Businesses in Machynlleth, Llanidloes and Rhayader are among 37 across Powys selected to receive grants from a £509,000 investment programme.

Powys County Council confirmed the funding on Tuesday, 20 October, following significant demand for its latest Business Growth Grant scheme.

More than 150 applications were received, with 37 businesses across 15 communities selected for support, subject to funding agreements being completed.

The successful locations include Machynlleth, Llanidloes and Rhayader, alongside Newtown, Welshpool, Montgomery and several other Powys communities. However, the council has not yet identified the individual businesses receiving grants or disclosed how much funding has been allocated to each town.

The funding is intended to help businesses invest in equipment, improve productivity, expand operations and support employment opportunities.

Manufacturing and engineering projects account for the largest allocation, receiving £179,000. A further £143,000 is earmarked for the foundational economy, which encompasses businesses providing essential everyday goods and services. Construction and retrofit projects will receive £67,000, followed by agriculture and rural resilience with £60,000, tourism, culture and events with £49,000, and energy projects with £11,000.

The grants, worth between £2,500 and £25,000, are financed through the UK Government's Local Growth Fund, managed in Wales by the Welsh Government.

Cllr Glyn Preston, Powys County Council's Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, welcomed the strong demand. He said the applications demonstrated the ambition and resilience of businesses across the county.

The council said applicants had been informed of decisions within a week of the scheme closing, allowing businesses to progress their investment plans.

The funding forms part of the authority's wider Grow in Powys Economic Strategy, aimed at strengthening the county's economy.

Further details of the successful businesses and their projects will be announced once funding agreements have been finalised.