UK Shared Prosperity Fund
Following the announcement at the budget, we are pleased to share that the UK Shared Prosperity Fund has been renewed for an additional 1-year extension to the current Programme. This is obviously fantastic news for the ongoing development of community projects, support for local businesses and impactful skills and employment projects.
We are waiting for further guidance from National Government on what the next fund will look like, both in terms of policy and implementation. So please bear with us while the details around the new Programme become clearer. We will, subject to that guidance, likely need to produce a revised Investment Plan and revised local guidance, which will need formally adopting by the three constituent Councils.
You can read more here: https://www.boston.gov.uk/article/27623/A-one-year-extension-of-South-East-Lincolnshire-s-UK-Shared-Prosperity-programme-announced-by-central-Government
As part of the Levelling Up agenda, Government launched the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) to support local places across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Boston Borough, £2.62million of this new funding has been made available to invest and empower local communities to make a real difference, enable local decision making and better target the specific priorities of places.
Working within the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP), the local authority invited eligible organisations to submit expressions of interest for projects which will help to build pride in place, provide high quality skills training and increase life chances across the district.
Below shows a map of where each funded project is placed and gives a description of how this funding is making and impact:
Investment in local projects and programmes focuses around three key themes, with further priorities identified by the Council as part of the original application process:
- Communities and place: Supporting community groups and investment in community facilities; enhancing the cultural and heritage offer; widening the use of community buildings; initiatives to help support our town centres.
- Support local business: Helping local businesses invest for future growth; growing the food processing, horticulture and logistics sector; encouraging new businesses to establish; helping the local social and community enterprises to innovate and grow.
- People and skills: Developing skills and employment opportunities within the fresh food, food processing and logistics sectors; creating new training hubs; supporting local residents with skills and access to employment.
The RPF allocation is being invested into projects that support the two main Investment Priorities, or "Themes":
- Supporting new and existing rural businesses to develop - supporting the development of new products and facilities that will be of wider benefit to the local economy. This includes farm businesses looking to diversify income streams
- Supporting new and improved community infrastructure to benefit local businesses and residents - providing essential community services and assets for local people and businesses to benefit the local economy.
View SELCP UKSPF PROJECTS in a full screen map
Please note, as of 05/12/2023, we are now closed to Expressions of Interest. You may still be able to access UKSPF funding under the UKSPF-funded Lincolnshire Community Foundation GRASSroots Community Grants Programme, which provides grants to a maximum of £25,000 in support of parishes, village halls, community spaces and community projects.
If you are the owner of a Small & Medium Enterprise (SME) in search of funding, please visit Grants4Growth Home Page - Grants 4 Growth (sholland.gov.uk). The Grants4Growth programme has been funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with £1.85million which aims to boost employment opportunities and bring wider benefits across South & East Lincolnshire.
Alternatively, grants of up to £24,999 are available for parish and town projects through the Lincolnshire Community Foundation (LCF). the LCF was awarded nearly £1.3million for a new grants scheme which aims to help boost small community groups and projects. This could be through building pride in place by improving community facilities, creating opportunities to bring people together or creating social connections that will grow and thrive.
Projects are encouraged to make contact and find out more through the LCF's Grants Page at www.lincolnshirecf.co.uk, where the application form can be found. Alternatively, more information can be found by contacting helen@lincolnshirecf.co.uk or calling 01529 305825
People & Skills Prospectus (PDF, 4 MB)
SELCP UKSPF Outcomes (Word doc, 324 KB)
Under the People & Skills theme of UKSPF, projects which have been awarded grants are offering FREE training courses and skills training for the residents of Boston, East Lindsey and South Holland, as well as job interviews with local employers.
If you are interested in finding out more, take a look at the project details below:
Steadfast Training - Connect2Grow
A 13-week programme of employment support available to people who are aged over 16, living in South Holland or Boston Borough with the Right To Work in the UK. If you join the programme, you will have an action plan focused on securing employment and a professional qualification. Personalised support includes CVs, interview prep, job searching skills, motivational support and routes into Apprenticeships. Our aim is to place local people into local employment opportunities.
To apply for this support, please email your full name and contact number to: connect2grow@steadfasttraining.co.uk
South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership - S&ECLP Academy
Ever thought of working for your local council?
We want to encourage residents and school leavers in South & East Lincolnshire to pursue careers in the public sector (particularly those facing disadvantage or unemployment). This will include promoting work experience and expanding apprenticeship routes into key professions to develop our future talent pipeline.
Visit https://pspsl.ciphr-irecruit.com/applicants/vacancy for job opportunities - including apprenticeships.
PAB Languages - Global Entrepreneurs
Crafted by expert linguists and cultural professionals at PAB Training and Development for the people of South & East Lincolnshire. Courses include Cultural Awareness for International Trade, English for Business, Spanish for Tourism, and other languages like Arabic, Polish, French, and Japanese, are designed to help you navigate and thrive in a global environment.
Find out more by visiting www.pabmagnet.co.uk or by calling 01205 310 004.
CoGrammar - Software Engineering Skills Programme
Kickstart your tech career with the 100% Free CoGrammar Software Engineering Skills Programme, available across Boston, East Lindsey and South Holland. Enrol today and start your journey to becoming a qualified developer!
This programme offers flexible, in-demand tech training for everyone—regardless of current employment status or skill level, with a guaranteed interview at the end of the course. Perfect for those looking to upskill or switch to a tech career.
Apply today by visiting: https://skills.cogrammar.com/southholland
Lincs Digital
If you need help with online services, want to improve your digital skills or have questions about a phone, tablet or laptop, why not pop into our community hub digital drop-ins taking place across South & East Lincolnshire. No judgment, just face-to-face guidance and understanding from the friendly and knowledgeable Lincs Digital team.
To find out where sessions are near you can visit www.lincsdigital.org.uk/events or call 07833151469.
Boston College - Restart, Reskill, Upskill
Not in work and living in Boston, South Holland or East Lindsey? Boston College's Restart, Reskill, Upskill project can help. Access a wide range of free of charge in-person and distance learning courses and support - and get a guaranteed job interview too!
For more information email: UKSPF@boston.ac.uk
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