Show Me The Money! Grants & Funding - Practical Tips & Support

Revised: September 2024

Hello wonderful people,

Another bumper crop of Free Money grants and programmes, as we gear up for the last quarter of the year. How quickly is 2024 going!

Arguably the largest social economy event in the W Midlands. Social Economy Drive in November of which I can proudly say I have  some involvement. A week-long series of events, capped-off with an Awards evening, designed to celebrate, promote and connect organisations on a mission to address social, moral and environmental issues. Thank you WMCA for funding this great event, the initiative for Social Enterprise (iSE) and some great Cluster partners for the delivery.

Birmingham Tech Week in October, the largest UK regional tech with over 7500 people attending.

Skipping the intern in the spotlight this month as hibretOne has been migrating our platform (thank you Doveway) and bug-fixing (thank you Yuxin/Yueqi/Niraj). Frustrating as we’re so close to closed-user testing. Good news is the developers have done a successful technology demo of our Business Problem Triage app. You type in your problem & business stage, you get a list of evidence-led pivots of solutions to avoid that failure. Another tool to improve your chances of business success. At some point I’ll be asking for 20-30 willing volunteers to give us feedback.

Can I share a ‘Together-Powerful’ story with you, on How Innovate UK messed with the Wrong Women! Innovate UK said they were going to support 50 women with grant funding, then decided they would only support 25. At least one of the grants which was rejected scored over 90%. Shoutout to Emma Jarvis, Tara Attfield-Tomes, Debbie Wosskow, Zandra Moore, The Lifted Project and Becky Lodge, who said ‘We aint having this nonsense!’ They started a mini-movement which got IUK to do what they said they were going to do & fund the other 25. Love it! Well done IUK for listening and acting.

Finally, if you’ve recommended someone to this newsletter & they’re not receiving it, nudge them to check their junk folder, it may have snuck in there.

Stay amazing, stay courageous

Drew

Drew Currie

Founder, hibretOne CIC

Top Tips for New Subscribers:

●       If a grant or programme is not in your region, google search the keywords within the grant, as the programme may be running in your area, under a different name.

●       Speed read till you find something of interest. Some of the grants have a short window for applications.

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LATEST:

Social Economy Drive

Social Economy Drive is a week-long series of events designed to celebrate, promote and connect those organisations that exist to improve disadvantaged communities, support disadvantaged people and address social or environmental issues.

Social Economy Organisations include Social Enterprise, Co-operatives, Community owned businesses, Private Sector Organisations with a Social Mission, Charity trading arms and more.

If you’re a social enterprise and you want to host an event, or your organisations wants to do more in the social economy, there are many opportunities to get involved, or even to sponsor some of the events.

When: 18th – 22nd November 2024

Where: In-Person & Online

https://socialeconomydrive.com/

Social Economy Awards 2024

Part of the Social Economy Drive. If you know someone or an organisation doing great things for the social economy, you can nominate here. Awards will be dished out at arguably the largest social economy event ever in the W Midlands. Hoe to see many of you there as I will be going.

https://socialeconomydrive.com/awards/

Tech Nation Upscale

High-impact, three month programme catering to ambitious founders and their leadership teams at a critical juncture in the startup lifecycle, with a strong emphasis on preparing for a Series B investment in today’s challenging fundraising environment.

Programme consists of expert-led workshops, peer-to-peer support, and access to a vast network of successful entrepreneurs and industry leaders. By leveraging these resources, Upscale ensures a comprehensive support system for rapid expansion and sustainable growth. Alumni’s who have attended this programme include Monzo & SeedLegals

Deadline: 9th September 2024

https://technation.io/programmes/upscale/

Innovate UK messed with the Wrong Women!

Innovate UK said they were going to support 50 women in business, then decided they would only support 25! Women-led businesses are consistently underfunded, despite the fact that they are addressing some of the most pressing challenges in society.

IUK received 1,452 submitted applications for the competition and 1,271 were at the right standard to be assessed. With only 50 being funded, less than 4% of IUK respondents being successful, women you will need to continue to primarily look in the mirror for your empowerment.

https://businesscloud.co.uk/news/the-full-story-of-how-innovate-uk-messed-with-the-wrong-women/

Click Start London

Young people to learn business and tech skills. A fully funded, 4-week in-person digital skills programme, based in London, delivered by Be the Business and the University of East London in partnership with the Institute of Coding (IoC), funded by Nominet.

Cost: Free

https://bethebusiness.com/programmes/click-start-london

Fundraising Accelerator

Founders Collective funded by delivered at Legacy Centre of Excellence West Midlands Combined Authority and Business Growth West Midlands enrollment for the Fundraising Accelerator. Founders Collective is a 5 week fundraising accelerator for local businesses. Places are limited!

