Rural Business and Community Enterprise Fund

5. Evaluation

Applications will be assessed as received. We will first check them against the following criteria:

  • Completeness
  • The eligibility criteria as detailed in Section 3
  • Fit to the Rural Enterprise Fund priorities.

If your project does not satisfy the above points, it will not be funded.

Please note that planning permission can take some time to secure which may impact on the deliverability of your project. You are strongly advised to read the guidance on planning requirements from the Test Valley Borough Council website before application if your project includes building works Guidance | Test Valley Borough Council. No grant offer will be made until any necessary permissions or consents have been obtained – you must apply for any necessary consents independently from this grant application.

Projects that satisfy the above criteria will be considered by a minimum of two Council officers who will discuss:

  • Evidence of need – e.g. how do you know there is demand for any new facilities, or what problems will new equipment solve? What are the consequences of not doing the project?
  • Anticipated impact – e.g. new jobs, increased volunteer numbers, improved facilities, increased customer numbers, increased productivity, increased number of events, new technologies.
  • Sustainability – How will this project improve the long-term sustainability of your enterprise?
  • Value for money – The impacts forecast versus the costs of the project. Why does your project require public funding? Would the project unlock future investment?
  • Project plan – e.g. is the timeline realistic? What are the risks and how will you manage them?
  • Project leadership – e.g. is it clear who will manage the project, and how they will do this? If a complex project, do the team have sufficient experience?
  • Engagement with other rural partners – e.g. how will the project benefit others? This might be by providing work to local suppliers or contractors, or providing products and services that will benefit the local rural economy.
  • Contribution to net zero objectives – Have you considered and minimised the environmental footprint of your project? Will there be environmental costs or benefits of the project for your business or its customers?

When you complete your application form, you will have a greater chance of success if you have explained these things.

Any queries and concerns will be shared with you, and you will have the opportunity to provide answers. There is no guarantee of a grant, but if your application is refused, we will explain our reasons.