Local tourism businesses are being encouraged to check their eligibility for the Herefordshire Visitor Experience Fund, which is now open for applications.
The Herefordshire Visitor Experience Fund is a capital grant scheme that has been funded by the UK Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). It aims to support the tourism sector through providing business growth for small or micro businesses, job creation and the development of tourist infrastructure.
Eligible costs include:
- Capital items - purchase of equipment which must be specific to the project
- Building works - alterations to existing commercial buildings, not including maintenance, or groundworks to create a trail. Note: we will require confirmation of the necessary approvals such as planning permission, landlord’s consent and building regulations (if applicable for your project)
- Individual items must cost a minimum of £250
Capital grants are available for businesses up to 70% of the total project costs.
The grant has to be match funded by the applicant's business. This is the difference between the grant being sought and the remaining cost of the project. The source of the match funding cannot be from other public funds for the item being purchased.
Councillor Graham Biggs, Cabinet Member Economy and Growth, said: “Tourism is a key part of both Herefordshire’s identity as a county and our local economy, and so the opportunities for growth and job creation are something we are eager to promote as an authority. I would encourage anybody who may be eligible to check the criteria, and, if they qualify, to submit their application.”
The deadline for applications is midnight on Sunday 3 December 2023. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
For more information and to apply, please visit the VEF page of our website.
If you have any queries about the grant scheme or need some help with a technical issue e.g. trouble with the formatting of the application form or spreadsheet, please contact the delegated grants team: delegatedgrants@herefordshire.gov.uk
Other funding available from UKSPF can be found on the council website including Rural Enterprise Fund.
For updates on other funding opportunities please visit the Marches Growth Hub website or contact the Herefordshire Marches Growth Hub Team 01432 383343 or email: business@herefordshire.gov.uk