Eligibility:

-Must be a business based in Birmingham, Solihull or Black Country

-Must have a business plan (no matter how basic) for a viable business product or service.

-Actively seeking to raise investment 6-18 months.

-For commercial, community and non-profit businesses.

Where: Legacy Centre of Excellence, Birmingham

When: 10-12am for 5 weeks from the 19th September 2024

Deadline: September 9th.

https://lnkd.in/ePe4mcMe

Free Trees for Schools & Community Groups (UK)

Hundreds of thousands of trees are being given away to help the UK reach its 2050 carbon net-zero target. Schools, nurseries, colleges, universities, outdoor learning centres, and other groups such as resident associations, sports clubs, parish councils, scouts and guides from across the UK are among the organisations eligible to apply for up to 420 saplings to improve their local environment. Tree packs include hedging, copse, wild harvest, year-round colour, working wood, wild wood, wildlife, and urban trees.

Deadline: January 2025 or sooner depending on stock availability.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/schools-and-communities/

NHS Innovation Accelerator (NIA) 2025

To get a head start on the application process, I recommend gathering the necessary information in advance. Great connections to get your product or service into the NHS.

https://nhsaccelerator.com/apply/apply-nia-2025-intake/

Creative Enterprise Female Founders Conference

Sponsored by British Business Bank, a one-day premier event designed for ambitious female entrepreneurs in the screen-based industries. This conference addresses the unique challenges faced by women in business.

When: 12 September 2024

Where: Toynbee Hall, London

https://creativeenterprise.wearecreative.uk/female-founders-conference

Interns based in Ghana

I haven’t tried this organisation before, but I know someone who has (thank you Christina @Melanin Travel Magic). If you do try them, please let me know how you got on.

https://www.siscodegh.com/hire-for-impact

Funding To Travel for Events

Innovate UK is offering travel support for companies to attend consortia-building events in Europe

https://iuk.ktn-uk.org/news/travel-support-now-available/

Food Poverty Projects Grants

The Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust has re-opened for applications. The focus of this funding round will be on Food Poverty. Organisations eligible to apply are registered charities with an operating income/expenditure of at least £1 million. The level of funding available to support food poverty projects will be up to £5,000. Please note that there are no exceptions to the income and expenditure criteria. The Trust will prioritise applications that enable resilience and independence, particularly food education and cooking skills

Deadline: 30th September 2024

https://austin-hope-pilkington.org.uk/

Funding to Support Disabled & Disadvantaged Children

Grants of up to £5,000 are available to registered charities to fund equipment and services to support disabled and disadvantaged children under 13 across the UK. The Toy Trust fund helps disadvantaged children and their families to alleviate suffering; support children through awful experiences; encourage achievement through adversity; purchase vital equipment; provide care; bolster existing initiatives; initiate brand new projects; and satisfy basic needs. Groups that have carried out some form of effective fundraising by themselves are particularly encouraged to apply. Deadline: Mid-November 2024

https://www.toytrust.co.uk/apply/

Dormant Assets Scheme expansion: Investment assets and client money

Amended rules and guidance to enable dormant investment assets and client money to be available to the Dormant Assets Scheme (DAS).

Millions in dormant funds have been unlocked for charities and social enterprises, as new rules set out today facilitate the expansion of the Dormant Assets Scheme. This second phase of the expansion will bring dormant investment assets and client money in scope.

Led by industry and backed by government, the Dormant Asset scheme aims to reunite people with their financial assets. Where that is not possible, this money supports UK growth through good causes such as getting young people into work or offering affordable credit to families.

Since 2011, the UK Dormant Assets Scheme has unlocked more than £745m for social and environment initiatives, from over £1.35 billion in dormant bank and building society accounts. The expansion of the scheme is estimated to potentially unlock a further £880m.

https://www.fca.org.uk/about

September Social Economy FORUM

Fantastic social enterprise events organised by BSSEC CIC. This month’s topic is Financial Planning and your Social Business.

When: 18th September 2024, 11am to 12.30pm

2.30pm plus networking

Where: Provision House, High Street, Dudley

Cost: Free

https://bssec.org.uk/

Birmingham Tech Week 2024

21st – 25th October 2024

Where: In-Person & Online

https://birminghamtechweek.com/

Innovate UK Smart grants

UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £25 million for game-changing and commercially viable research and development innovations that can significantly impact the UK economy

Deadline: 23 October 2024

https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/smart-grants-jul-2024/

Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund

Get Young People Into Aviation Funding. £750,000 pot is available to support not-for-profit schemes that provide an entry point for young people from underprivileged backgrounds or under-represented groups into the aviation/aerospace industry. There is no set minimum or maximum amount. Projects can last between 3 and 12 months or they can be one-off.

Eligibility:

Need to meet all three objectives:

●       Inspire the next generation of aviation professionals, championing the opportunities available in the sector.

