Fenland businesses reminded to bid for grants of up to £25,000

Businesses and farms can apply for the funds to support a wide range of projects.

Cllr Steve Count, Fenland District Council's portfolio holder for economic growth, said: "These grants provide an incredible opportunity for businesses and the wider population of Fenland.

 They're an opportunity for the business leaders in Fenland to get financial support to push forward with growth plans to provide employment and development opportunities for the community and make Fenland an even better place to live and work.

 We urge all businesses to look at this opportunity and to make a bid for funds if they have a plan that can put them to best use."

• Successful applicants explain how the grants helped them 
• Grow: Grants and Finance

New funds are now available through the Fenland Rural England Prosperity Fund as well as the Investment in Business scheme.

Investment in Business grants of £5,000 to £25,000 are for firms of all sizes, to cover up to 80 per cent of a specific project's cost. Projects can be capital or revenue based.

Fenland Rural England Prosperity Fund offers grants of up to £10,000 to cover up to 50 per cent of a capital project (investments into assets, like tools, equipment, computers and machinery).

Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said: "It's vital that this funding gets to where it's needed - supporting businesses to grow. Working with Fenland Council, the Combined Authority is working to make this area a better place to start and scale a business. I would encourage any business keen to kick on to apply."

In both cases, the application process begins with completing an expression of interest form.

The deadline for completing an expression of interest for the Fenland Rural England Prosperity Fund is Monday, August 4.

For the Investment in Business fund the deadline is Monday, July 14.

Those judged to score highly enough in terms of ability to deliver the most beneficial outcomes will be invited to submit a full application. Support is given at all stages.

Grants must be spent by end of February 2026.

Both schemes are being delivered by Fenland District Council's economic growth team Fenland for Business with grants from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) with funds from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Fenland District Council's Cabinet agreed at its June meeting to accept funds to make further Fenland Rural England Prosperity Fund grants available.

• Find out more and complete an 'expression of interest' at: Grow: Grants and Finance

Businesses across Fenland have already been awarded grants totalling more than £1 million through the two schemes. A total of 79 awards have been made and it is estimated they have supported the creation of 125 jobs.

Successful applicants explain how Fenland business grants helped them

Boss Fabrication Ltd, based in Chatteris, received an 'Investment in Business Grant'.

The Grant was used to support the purchase of a second blade sharpening machine and other tools which are used to install, maintain, repair and refurbish machinery used in the plastic recycling industry.

Founded by Matthew Vinn in 2014, Boss Fabrication began as a one-man venture and now provides employment for 10 members of staff including Matthew's wife Jolene.

Jolene said: "The grant has been a welcome boost to the firm's growth and has allowed the company to take another step forward without the worry of additional costs. It is a tough time for small businesses with rising costs and economic uncertainty. To feel supported with grants like this is very positive. I would strongly encourage other local small businesses to apply for available grants."

R Young & Sons French Polishing Limited, in Chatteris, was awarded a grant earlier this year to support the installation cost of a new heating system in the workshop.

Prior to the new heating system being installed the firm was relying on a diesel heater and a log burner to heat the workshop, struggling to maintain a consistent temperature in the colder months. The low temperatures were negatively affecting workflow, slowing down works and drying times.

With the new and more environmentally friendly heating system the workshop now maintains a constant temperature, enabling a more productive workflow and speeding up drying times in the colder weather.

Alison Young who founded the business with her husband Robert in 2006, said: "Its early days but the heat pump is already making a difference. 

 We are hoping that in the future, because of how much more efficiently we can work, we can grow our family business, employ local people and pass on the skills that have been in Robert's family since 1873."

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July 2025