Rural start-ups eligible for £5,000 of support through The Royal Countryside Fund and Forest Holidays

The Royal Countryside Fund and Forest Holidays are delighted to once again invite small businesses across the UK to apply for funding from the Rural Start-Up Fund.

Now in its fourth year, a total of £5,000 is on offer, to be awarded to one winning business, or shared between a number of rural start ups.

The Royal Countryside Fund was founded in 2010 by His Majesty King Charles III when The Prince of Wales, with the aim of supporting small family farms and empowering sustainable rural communities and economies.

Keith Halstead, Executive Director of The Royal Countryside Fund said: “Since 2019, Forest Holidays and the RCF have been joining forces to deliver the Rural Start-Up Fund; an exciting opportunity for rural businesses to receive financial support as they embark on a new business venture. The Rural Start-Up Fund stands as a testament to our joint commitment to nurture innovation and livelihoods in the heart of the countryside.”

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Previous winner Caroline Dawson of SUP Lass Paddle Adventures said: “Thanks to the Royal Countryside Fund and Forest Holidays, we were able to acquire new paddle adventure equipment and cutting-edge technology to capture our clients’ experiences. Additionally, the grant provided us with essential business mentoring and support, which culminated in a mentoring and networking away day at Forest Holidays, Delamere Forest. With this funding, we’re now able to take our business to new heights and increase our visibility in the market.”

Gemma Chance, Head of Brand Purpose at Forest Holidays said: “Forest Holidays is delighted to support Britain’s rural start-ups once again. As a company, we enjoy being involved and seeing winners grow their brands, develop their business and play an active part in the life of their communities. We’re glad we’ve taken it a step further to give entrepreneurs and start-up businesses the help required to overcome the initial challenges to grow their business locally.”

Applicants must be 18 or over, and embarking on a rural business venture. They must be able to demonstrate how their business will, in some manner, support rural communities, promote conservation of the countryside, or support rural sustainability. To find out more and apply, please visit: www.royalcountrysidefund.org.uk/startupfund.

Applications close at midday on Monday, 12 February 2024.