●       Reach individuals who would not otherwise be aware of opportunities available within the aviation sector. Applicants are encouraged to consider how their project might benefit under-represented groups (ie, women and girls, people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, lower socio-economic backgrounds).

●       Have a broad impact by reaching and engaging multiple people.

Applications will be accepted from registered charities and not-for-profit registered companies with a UK bank account and a constitution/governing document.

Deadline: 27 September 2024.

https://stem.caa.co.uk/reach-for-the-sky-challenge-fund/

FounderVine Amplify Venture Programme

Business Workshop Series, part of the This series offers two comprehensive workshop series, each comprising five dynamic sessions tailored to address the critical needs of high-growth businesses.

The first Business Workshop Series open for applications will be on Finance Readiness for Investment.

Deadline: 02 October 2024

https://www.foundervine.com/

Paul Hamlyn Ideas and Pioneers Fund

Fund offers training, networking and grants of up to £20,000 to individuals, groups and small organisations who want to explore a new idea for social change and is aimed at people aged 18-30.

Deadline: 16 September 2024

https://www.phf.org.uk/funding/ideas-and-pioneers

Investment schemes to run until 2035

The European Commission has approved the UK Government's extension of the Enterprise Investment Scheme and the Venture Capital Trust scheme. The schemes, which were due to end in 2025, will now run until 2035. The approval was required as part of the Brexit withdrawal agreement.

https://ukbaa.org.uk/blog/2024/08/23/eis-seis-schemes-to-continue-until-2035/

Local authorities using reserves to fill funding gaps

A survey of the mid-tier group of English local authorities, which includes Southampton, Hull, Sunderland and Norwich, found that many were close to running out of funds. Of the 24 local authorities surveyed, 60% said they were using financial reserves to fill funding gaps.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/article/2024/sep/04/councils-england-draining-reserves-stay-afloat-bankrupt-cities

Glass bottle levy to be introduced

The beer and pub sector has warned the Government that a new packaging levy on glass beer bottles could lead to increased costs being passed on to customers. From 2025, the levy will add between 3p and 7p on a 330ml bottle of beer and 9p on a 500ml bottle.

https://beerandpub.com/news/beer-and-pub-leaders-warn-new-fees-will-punish-customers

Wray Forward Pitch Night

Six visionary founders will present their innovative businesses, hoping to secure funding that will support their ground-breaking ventures. Prizes of upto £3000.

When: 19 September 2024

Where: Campari, Great Portland St, London

https://www.foundervine.com/

Scaleup Summit (part of Birmingham Tech Week)

Focus on delivering WMCA-funded investment readiness support to businesses across the West Midlands and other industry leaders as we explore the pathways to scaling success.

Sponsored by BGF, West Midlands Combined Authority, University of Warwick, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. Part of Birmingham Tech Week

Where: BCU STEAMhouse, Birmingham

When: 24th October 2024

Cost: Free

www.birminghamtechweek.com

Edgar E Lawley Foundation

The scheme is intended to support small charities that engage in community projects and run projects for the benefit of disadvantaged groups. In particular, the Foundation would like to fund projects relating to medicine, elderly persons, and to educational purposes with reference to the arts, commerce and industry.

Approx £200,000 is normally available per annum. Grants tend to be awarded in the region of £2000.

In particular, the programme wishes to support these initiatives:

●       Hospices.

●       Children and Young People.

●       Elderly.

●       Community.

●       Disabled.

●       Medical, Research and other Miscellaneous Projects.

Deadline: 31 October 2024

https://edgarelawleyfoundation.org.uk/grant-application-form/

BSSEC Standing Together

Bringing together a network of organisations consisting of stakeholders, influencers and supporters who are passionate and committed to growing the West Midlands SOCIAL economy | 

Save the date: 14th November 2024

Where: BIRMINGHAM

https://bssec.org.uk/

Small firms struggling to access public contracts

The SME Procurement Tracker has revealed that public sector contracts are still out of reach for many smaller businesses. Overall, just 20% of direct procurement spend from the wider public sector went to small and medium-sized businesses in 2023.

https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/news/2024/08/government-contracts-still-out-of-reach-for-many-smes/

SME exports continuing to fall

Small and medium-sized businesses are now more likely to report lower export sales compared with before the pandemic and Brexit. According to research from the British Chambers of Commerce, more than half (52%) of smaller exporters saw no change in overseas sales in Q2 2024, while 21% reported a decrease.

https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/news/2024/08/bleak-trade-picture-for-most-sme-exporters/

Funding to support start-ups in Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced a new fund to help more young people start their own business. The Entrepreneurial Education Pathways Fund provides public and private sector organisations with grants of up to £250,000 to deliver innovative projects that encourage under-18s to become business owners.

