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The Fund is now open and encouraging applications from £2,500 up to £25,000 from businesses throughout rural Malvern Hills District.

What is the Malvern Hills Rural Fund?

The Malvern Hills Rural Fund is being delivered by Malvern Hills District Council. The aim of the fund is to help businesses address issues and overcome barriers to growth, particularly those unique to rural areas. The funding comes from the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) and Malvern Hills District Council.

Who can apply?

Any organisations and businesses with legal status can receive funding, including:

• Micro enterprises should have less than 10 employees and an annual turnover under £2 million, and small enterprises should have less than 50 employees and an annual turnover under £10 million.
• Voluntary organisations, Registered charities, Local authorities, Public sector organisations, Higher and further education institutions.

If there is a high demand for funding, we may give priority to organisations that have not received Rural Fund money in previous years.

Please note we cannot support projects that have received funding from other Defra schemes, including: The Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme and The Farming Investment Fund

Malvern Hills Rural Fund is not available for purchasing additional farm equipment or increasing farm production. However, it can be used to help diversify the farm business outside of agriculture. If you are unsure whether your diversification plan is eligible, please contact us to discuss.

What types of projects does the fund support?

We are looking to support new capital projects (something physical like a new piece of equipment or machinery) that bring something new to your business. They must represent good value for money and be able to be completed by 31st January 2026. We cannot fund staff costs, general operating expenses, or services you are legally required to provide.

Supporting Rural Enterprise

We are looking for projects that can be delivered quickly and must be able to be delivered by 31st January 2026. The Rural Fund welcomes projects for purchase of capital items that will assist start-up, growth, development, and job creation.  The following types of projects will be supported:

1. Purchase of capital items to start, grow, and develop the business offer of micro and small rural businesses and farm diversifications, for example:          

• Gardening equipment that would increase the services offered by a business.
• A horsebox to provide catering at events selling food made using farm produce from the business.

2. Community enterprises projects that will make a direct contribution to the local economy, for example:

• Fit out of a community shop.

3. Development and promotion of the visitor economy, for example:

• Updating a visitor attraction to make it more accessible to a wider audience.

If your project requires planning permission and/or listed building consent, you must provide evidence that it has been granted as part of your application.

Projects must not commence until they have received funding approval.

If you need more information or would like to discuss a project that you are confident can be delivered by 31st January 2026, please use the contact details in the Contact Us section. We are happy to discuss your ideas and provide support throughout the application process.

Where should my project take place?

The project must be delivered in a rural area within the district of Malvern Hills.  

How much can I apply for?

Capital grants of between £2,500 and £25,000 are available.  Applicants will be expected to match fund at least 50% of the project.

How can I apply?

If you would like to submit an application please refer to the Rural Fund Application Process for guidance on what you will be asked to provide throughout the stages.

What are the timescales? Round Two – Key Dates

• Expression of interest deadline – Midday, 7th July 2025
• Full Application deadline – Midday, 18th August 2025
• Funding decision – end of September 2025

Please note that all projects from both rounds must be completed by 31st January 2026. Future Rounds Future rounds may be opened depending on available funding levels. Please contact us if you would like to discuss your project.

Contact Us

UKSPF Programme Support Officer

Adrian Rosten-Smart

Email:adrian.rosten-smart@wychavon.gov.uk

Phone: 01386 565453