Sustainable Economy Fund
Sustainable Economy Fund 2026
The Sustainable Economy Fund provides grants of up to £5,000 for projects that deliver clear economic benefits within Stroud district. Projects may also deliver community and environmental benefits that contribute to a stronger and more sustainable local economy.
The fund is open to businesses, charities, community organisations, social enterprises, councils and education providers delivering projects within Stroud district.
We are particularly interested in projects that help create a greener economy, develop skills, support enterprise, strengthen local communities and improve opportunities for young people.
£100,000 Available
A total of £100,000 is available through two funding rounds. Grants are available to help organisations invest, grow and deliver positive economic, social and environmental impacts across the district.
Please note: We expect demand for the Sustainable Economy Fund to be high and funding is likely to be oversubscribed. Applications will be assessed competitively against the published criteria.
The Council currently intends to operate two funding rounds. However, if sufficient high-quality applications are received during Round 1, the Council reserves the right to award all available funding and cancel Round 2.
Grant Amounts
Two levels of grant are available:
- Tier 1: Up to £2,000
- Tier 2: £2,001 - £5,000
Match funding is welcomed but is not required.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are welcome from:
- Businesses and sole traders*
- Community Interest Companies (CICs)
- Charities and voluntary organisations
- Social enterprises and cooperatives
- Town and parish councils
- Schools, colleges, universities and training providers
- Partnerships led by an eligible organisation
* Sole traders and businesses trading for less than two years may apply for grants of up to £2,000 only.
Projects must be delivered within Stroud district and provide clear local economic benefits.
What Can Be Funded?
Projects should support at least one of the following themes:
- Green & Inclusive Economy
- People & Skills
- Investment & Enterprise
- Sustainable Tourism, Market Towns & Villages
- Rural Enterprise & Infrastructure
Looking for Inspiration?
The fund can support a wide range of projects. Ideas might include:
- Equipment, machinery or tools
- Skills, training or employability initiatives
- Community building or workspace improvements
- Tourism, cultural or visitor economy projects
- Digital innovation and technology adoption
- Accessibility improvements
- Environmental improvements and carbon reduction
- Rural enterprise and local food initiatives
Before You Apply
Please make sure:
- Your project will be delivered within Stroud district.
- Your project has not already started.
- Any necessary permissions or approvals are in place, including planning permission where required.
- You can complete the project by 31 October 2027.
- You have read the Guidance Notes before applying.
Successful applicants must have a UK business or organisational bank account in the name of the applicant organisation. Grant payments cannot be made to personal bank accounts.
If your project involves capital improvements to a building or land that you do not own, you will be asked to provide evidence of your lease or tenancy arrangements, together with written consent from the property owner or landlord, before funding can be awarded.
Important Dates
|
Round |
Applications Open |
Deadline |
|
Round 1 |
16 October 2026 |
22 November 2026 |
|
Round 2 |
2 April 2027 |
16 May 2027 |
All funded projects must be completed by 31 October 2027.
How to Apply
Applications should be made using the online or paper application form. Most online applications take around 20-30 minutes to complete, provided you have the necessary project information available. Please ensure you read the Guidance Notes and pdf application form to check what information is required.
We recommend gathering any supporting information before starting your application, as you may not be able to save your progress and return later. You can check the pdf of the application form below to see what is needed before you start your application.
Paper copies of the application form are available from:
- Ebley Mill Reception
- Stroud Growth Hub
If you require information in an alternative format or need support to complete an application, please contact the Economic Development Team.
Need Help With Your Business?
If you would like support preparing a business plan, free support is available from Stroud Growth Hub.
Stroud Growth Hub
01453 761184
stroud@thegrowthhub.biz
www.thegrowthhub.biz/stroud
Further Information
Before applying, please ensure you have read:
If you would like to discuss a project idea before applying, please contact the Economic Development team at economic.development@stroud.gov.uk
Common Questions
- My project isn't listed in the Example Projects document. Can I still apply?
Yes. The example projects are intended to provide inspiration and are not exhaustive. We welcome innovative projects that support the aims of the fund and deliver benefits within Stroud district.
- Do I need match funding?
No. Match funding is welcomed but is not required. However, contributions from your organisation or partners may strengthen your application.
- Can a sole trader or start-up apply?
Yes. Sole traders and businesses trading for less than two years should provide information about their business, customers and growth plans within the application form. We may request further information during the assessment process.
- Can tenants apply for funding?
Yes. Tenants may apply for funding for capital improvements to buildings or land. Applicants who do not own the property will be asked to provide evidence of their lease or tenancy arrangements and written consent from the property owner or landlord. Any required planning permission or other approvals must be in place before applying.
- Can I discuss my project before applying?
Yes. If you are unsure whether your project is eligible or would like to discuss an idea before applying, please contact the Economic Development Team.
- Can I apply for a project that has already started?
No. Grants cannot be awarded retrospectively and projects must not start before funding has been approved and any required grant agreement has been completed.
- Do I have to complete my project by a certain date?
Yes. All funded projects must be completed by 31 October 2027.
- What if I need help completing the application form?
The application form is available to complete online, with paper copies available from Ebley Mill Reception and the Stroud Growth Hub. If you require the form in an alternative format or need support to complete an application, please contact the Economic Development Team at economic.development@stroud.gov.uk