Councils are inviting applications for the first grants and funding opportunities to be made available from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Businesses, organisations and community groups across Stoke-on-Trent can now apply for a share of £6 million government funding.
And Staffordshire Moorlands District Council is inviting applications for the first grants and funding opportunities to be made available from their £3.4 million USPF pot.
Eligible organisations are being encouraged to apply for a share of the money to locally support projects which fall under one of the three UKSPF funding priorities:
- Communities and Place – this covers public realm projects, community-led initiatives and cultural and heritage projects;
- Supporting Local Business – this will support local businesses to thrive, innovate and grow;
- People and Skills – this will provide employment support and funding for skills to enable people to progress in life and work.
In Stoke-on-Trent, applications must be submitted via email to [email protected] by midnight on Thursday 6 April 2023.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council Leader Abi Brown said: “This funding will be used to support projects which will enhance our neighbourhoods, housing and infrastructure as well as providing opportunities for businesses to grow and support for people looking to get into work.
“It’s incredible what can be achieved by working together with a shared ambition and I am very much looking forward to hearing ideas about how we can address some of the key challenges faced by our city.”
In the Staffordshire Moorlands, small feasibility study grants of up to £42,600 are available for studies that result in the development of new or enhance projects. And grants worth around £5,000 are available to voluntary and community organisations and town and parish council to support cultural arts and heritage events.
The deadline for applications for the cultural arts and heritage events grant is 17 March. Applications for the small feasibility study grants need to be made by 31 March and the studies must be commissioned and completed by 31 May.
Councillor Keith Flunder, cabinet member with responsibility for regeneration and business support at the District Council, said: “I’m delighted that we’re now able to start making this funding available and would encourage eligible businesses and groups to get their applications in as soon as possible.
“I look forward to seeing the ideas and events that come forward and to getting this funding to the people that will use it to make a difference.”
