The government’s Hospitality Grant Scheme is now open to Surrey businesses and organisations. Apply now for a share of £10 million to boost your village pub, family-run restaurant and neighbourhood cafes.
The three year scheme aims to back entrepreneurs starting new businesses, support training schemes giving young people their first jobs, and help trusted community venues to adapt and grow.
£3 million of the grant funding has been specifically earmarked to support Pub is The Hub. This is an independent non-profit organisation helping pubs in rural and deprived areas to diversify their services and activities.
Projects include adding village stores, community cafes, play areas and arts and crafts activities, enabling pubs to expand their role as vital local hubs.
Guidance is now available on the gov.uk Hospitality Grant Scheme page. Applications will be welcomed from the end of September.
Visit the gov.uk Hospitality Grant Scheme page for full details.
What is the Hospitality Grant Scheme?
The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade is running the Hospitality Grant Scheme after a successful pilot.
It provides investment for organisations to develop projects that help get new hospitality ventures off the ground.
This includes bringing vacant premises back into use and supporting training programmes that help people develop the skills, confidence and work ethic to open doors to future careers.
Previous projects include non-profit The Right Course using funding to transform two prison staff restaurants and kitchens into a hospitality training facility. This provides inmates with valuable experience in a realistic, high-street-style working environment.
The Hospitality Sector Council and innovation lab specialist L Marks brought together hospitality businesses and leading tech companies to find new ways to boost productivity in the industry, leading to hours of work being saved and reduced costs.
Jane O’Riordan, Co-Chair of the Hospitality Sector Council, said:
“We welcome the launch of this grant scheme, which builds on a successful pilot and demonstrates what can be achieved when government and industry work together.
“The flexible funding will help support innovative projects that boost productivity and sustainability, create opportunities for young people and those furthest from the labour market, and deliver the shared priorities of the Hospitality Sector Council and the wider sector.”
Support for Surrey hospitality businesses
Business Surrey providers free and accessible support to all organisations in Surrey looking to grow. This includes pubs and community centres.
Get in touch with our experts via our Business Support Form for advice and support.
You can also download a series of toolkits via our resources page. This includes dedicated materials for organisations in town and village high streets.
