Derbyshire companies invited to bid for funding to boost the local economy
Organisations in Derbyshire are being invited to bid for funding to deliver projects that will get people back into work and boost the local economy.
Derbyshire County Council has been identified by government as the lead authority in the county to deliver the new national Community Renewal Fund which has been set up to support people and communities most in need, tackle disadvantage and break down the barriers to employment and better skills.
Derbyshire Dales and High Peak have been identified by government as 2 of the 100 areas prioritised for access to the fund, based on an index of economic measures around productivity, household income, unemployment, skills and population density – although other places can apply. Applications from other areas that demonstrate a good fit with the grant criteria and links to the priority areas may also receive funding.
From April 2021 to March 2022, up to £3 million has been targeted by government for projects in each of Derbyshire’s priority areas with bids being welcomed from a range of organisations including local authorities, public sector organisations, higher and further education institutions, private sector organisations and registered charities.
Piloting new approaches and innovative ideas at a local level will be a key part of the projects to be funded.
The bidding process is now open and the authority is inviting applications for funding for projects that will secure:
- Investment in skills – work-based training; retraining, upskilling/reskilling; and promoting digital skills and inclusion
- Investment for local business – supporting entrepreneurs to create more job opportunities; encouraging businesses to develop their innovation potential; and supporting decarbonisation measures
- Investment in communities and place – feasibility studies for delivering net-zero/local energy projects; promoting culture-led regeneration and community development; improving green spaces and preserving important local assets; and promoting rural connectivity.
- Support people into employment – supporting people on their journey towards employment; identifying/addressing barriers to employment/moving closer to the labour market; raising aspirations / supporting individual to access employment support; supporting people to develop basic skills for sustainable work; testing what works in helping people move towards work.
Tim Gregory, Director of Economy, Transport and Environment for Derbyshire County Council, said:
“We welcome this opportunity to bring more government funding into Derbyshire to boost skills and employment, improve quality of life, aid regeneration and support our ambition to cut emissions from the Derbyshire economy to net zero by 2050.”
The closing date for sending applications is midnight on 10 May 2021. All applications will be assessed and a proposed list of projects submitted to government by 18 June 2021.
Government will announce which projects have been successful in late July. All projects must be delivered and complete by 31 March 2022.
Find out more information about the Community Renewal Fund here