Deadline: 09 September 2024.

https://www.gov.scot/news/supporting-future-entrepreneurs/

Small businesses lack cash reserves

More than 110,000 smaller businesses are at risk of bankruptcy due to having no cash reserves, according to research from Dojo. Overall, 2% of smaller businesses have no reserves, while 28% of micro businesses have less than four months' cash.

https://www.tlpaccountants.co.uk/news/business-news/archive/article/2024/August/more-than-110000-small-firms-at-risk-of-bankruptcy

GBCC Black Business Collective – Elevate Your Entrepreneurial Journey

Join the GBCC Black Business Collective for an exclusive opportunity to elevate your entrepreneurial journey. Taking place during Black History Month, this event is designed for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners looking to unlock the full potential of their businesses. Through a hands-on workshop, you'll gain practical insights into creating and implementing a scalable business model using cutting-edge systems thinking.

Dive deep into the "Imagine Triple Task" framework and master the Business Model Canvas approach to craft a target operating model tailored to your business. Whether you're looking to refine your strategy or scale up, this event will equip you with the tools and knowledge to take your business to new heights.

Workshop led by Alex Cole, Chair of the GBCC Black Business Collective (a fantastic and clever guy). The GBCC Black Business Collective is a subscriber network offering Black business owners and professionals a platform to meet, learn, keep connected and find opportunities.

Where: Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, Birmingham

When:

Cost: Free

https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/event-calendar/elevate-your-entrepreneurial-journey.html

Jerwood Foundation

Established in 1991 to support visual and performing arts and education in the UK. Grants of up to £180,000 have been awarded, although most grants range between £1,000 and £25,000.

Deadline: 4^th October 2024

https://jerwood.org/funding/

Clarion Futures Foundation

The Group comprises Clarion Housing, a social landlord and the country’s largest housing association and Latimer by Clarion Housing Group which delivers homes for private sale. It operates as a social business that invests all its profits into helping support our residents and communities.

Clarion Futures has announced that it will ‘be investing £150 million over the next 10 years to deliver one of the biggest social investment programmes in the country, helping to create more opportunities for people living in the [Group’s] homes and communities’.

Grants from £1000 to £5000.

Funding for projects and activities that focus on:

●       Supporting Clarion residents to discover the full scope of how the internet can assist them in their everyday lives, and provide them with the skills and confidence to do so.

●       Supporting residents to access the digital resources that meet their individual needs and circumstances.

●       Building digital skills and confidence for all.

●       Encouraging residents to use the internet with confidence so they are safe and avoid risky and/or illegal behaviour.

Deadline: 02 October 2024

https://www.myclarionhousing.com/my-community/community-life/community-and-digital-grants

Brunel Innovation Voucher Scheme

Brunel University London is offering vouchers to support collaborative projects aimed at developing new products, processes, or services that foster innovation and growth within organisations.

Vouchers between £1,000 and £5,000, which cover specific academic project costs at the university. Participating organisations are required to contribute an equivalent value, either in cash or in kind, such as staff time, materials, or equipment.

Eligibility:

SMEs, social enterprises, and third sector organisations based in the UK, offering them an opportunity to collaborate with academic experts to drive innovation within their operations.

Applications are open on a rolling basis.

https://www.brunel.ac.uk/business/Help-for-SMEs/Innovation-Voucher-Scheme

Veolia Environmental Trust

Funding projects that:

●       Protect and enhance biodiversity and natural habitats.

●       Inspire the creation of a sustainable carbon-neutral space.

●       Promote community action and well-being.

●       Are inclusive and accessible to everyone and anyone to use.

These grants are available:

●       Community Grants between £10,000 and £75,000 for capital improvement/construction projects at a single site, such as community buildings and spaces, outdoor spaces, play and recreational spaces, or installing fixed items such as kitchen cupboards and work surfaces.

●       Habitat and Biodiversity Grants between £10,000 and £75,000 for projects resulting in structural improvements for a single habitat that will conserve, restore, and enhance threatened habitats and protect/increase biodiversity.

●       Environmental Improvement Grants start at £75,000 for ambitious and imaginative projects that will make a local, regional, national, and global impact on the environment by protecting and expanding threatened habitats and increasing biodiversity.

Typically four funding rounds per year.

Deadline: 03 October 2024

https://www.veoliatrust.org/funding/

Heat Networks Funding Stream

Government providing grants through the Heat Networks Delivery Unit (HNDU) to help identify, evaluate and develop new heating and cooling networks and the expansion of existing heating and cooling networks in England and Wales.

Organisations are invited to bring forward ambitious and innovative proposals to develop and deliver low carbon heat networks. HNDU provides funding for the costs of techno-economic feasibility studies and detailed project development support. Specialist guidance will also be offered to support organisations through each project development stage.

