Rural Start‑Up Fund – 2024 Call for Applications
What’s on the Menu?
In its fourth year, the £5,000 grant is up for grabs. One lucky business gets the whole sum, or a gaggle of rural start‑ups split the pot.
Who’s Behind the Cash
This partnership has been brewing since 2019, between the Royal Countryside Fund – launched in 2010 by King Charles III – and Forest Holidays. Together, they’re pumped to give fresh rural ventures a boost.
Voices from the Front Lines
- Keith Halstead, RCF Executive Director: “We’re all about sparking growth and giving back to the countryside.”
- Gemma Chance, Brand Purpose Lead at Forest Holidays: “Supporting local start‑ups is a joy; seeing their brands bloom is the best reward.”
Success Story Snapshot
Caroline Dawson of SUP Lass Paddle Adventures says the grant helped her buy new paddles, tech, and provided critical mentoring out in Delamere Forest. Now her business is taking to the waves and the market with a fresh lift.
Who Can Apply?
- Must be 18 or older and be launching a rural business.
- Must demonstrate how the venture supports the local community, preserves the countryside, or boosts rural sustainability.
How to Apply
Visit royalcountrysidefund.org.uk/startupfund for full details. The deadline’s midday Monday, 12 February 2024.
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