Six sensational schemes will help businesses blossom and reconnect residents to the countryside
Communities, businesses and people will have the chance to grow and prosper thanks to six exciting new schemes launched as part of our Grow Up! programme.
There’s lots of things for you to get involved with– classes, courses, traditional skills, job opportunities, volunteering and social events.
Our ambitious Grow Up! programme will invigorate the rural economy and provide education and opportunities to our residents.
Backed by £1.5 million of Government money the programme will deliver business events, community projects and grants.
This year Grow Up! will run six new projects supporting a cross-section of the rural community, from businesses to community groups and from job-seekers to volunteers.
Cllr Richard Millard, EHDC Leader, said: “Grow Up! is an ambitious and far-reaching programme that will help so many people in so many ways.
“It will support mental health and education, forge strong communities and promote environmental sustainability. It will reconnect people with the countryside, revive rural skills and foster an understanding of farming, food and the natural world.
“We have the chance to create something that will leave a lasting legacy on the lives of our residents and businesses.”
In total £1.5 million has been allocated to Grow Up! schemes across three years. We are now entering our third year with around £1.1 million to allocate to six new schemes.
Our Grow Up! projects
Rural Grow Up! Hubs
Butser Ancient Farm - Working with Butser Ancient Farm we will help fund a new building on site that will allow for more volunteering opportunities, workshops and classes. Rural skills and traditional crafts will be taught to visitors, free open days will allow more local residents to take part and courses will be shared with the community to inspire them about our local heritage and the natural environment of the South Downs.
Miniland Farm - Working with Miniland Farm, in Liphook, we will fund new infrastructure to make the site more accessible, renovate buildings and offer therapeutic activities and community events. The farm offers support for young people with complex educational and mental health needs and is aiming to broaden horizons to all age groups.
The Rural New Directions Outreach
The Rural New Directions Outreach will help people currently out of work back into economic activity. Open to all age groups, it will be aimed primarily at over 45-year-olds, to help develop skills and opportunities to work or volunteer.
Rural Business Network
The Rural Business Network helps the council to promote advice, opportunities, projects and funding to the local business community. The network also enables businesses and community groups to meet, connect and foster relationships that will strengthen the local economy and benefit the community.
The Grow Up! Community Fund
An £80,000 fund for community groups and local councils to fund community-led initiatives that are sustainable, based on rural skills and support the community. It will focus on reconnecting residents with our district’s rich rural heritage, providing volunteer opportunities and strengthening community cohesion.
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme will match businesses with potential employees and part-fund six months’ salary up to the value of minimum wage. More information at: Link to webpage
Rural Grant (Rural England Prosperity Fund)
The Rural England Prosperity Fund supports projects that improve local tourism and community cohesion in rural East Hampshire. This year the fund will allocate grants of over £300,000 to projects that not only deliver an improved offer for visitors and tourists but also a tangible benefit to existing residents.
This project is funded by the UK Government through the UKSPF
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The 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.