The funding can support 100% of eligible costs, including for project management, which is only available for public sector applicants and registered social landlords. There is no upper or lower limit for bids.

Deadline: Round 14 is open to applications until 31 October 2024. Government strongly encourages applications to be submitted by 30 September 2024 to ensure that work can realistically be carried out within the current financial year.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/heat-networks-delivery-unit

Motability Foundation

A charity supporting travel needs of disabled people through grant programmes which support disabled people through other charities and organisations who provide transport, help to access it, or research how to make transport accessible.

£50 million in funding this year through its six grants programmes:

●       Active Travel grants of £400,000 to £4 million

●       Community Transport grants of £100,000 to £4 million

●       Reducing Barriers to Driving grants of £100,000 to £2 million

●       Research grants of £50,000 to £1 million

●       Travel with Confidence grants of £100,000 to £1.5 million

●       Wheelchair Sector Grant Programme grants of £100,000 to £4 million

There will be a new application round in 2025. Information on the application window will be provided when it becomes available.

Deadline: 08 October 2024.

https://www.motabilityfoundation.org.uk/charitable-grants/grants-to-charities-and-organisations

Healthy Hearts Grant

Grants of up to £15,000 available for new community projects aimed at supporting adults in Northern Ireland to reduce their risk of coronary heart disease, helping them to lead healthier, happier and longer lives.

Eligibility:

●       Small registered charities and community interest companies (CICs) with an annual income of less than £1 million from across Northern Ireland can apply.

●       Projects that are likely to have a big impact and have considered novel ways to encourage people to look after their hearts and promote positive lifestyle changes are also sought.

●       Activities must have a primary focus on one or more of the following four risk factors for heart disease:

●       Nutrition and Healthy Eating.

●       Physical Activity.

●       Smoking.

●       Alcohol consumption.

Projects should run for a minimum of three months and no longer than 12 months.

Deadline: 18 September 2024

https://heartresearch.org.uk/healthy-heart-grants/

Edge Fund

Offering 40 grants of £1,000 each to communities and campaign groups based in the UK and Republic of Ireland that are working for social, economic and environmental justice.

The Fund supports efforts to create long-term change in society by addressing the causes of injustice and inequality by achieving social, economic and environmental justice and to end imbalances in wealth and power.

Grants will support:

●       Work that creates long-term change in society by addressing the causes of injustice and inequality.

●       Work addressing issues facing a particular community that is led by that community i.e. lived experience is key.

Groups based in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England.

Small groups that struggle to get funding elsewhere, particularly if other funders might consider them to be too radical.

All types of non-profit organisations, including groups that are not formally registered.

Not-for-profit organisations with an annual income of £20,000 or less that are addressing issues facing a particular community (eg, racism) to be led by that community (eg, people of African and Asian heritage) are eligible to apply.

Deadline: 13 September 2024.

https://www.edgefund.org.uk/

Funding for Innovative Projects for Dementia

Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Inspire Fund has opened for applications. This call is offering seed funding grants of up to £5,000 per project to new applicants from across the UK.

The funding is for projects that meet both of the following core criteria:

●       Projects must engage with underserved audiences on the topic of dementia, such as minority ethnic communities, marginalised or socio-economically disadvantaged people.

●       Build knowledge and understanding about brain health (in the context of dementia risk reduction) and explore ways to encourage behaviour change.

●       Projects can use a range of methods to engage with their audience and applicants are encouraged to consider their audience when selecting methods of engagement, to ensure people are able to take part.

Grants will not support projects providing dementia care or other frontline services.

Online information webinar on 17 September 2024.

Deadline: 14 October 2024

https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/grants/inspire-fund/

Heart of England Community Foundation

A new initiative to support women and girls in the West Midlands and Warwickshire, just five months after pledging to do so on International Women’s Day. 

The Women and Girls Fund has been seeded with £50,000 from the Foundation’s own resources, and businesses and individuals across the region are now being called upon to contribute to this significant cause.

Over the next 12 months, the Foundation will use the fund to provide grants to a range of women and girls projects across the region.

https://www.heartofenglandcf.co.uk/women-and-girls-fund-launch/

A Week of Free Business Events!

Business Week runs from Monday 23 to Friday 27 September

Discover a lineup of free informative events available for businesses of all shapes and sizes including sole traders. Explore the events happening throughout the week below, and register for free! For more event details, visit Invest Wolverhampton.

