Grants of up to £25k announced for small businesses

The grant scheme will fund 50% of an investment project, which must be delivered by 31 January 2026

A council has announced two new grant schemes designed to help small businesses "become more resilient".

North Northamptonshire Council has launched the Rural Business Grant Scheme and the Business Growth Scheme, which will allow firms to apply for grants of between £5,000 and £25,000.

The money can be used to pay for equipment, build extensions or carry out alterations, among its uses.

George Candler, executive director of place and economy at the council, said it would "make such a difference to businesses in North Northants".

The grants have been funded through the Rural England Prosperity Fund and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

They are aimed at businesses within North Northamptonshire with less than 49 employees.

Firms must have been trading for at least 12 months and can only receive one grant in a single financial year.

The grant scheme will fund 50% of a project - which must be delivered by 31 January 2026 – and businesses must match the funding.

Grant applications will be open until 08:00 BST on 23 June.