Epping Forest District Council has used funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) to deliver various community and business initiatives.
The UKSPF and REPF were launched in 2022 as part of the government’s Levelling Up agenda, aiming to uplift communities, particularly in deprived and rural areas.
They focus on local businesses and skill development.
Among the key initiatives is the Empowering Epping Forest Female Entrepreneurs programme.
This scheme provides support to women with early-stage business ideas.
It offers practical guidance and tailored assistance to help them develop viable enterprises.
The initiative provides a 9-month support programme, combining workshops, mentoring, and peer learning.
So far, 94 local residents have been supported.
Another initiative is the digital inclusion programme, delivered in partnership with Voluntary Action Epping Forest.
This aims to reduce digital exclusion by helping residents build confidence and competence in using technology and the internet, providing access to mobile data and wi-fi, and offering essential devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
The programme has engaged 764 residents in digital skills development, and 92 devices have been refurbished and donated to support access to digital services.
The UKSPF has also funded the regeneration and creation of five playgrounds in the district.
These are located in Ninefields, Waltham Abbey, Limes Farm, Chigwell, Newmans Lane, Loughton, Bumbles Green, Nazeing, and Abridge.
Councillor Holly Whitbread, who is responsible for finance and economic development, said: “The aim of this fund, and the projects we have chosen, is to encourage pride in our communities and increase life chances by making visible and tangible improvements.
“Key learnings from the first round of projects showed a need to build better relationships with business and business groups, particularly rural businesses and the rural economy.
“It also highlighted the need to build a better understanding of skills and training requirements across the district, all of which we have tried to address in this new round of projects.”
A further £327,164 has been secured for 2025-26 to continue these initiatives and develop new ones.