Masterclass on Artificial Intelligence

When: 23 September, 9.30am – 11.30am

Where: IGNITE Business Hub

Unlocking Opportunity: Supporting SME's to Compete for Council Contracts

When: Tuesday 24 September, 8.30am – 11am

Where: University of Wolverhampton Science Park

All Your Marketing Support in One Place

When: Tuesday 24 September, 1pm – 4pm

Where: University of Wolverhampton Science Park, Wolverhampton

African Business Forum - Wolverhampton

When: Tuesday 24 September, 1pm – 5pm

Where: TBC

The Growth of Wolverhampton's Social Economy

When: Wednesday 25 September, 10.30am – 12.30pm

Where: Access to Business, Wolverhampton

Wolverhampton Wednesday Business Network

When: Wednesday 25 September, 2pm – 4pm

Where: City of Wolverhampton College, Wolverhampton

WLV Business Link Launch and Networking

When: Thursday 26 September, 1pm – 3pm

Where: Technology Centre, Glaisher Drive, Wolverhampton

Women Entrepreneurs Masterclass

When: Thursday 26 September, 4pm – 6pm

Where: University of Wolverhampton Science Park, Wolverhampton

Annual Wolverhampton Business Breakfast

When:Friday 27 September, 7.45am - 11am

Where: Molineux Stadium (WV1 Suite), Wolverhampton

https://www.investwolverhampton.com/business-week/

Health Tech Marketing Masterclass

West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator programme. Discover marketing and branding strategies used by top-flight companies and how you can apply them to your business. Are you:

●       Looking to increase your sales and grow your business rapidly?

●       Planning to launch a new product or service in the next 12 months?

●       Thinking about how to take your marketing to the next level and want to hear from a world-class expert?

When: 24th September, 9:15 am - 4:30 pm

Where: PWC, Birmingham

Cost: Free

https://allevents.in/birmingham/marketing-masterclass-how-to-sustainably-grow-your-business/80001580201613#google_vignette

Innovation Awards Finalist Evening

You are invited to meet and network with the Innovation Awards finalists, judges, sponsors and previous winners. This is a great opportunity to connect with innovators, business leaders and those who inspire innovation in others.

When: Thursday 10th October, 5:30 - 8 pm

Where: STEAMhouse, Birmingham

Cost: Free

https://allevents.in/birmingham/innovation-awards-meet-the-finalists-evening/80003223290401

Biomedical Catalyst 2024 Round 1: Industry-led R&D

UK registered SMEs can apply for a share of up to £15 million to develop innovative solutions to health, and healthcare, challenges. Grants from £150,000 to £2 million. Funding is from Innovate UK.

Eligibility:

●    Public Sector, Non-profit, Private Sector

Deadline: 16 October 2024

https://iuk.ktn-uk.org/programme/biomedical-catalyst/

Startup Connect by Google Cloud

Landing in the UK as a part of London Summit, registration is NOW OPEN for startup founders! for an incredible startup focused day where you’ll get to:

Dive into the latest breakthroughs in AI and cloud tech

Network with brilliant founders and industry leaders

Connect with VCs, accelerators, and incubators fueling the next generation of startups

When: 10th October 2024

Where: Tobacco Dock, London

Cost: Free

https://cloudonair.withgoogle.com/events/london-startup-connect-24

British Design Fund

Investing between £150,000 and £200,000 into eligible businesses that meet their criteria. The usual criteria applies:

●    Business plan with sales, profit and loss, and cash flow forecasts.

●    A working prototype, well designed product that solves a clearly defined problem.

●    Interest from key target client(s).

●    Defensible IP.

●    Revenue flow or a qualified sales pipeline.

●    Winning chemistry within the founding team.

●    Deep understanding of the relevant marketplace and a clear competitive difference.

●    SEIS or EIS eligible.

Deadline: Check website.

https://www.britishdesignfund.co.uk/apply/

Armed Forces Covenant Funds

Armed Forces Covenant Fund: Hidden Voices Programme

The Trust will award grants of up to £20,000 for projects lasting up to 12 months to enable and deliver accessible mental health and wellbeing support for those with seldom heard needs in Armed Forces communities.

Who can apply - Personal / Individual, Public Sector, Non-profit, Private Sector, Nationwide

Deadline: 08 January 2025

Armed Forces Covenant Fund: Apart, not alone programme

Under this programme, the Trust will award grants of between £5,000 and £15,000 for projects that will help to mitigate the impact of long or frequent involuntary separation for families, spouses, and serving personnel, including reservists and their families.

Who can apply - Personal / Individual, Public Sector, Non-profit, Private Sector, Nationwide

Deadline: 25 September 2024

Armed Forces Covenant Fund: Service Women: Seen & Heard programme

This programme will award grants up to £50,000 for one year projects or £100,000 for two year projects designed to tackle the underlying issues unique to serving women, providing improved access to support for their mental and physical health and wellbeing.

Who can apply - Personal / Individual, Public Sector, Non-profit, Private Sector, Nationwide

Deadline: 25 September 2024

Armed Forces Covenant Fund: Embedding Prevention of Veteran Suicide programme

This programme will award grants of up to £50,000 for projects aimed at systemic change and long-term, sustainable impact, incorporating findings from the Trust’s One is Too Many programme.

