Forest Holidays has partnered with the Prince’s Countryside Fund to create the new Rural Start-Up Fund, with the aim of supporting new business ventures in rural areas of the UK. The scheme is intended to help entrepreneurs overcome the challenges associated with setting up and working in rural settings.

A total of £5,000 is available in 2020, to be awarded to one winning business or shared between a number of rural start-ups. In addition to financial support, winners will have the opportunity to receive mentoring support from a member of the Forest Holidays team for 12 months.

Entrepreneurs who are embarking on a new business venture in rural areas of the UK will be eligible to apply. Applicants must be able to demonstrate how their business will, in some manner, support rural communities, promote conservation of the countryside or support rural sustainability.

Bruce McKendrick, Chief Executive Officer of Forest Holidays, said:

"Inevitably, one of the biggest barriers to setting up a new business is the initial financial commitment and business support needed.

"Our new start-up grant programme aims to give entrepreneurs and start-up businesses the help required to overcome these initial challenges to grow their business locally."