, Cllr Derek Tipp, said: ‘We’re delighted to support our local entrepreneurs and makers through these grants, which are helping to strengthen the New Forest’s rural economy. From artisan food producers to local artists and craft businesses, these small enterprises are at the heart of what makes our communities so distinctive and vibrant.

‘By working in partnership with the New Forest National Park Authority and through funding from the Rural England Prosperity Fund, we’re investing in sustainable growth and helping local businesses to thrive for the future.’

A micro or small business will typically have fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover of less than £1 million.  

Businesses are encouraged to apply by completing an application form which can be downloaded from the New Forest National Park Authority website here https://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/documents/communities/new-forest-rural-england-prosperity-fund-application-form/