Location

National

Funding organisation

Armed Forces Covenant Fund

Who can apply - Personal / Individual, Public Sector, Non-profit, Private Sector, Nationwide

Deadline: 02 October 2024

Armed Forces Covenant Fund: Free From Fear programme

Under this programme, the Trust will award grants of between £75,000 and £150,000 to focus on addressing domestic abuse through preventative measures or providing support routes for survivors in Armed Forces communities.

Who can apply - Personal / Individual, Public Sector, Non-profit, Private Sector, Nationwide

Deadline: 16 October 2024

https://covenantfund.org.uk/programmes/

Rapid protective security for places of worship

In response to public disorder, the Home Office has introduced a rapid protective security response for places of worship at risk of imminent violent disorder or in the immediate aftermath of such an incident.

The funding can cover the costs security measures from the following list:

●    CCTV (fixed cameras, not pan-tilt cameras)

●    Fencing and/or railings (no more than 2.1m high)

●    Manually operated pedestrian and vehicle gates

●    Door hardening, locks and mail box/mail bag

●    Reinforcing single glazed windows (with anti-shatter film or bars/grilles only)

●    Intruder alarms including integrated smoke/heat detection

●    Door entry access control (fob or keypad)

●    Video intercom systems

●    Lighting (building mounted)

Deadline: Ongoing

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/places-of-worship-security-funding-scheme#history

WCIT – IT4Good Grant Programme

WCIT Charity, a charitable organisation that aims to use the power of technology for impact through digital inclusion, education, charitable, and public engagement initiatives across the UK.

Grants of up to £15,000 are available.

Projects that are more likely to be funded include:

●    The development and delivery of new services, solutions, training, apps, analytics, AI, robotics, or accessibility features/hardware.

●    Projects where WCIT is a material or sole funder.

●    Projects where WCIT is the sole funder of the IT component of a larger project.

●    Organisations that could benefit from pro-bono support.

Deadline: 31 October 2024

https://wcitcharity.org.uk/

Cash4Clubs

A grant programme funded by Flutter UK & Ireland, part of Flutter Entertainment, the global sports betting, gaming and entertainment provider. For this reason, groups must have adult members (18+) in order to be eligible for funding.

Cash4Clubs is working with Sported, the UK's largest network of community sports groups, to get the funds to the clubs who need it most.

Unrestricted grants of £2,000 are available (€2000 in Ireland).

Typical examples of costs might include a contribution towards:

●    Venue hire

●    Utilities such as heating or lighting

●    Coaching costs

●    Volunteer expenses

●    Equipment

●    Kit

●    Marketing and communications

●    Training and qualifications

●    Insurances and affiliations

Deadline: 12 November 2024

https://cash-4-clubs.com/

Business boards introduced in England

Mayoral combined authorities, combined authorities and upper-tier local authorities in England have each set up a business board to take over some of the responsibilities of LEPs and help deliver local growth and devolution.

The business boards will also leverage match funding for public sector programmes, develop effective partnerships to support growth and shape local business support.

A government-funded Business Board Network has also been set up to help business boards and LEP successor organisations deliver Local Growth Plans and support national Growth Hub activity.

https://www.businessboardnetwork.co.uk/about-business-boards/business-boards/

Read more:

https://www.businessboardnetwork.co.uk/news-and-events/2024/june/a-new-business-voice-for-local-growth/

Plan to boost economic growth

The SME Finance Taskforce has published a plan to boost the UK economy by speeding up lending and access to finance for small and medium-sized businesses. The taskforce recommended seven action points, including support for an SME smart data challenge, a consultation on an e-invoicing scheme and accelerated reform of Companies House.

https://www.finextra.com/newsarticle/44537/sme-finance-taskforce-announces-plan-boost-uk-economic-growth/risk

HMRC claws back R&D Tax Credits

HMRC has told some small businesses to pay back hundreds of thousands of pounds in R&D tax credits after measures were introduced to tackle error and fraud. Figures published by HMRC estimate that abuse of the tax credit scheme cost £4.1 billion between 2020/21 and 2023/24.

https://sifted.eu/articles/startups-tax-credits-hmrc

Furnished holiday let tax relief to end

The Government has announced that the furnished holiday lettings tax regime will end in April 2025. The Country Land and Business Association has criticised the decision as the short-term rental and holiday let sector contributes billions to the wider economy.

https://www.farminguk.com/news/rural-campaigners-slam-removal-of-furnished-holiday-let-tax-support_65080.html

