Rural England Prosperity Fund - opportunities in the East
A guest blog from CLA member and Chair of Anglia Rural Consultants, Emma Powlett
REPF 2025–26 Funding Now Open in the East of England
Great news for rural communities and businesses across the East of England—the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) is back for another round in 2025–26, bringing with it fresh opportunities, revitalised priorities, and £33 million of capital funding across England. It aims to help to improve productivity and strengthen the rural economy and rural communities.
For our patch in the East, that means a healthy £6.9 million to support small businesses and strengthen community infrastructure.
Running from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026, the REPF is part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is specifically designed to help rural areas flourish. Whether it’s diversifying farm businesses, kickstarting local enterprise, restoring a community space, or investing in visitor and cultural projects, this fund continues to play a key role in levelling up rural life.
So, what’s new this year?
The 2025–26 round sees REPF continuing its mission to:
- Kickstart economic growth
- Break down barriers to opportunity
- And, in line with broader government goals, support thriving, resilient places.
The fund supports capital projects—so think bricks-and-mortar, kit, and tangible assets. Whether you're a small rural enterprise looking to diversify (but not for core agricultural improvements but for beyond-the-farmgate opportunities), or a village group after green space improvements, REPF could be the catalyst to bring your project to life.
What's being funded?
REPF is split into two big themes:
- Supporting Local Business
This includes small-scale investment in micro and small enterprises including farming, encouraging diversification, innovation, and supporting rural entrepreneurs to scale up or develop their businesses.
2. Communities and Place. This covers two sub-themes:
- Thriving Places: like investing in the visitor economy, heritage projects, and creative sector initiatives.
- Healthy, Safe, and Inclusive Communities: think volunteering hubs, digital facilities, circular economy projects, walking and cycling links, and enhancing rural green spaces.
In our region...
From Breckland to Braintree, Fenland to Maldon, each eligible rural local authority has been allocated a slice of the REPF pie. Allocations range from around £120,000 to over £440,000 depending on need, and each council will run its own grant programme. That means application windows and criteria will vary, so make sure to check in with your local authority sooner rather than later.
Top Tips:
- Get project-ready now—align with REPF themes
- Speak to your local council to understand timelines
- Think capital—not running costs
- Stay focused on local impact and long-term value
This is a brilliant opportunity for rural businesses and communities to deliver meaningful change, boost local pride, and invest in a more connected, creative countryside. Let’s make 2025–26 a year of bold ideas!
More info and prospectus: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rural-england-prosperity-fund-prospectus