King's charity offering £5,000 support for rural start-ups

Businesses can now apply for £5,000 of financial support through the Royal Countryside Fund's rural start-up initiative.

The charity, founded by King Charles in 2010, is inviting small businesses across Britain's rural areas to apply for funding, which is now in its fourth year.

A total of £5,000 is on offer and will be awarded to one winning business, or shared between a number of rural start ups.

One of the biggest barriers to setting up a new rural-based business is the initial financial demand, coupled with the challenges of working remotely.

The Rural Countryside Fund says the fund is an opportunity for rural businesses to receive financial support as they embark on a new business venture.