Rural businesses across Cumbria are being encouraged to explore a new grant funding opportunity designed to support growth, investment and productivity.
Delivered by Cumbria Business Growth Hub, the new Rural Enterprise Grant Fund aims to help eligible businesses invest in equipment, machinery, technology and small-scale improvements to business premises. The scheme has been secured through the Cumbria Combined Authority, with additional support from Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council.
The fund is available to eligible businesses across Cumbria and offers grants of up to 80% towards qualifying capital projects, providing valuable support for businesses looking to bring forward investment plans and strengthen their operations.
What can the funding be used for?
The programme is designed to support projects that help businesses:
- Improve productivity
- Invest in new equipment and machinery
- Adopt new technology
- Enhance business premises
- Support innovation and growth
- Bring forward planned investment projects
The funding is intended to help businesses overcome challenges, seize new opportunities and contribute to Cumbria’s wider economic growth.
Why apply?
Access to funding can make a significant difference when businesses are considering investments that might otherwise be delayed.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade equipment, improve efficiency, expand your offering or invest in future growth, this fund could help turn plans into reality.
With £1 million available through the programme, eligible businesses are encouraged to explore the opportunity and check their eligibility as early as possible.
The first stage is to complete an expression of interest. The deadline for submission for consideration at the first panel is 12noon on Monday 22nd June 2026 – early submission is preferable, you don’t need to wait until the deadline to submit.
Find out more
For full eligibility criteria and application details, click here.