UK Shared Prosperity Fund – grants and programmes
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UK Shared Prosperity Fund
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For further information, visit UK Shared Prosperity Fund Guidance.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (including the Rural England Prosperity Fund) is expected to invest £1,001,681 in South Derbyshire between April 2025 and March 2026. The Funds will support a range of initiatives during the one-year programme including the following:
Business Start-Up Scheme
This scheme is open to people who are starting their own business or have set up a business in the last 12 months. It offers expert advice, together with grants of up to £10,000. This is available now and will continue for the duration of the programme. To find out more go to:
Further information visit Derbyshire Business Support.
South Derbyshire Community Grant Fund Scheme
A community grant scheme for third sector organisations, voluntary and community groups is available. A Guide to the Criteria, Application Process and Conditions of Funding can be found at Community Grants - South Derbyshire District Council.
Applicants who consider their project to be eligible after reading the Guidance document can request an application form from the Community Partnership Officer by emailing:sally.hemsley@southderbyshire.gov.uk
South Derbyshire Business Grant Scheme
A grant scheme for smaller businesses is available, part-funding new investment. Full details, including eligible activities and organisations can be found in the Guidance Document (pdf, 495kb) (pdf, 454kb).
If you have any queries, please contact: business@southderbyshire.gov.uk
Link to Expression of Interest
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/SouthDerbyshireBusinessGrantApplication2025/
Town Centre Promotion
A programme of marketing, events and promotional activities will be undertaken during the year to attract visitors to town centres and support the businesses therein.
For further information see Visit South Derbyshire
Business Support Programme
This programme offers training to businesses, including webinars, workshops and events. This programme is known as South Derbyshire Accelerator and is available until 31st March 2026 as part of a Derbyshire-wide scheme. Further information visit the D2N2 Growth Hub.
Skills Fund
In the second half of the year short training courses will be available to employees/residents of South Derbyshire. They will aim to address skills gaps in growing sectors of the local labour market. Further details to follow.
Employability Programme
Employability support is being provided to unemployed individuals to help them progress towards employment. The programme is known as Beyond Barriers South Derbyshire and is being delivered in partnership with Groundwork Five Counties. For further information visit Groundwork Beyond Barriers.
Supporting Aspirations
An initiative to engage young people making the transition from education to employment, working with secondary schools and colleges, contributing to the Gatsby Benchmarks for good careers guidance. It is being delivered in partnership with Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP). For further Information visit DEBP.
Visitor Economy
Investment in visitor attractions in South Derbyshire such as Rosliston Forestry Centre and also renewing paths and cycleways linking Swadlincote to the heart of the National Forest. For further information, Visit South Derbyshire.
UK Shared Prosperity Fund
The programmes outlined above are funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.