Grant funding available for the BCP Visitor Economy

Are you a business in the visitor economy located in Bournemouth, Christchurch, or Poole? Are you looking to improve your business to attract more visitors year-round or make it easier for people with accessibility needs?

Matched-funding grants are now available for small projects that develop new or improved products to attract visitors from our target markets: "Nature and Culture," "Active and Mindful," or to improve accessibility.

You can apply for small grants up to £1,250, but you must match this amount with your own funds.

Eligibility

To apply for this grant, your business must meet these criteria:

- Be a visitor economy business, such as accommodation, attractions, hospitality, culture, or activity providers. Priority is given to those who have attended a workshop or webinar on the growth markets "Nature and Culture" and "Active and Mindful."

- Be a trading business (not in administration, insolvent, or facing a striking-off notice).

- Ensure your total public subsidies don't exceed £315,000 over this and the past two financial years.

- Complete your project by 31 December 2024. If part of a larger project, the funded part must be finished by this date with its own results.

Examples of Fundable Projects

- Adding secure bike racks or sheds

- Buying equipment like bikes for hire, watersports gear, or binoculars for bird-watching

- Purchasing accessibility equipment like lifts, grab rails, or hearing loop systems

If you meet these criteria and have a project in mind, apply for the grant to help improve your business and attract more visitors.

Useful links:

Support scheme document

Grant assessment scoring matrix

More examples of projects considered for funding

For queries please contact ukspf@bcpcouncil.gov.uk