SMALL and medium sized businesses in the New Forest are to benefit from a new £25,000 grant fund.

The fund has been developed by Solent Local Enterprise Partnership in collaboration with New Forest District Council.

Grants of up to £2500 will be provided to rural businesses which are looking to develop alternative ways of working during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Councillor Michael Harris, New Forest District Council’s portfolio holder for economic development, said “This funding made possible by Solent LEP will support very small rural businesses which do not qualify for any other financial support. I am therefore most grateful to officers for working so constructively despite these extraordinary times to make this happen.”

The grants must be matched with private funds (50 per cent of total costs) and the funding will be provided in advance with full evidence of expenditure to be provided within three months.

It is available to businesses which are not eligible for either the Small Business or Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Grants.

The chief executive of Solent LEP, Anne-Marie Mountifield, added: “The Solent LEP team is busier than ever, working hard to help businesses in the region and ensure they are supported as much as possible, during this challenging time. This fund has been created specifically for businesses in the New Forest to ensure that the rural economy is in the best shape possible during this period and crucially as we come out the other side. The LEP is working with a number of organisations to bring as many initiatives as possible to help the businesses which make our economy thrive, feel supported and encouraged during this unprecedented time.”

Projects which businesses choose to undertake must safeguard jobs and demonstrate how they will benefit the New Forest’s rural economy in order to be eligible.

For more information go to newforest.gov.uk/ruralfund