22.01.24

A total of 40 projects have been successful in their bids for funding through the Shared Prosperity Fund.

This follows an ‘open call' for grant funding that was published in the summer of 2023 when over 100 applications were received.

Out of the 40 successful bids, seven of these organisations received confirmation of their funding last month, with work underway with the other organisations, so that the grant agreements can be finalised and agreed early this year.

The seven organisations that have already received funding will deliver a variety of projects across Cardiff to support jobs growth and training, improve community safety, stimulate the circular economy, and enhance the creative offering in the city.

The organisations that have received funding in November 2023 are:

Action for Childrenwhich will deliver a Serious Organised Crime Early Intervention Service

Public Services Boardwhich will deliver a Community Plan for Ely and Caerau

The Prince's Trustwhich will provide self-employment support to young people who are economically inactive or not in the education system

Business in Focuswhich will deliver community-based engagement and business support for entrepreneurs

Cardiff Metropolitan Universitywhich will support businesses and third sector to reduce their carbon footprint, redesign their products and services to reuse, recycle and reduce waste

National TheatreWaleswhich will appoint three Cardiff-based staff to increase employment opportunities for freelancers and increase young people's access to training and development.

Wales Millennium Centrewhich will transform an under-used area in the WMC into a Creative and Social Hub aimed at communities and young people.

The Shared Prosperity Fund is funding from UK Government which was put in place in April 2022 as replacement funding to the European Structural and Investment Programme after the UK left the European Union.

The South East Wales region was then allocated funding in December 2022 and the necessary governance arrangements were established between the council's involved to run and administer the scheme.

Leader of Cardiff Council, Cllr Huw Thomas said: "It is good to see that this funding is now being delivered for these projects which will make a positive impact on Cardiff's local economy, provide training and support for young people,and improve community wellbeing in parts of the city.

"Each of the projects were able to bid for up to £250,000 of funding and all of the successful bids will support economic regeneration and community development in the city, which is the key principle for this funding."

A report outlining the successful bidders was presented to Cardiff Council's Cabinet at its meeting on 18 January 2024 when the recommendations to proceed with the funding was approved.