The communities and place theme aims to strengthen social fabric and community connections through investment in local infrastructure and community-led projects, as well as building the foundations for localised economic development.

Community Infrastructure Grant and Cultural Grant

We invite applications for grants under our UK Shared Prosperity Fund. There are grants available for community infrastructure projects and for cultural projects in Bedford Borough.

Apply for the Community Infrastructure Grant

The Community Infrastructure Grant Fund is for capital investment only. There is a funding pot of £455,000 available for funding for new, or improvements to existing, community and neighbourhood infrastructure projects.

The minimum grant that can be applied for under this fund is £1,000 and the maximum is £20,000.  

• Community Infrastructure Grant application form (Word)
• Community Infrastructure Grant guidance and FAQs (PDF)

Apply for the Cultural Grant 

The Cultural Grant Fund is for revenue investment only. There is a funding pot of £110,000 available for grants for the support for local arts, cultural, heritage and creative activities. The minimum grant that can be applied for under this fund is £1,000 and the maximum is £20,000.

• Cultural Grant application form (Word)
• Cultural Grant guidance and FAQs (PDF)

Applications for both grants are now open and can be submitted at any point up until 10am on 2 August 2024 (or sooner if all funds have been allocated). All projects must be completed by 5 January 2025.

Please complete the appropriate application form and return it to BedfordUKSPF@bedford.gov.uk

Applications will be assessed against the set criteria, then funds allocated on a competitive basis, based on the quality and feasibility of the proposals, until the fund total is depleted. 

All applications will be considered however, the Council would like to support as many projects as possible with the funding available and it would, therefore, be favourable if co-funding has been obtained.

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from a range of local organisations, such as registered charities, voluntary, community groups, Parish Councils and not for profit organisations with a constitution.

We encourage collaboration and partnership among different stakeholders to maximise the impact and sustainability of the projects but do require a single partner to lead an application and hold the agreement.

This theme involves investment to support the development and growth of local businesses and stimulate innovation and collaboration between businesses and partners within and across sectors.

Deyton Bell

Bedford Borough Council is working in partnership with Deyton Bell to offer free business support to businesses and individuals in Bedford Borough. 

Bedford Borough Business Boost

The Bedford Borough Business Boost supports Bedford Borough based individuals who are looking to start a business or those already in business, providing the opportunity of free business support such as: 

• online and in person workshops
• 1-2-1 mentoring
• free helpline
• resources
• peer support and more

The Bedford Borough Business Boost tailors the free support to your business needs, helping with various challenges businesses are facing, by helping develop skills and knowledge, including:

• getting a new business idea started
• enhancing online presence
• AI for business
• growing your business
• working from home and much more

All for free! 

There is a dedicated website where you can find more information, and the application process is very simple.

SEMLEP - Step into Net Zero, Bedford Borough

The Growth Hub invites you to take part in their new programme, Step into Net Zero, designed exclusively for businesses across Bedford Borough.

Every business contributes to the release of carbon emissions into the earth's atmosphere, whether you realise it or not. With the net zero deadline of 2050 fast approaching, it’s time to act! 

Reducing these emissions not only supports our planet, but can have multiple benefits to your business too.

By taking part in Step into Net Zero, you’ll learn how to assess your current carbon footprint, identify the changes you can make to reduce the emissions your business produces, and develop a business plan to hit net zero. The Growth Hub’s team of business advisers will be alongside you every step of the way. Learn more about Step into Net Zero. 

Wenta

In September 2023, Wenta successfully secured UK Shared Prosperity funding to deliver tailored start up business support to local Bedford Borough residents to help them start a business that can survive and grow.

Based at the Jobs Hub on Wednesdays and at Bedford Job Centre on Fridays, a dedicated Business Advisor is now available to provide advice and support to develop entrepreneurial skills and attitudes with a focus on increasing the number of business start-ups in Bedford Borough. 

Wenta is also supporting small, existing businesses who are looking to survive and grow through targeted engagement, outreach and mentoring to strengthen an entrepreneurial and enterprise culture.

If you are interested in starting up a new business or growing your existing business, then get in touch for a free session with Wenta. 

Email: Info@wenta.co.uk or call 01438 310020 to book an appointment.

Community Catalysts

Social enterprise 'Community Catalysts' are delivering an innovative project across Bedford Borough to support people to work for themselves, by offering great care and support for older and disabled people living locally. This will help to increase the choice for people needing care or support, increase options for people working in the care sector to work for themselves earning a good living, and to keep money local

The project provides free support and advice to caring people to set up as self-employed or to run a small business offering help at home or support in the community.  You don’t need any care or business experience to get involved, just know what good care looks like. You may offer help to people at home with washing and dressing, cleaning, cooking, sitting and chatting, DIY, gardening or an activity out and about. The project also supports people already working for themselves who may want to connect with others. The advice centres very much on the aspects of running a small business in the care arena; Elaine is working in partnership with other local business advisors

Community Catalysts, who run the project, are a UK-wide social enterprise specialising in helping local people to help others. Elaine Davin-Jones is working in Bedford Borough and can provide 1-1 support and answer any questions.

This project has been commissioned by Bedford Borough Council, so Elaine’s help and support is free to local people. 

If you want to take advantage of the support currently available, contact Elaine to find out more:

Email: BedfordMicros@communitycatalysts.co.uk Telephone: 07503 800094

Cranfield School of Management

Are you a small to medium business owner interested in business growth or decarbonisation? If so, you could apply for a fully funded scholarship place with Cranfield School of Management, as part of the Bedford Borough Scholarship Programme.

Ready for Scale

Are you looking to grow your business? The Ready for Scale programme will enable you to critically analyse your business and its current market position and design a Growth Plan to take you to where you want to be. At the end of the programme, you’ll have the opportunity to present your Growth Plan to a panel of experts and receive personalised feedback.

Ready for Net Zero Growth

Are you concerned about your carbon footprint, and looking to reduce your carbon emissions? The Ready for Net Zero Growth programme will help you to create a growth plan for your business, whilst embed your business’s net zero goals too, giving you a greater edge in this economic climate.

See Bedford Borough Council Scholarship Programme to find out more.  

This theme involves investing in the core skills provision to meet local needs, and supporting people to progress into work, including those who are disadvantaged or furthest from the labour market.

Information on UKSPF projects will be shared as they are developed and delivered across the Borough.

Bedford Borough Greens Skills Development Programme

The Bedford Borough Greens Skills Development Programme is a free business support resource for Bedford Borough based businesses and people looking for a career involving green skills. It has been created for:

• Businesses with a need to enhance internal capacity for sustainability and green skills
• Individuals with a desire to enhance their knowledge
• Individuals with a desire to shift career into the green economy

The free online workshops cover Carbon footprint management, Resources efficiency strategies, Strategic green planning & effective communications, Sustainability and environmental action plans and Greening your supply chain. 

Find out more about the Green Skills Development Programme and register your business.