Fall in UK working visa applications

The number of overseas workers and students applying for UK visas dropped by a third year-on-year in July 2024. Overall, 91,300 people applied to come to the UK as skilled workers, health and care workers or students in July 2024. The fall comes after the previous Government increased salary thresholds and restricted some dependents from entering the UK.

https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/article/1885092/uk-working-visa-applications-drop-third-%E2%80%93-does-mean-ongoing-skills-shortages

Record number of firms starting up

The latest Startup Index from NatWest and Beauhurst reveals that a record 468,000 new companies started up in the first half of 2024. London recorded the largest number of start-ups, with 161,000 new business incorporations, while the West Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber recorded significant increases.

https://www.natwest.com/business/insights/business-management/business-strategy/record-number-of-uk-companies-launched-in-first-half-of-2024.html

Win your business a TV campaign with the ‘Sky Zero Footprint Fund: Local Heroes’

To champion and reward those businesses that are committed to a more sustainable future in their community. How can we help? As a company dedicated to believing in better, Sky has led the way in sustainability and want to help like-minded businesses grow through a free TV campaign.

New for 2024, Local Heroes will see winning businesses up and down the country claim a £20,000/€20,000 local TV advertising campaign through AdSmart from Sky.

Deadline: 29 October 2024

https://www.adsmartfromsky.co.uk/local-heroes/

WMCA Activate Programme

Skills and business programme for the Cultural and Creative sector, paid for from the Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund. One of the primary pillars for the CWGLEF delivery is to increase the resilience of the West Midlands cultural sector and creative freelancers.

Programmes include:

ACTIVATE - workshops, masterclasses, mentoring and networking opportunities.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME - to open access to culture and the creative industries and support the next generation of talent to enter the sector.

Coming soon:

ACTIVATE Grants - grants ranging from £1,000 - £9,000 to support freelancers and small organisations to access learning and development opportunities to support and develop their creative business and artistic practice.

hibretOne will be delivering 3 workshops beside some other amazing service providers.

Our Session Titles:

Workshop 1 - Show Me The Money: Accessing Finance to Kickstart a New Venture (12 Sept)

Workshop 2 - Collaboration: Setting up Consortiums to Increase Business Opportunities

Workshop 3 - Accessing New Markets: Identifying & Exploiting New Revenue Streams

Find out more here:

https://www.wmca.org.uk/what-we-do/culture-and-digital/culture/activate/

Register here

https://wmcaculture.grantplatform.com/

ReWear Grants

Does your business help Londoners make the most of clothes already in circulation? ReLondon’s ReWear grants are designed to support repair providers, resale marketplaces, rental platforms and other small businesses committed to reducing the need for new clothing in London. Up to £15,000. Successful applicants will also benefit from association with the Textiles Action Plan, endorsed by the Mayor of London, London Councils, the UK Fashion and Textile Association, the British Retail Consortium, and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. 

Deadline: 16th September 2024

https://relondon.gov.uk/business/our-services/amplify-your-impact/rewear/

Identifying and working with a Non-Executive Director

As your startup begins to show signs of potential for growth, it’s important that you can step back from the everyday tasks and find time to focus on your next steps. This can often require a different set of skills from those you or your founding team have used so far. This session will cover how an NXD can help you step out of startup mode and broaden your horizons to look at developing a clear growth strategy.

When: 12 September 2024

where: Online

Cost: Free

https://labs.uk.barclays/events/identifying-and-working-with-a-non-executive-director/

WMCA community-led business support

Entrepreneurs in several W Midlands region’s most diverse communities are to get better access to support and advice.

Support delivered by:

●       The Highlife Centre in Coventry

●       iSE Women’s Enterprise Hub (Initiative for Social Entrepreneurs) in East Birmingham

●       Legacy Centre of Excellence in North Birmingham

●       Skills Work and Enterprise Agency (SWEDA Services) in Sandwell

●       Access To Business with Wolverhampton Black Business Network

The targeted business support will help grow the region’s economy while supporting the West Midlands Race Equalities Taskforce’s commitment to help even more people from ethnically diverse communities unlock their full potential by overcoming barriers to success.

https://lnkd.in/ededUGnJ

West Midlands Business Growth programmes.

West Midlands SME Grant Programme in Birmingham and Solihull;

Capital based 50/50 match funded

£1,00-£7500 Start up's

Existing SME's £1,000- £100,000

For support contact BSGH@birmingham.gov.uk

https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/downloads/50293/wm_sme_grant_programme

Birmingham and Solihull Export Support Programme

Existing SME's up to £6,000 100% funded

To support overseas activity

For support contact BSGH@birmingham.gov.uk

https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/50323/birmingham_and_solihull_export_support_programme/2891/about_the_birmingham_and_solihull_export_support_programme_basesp

Net Zero Grant Programme in Birmingham and Solihull

50/50 match funded

£1,00-£7500 Start up's

Existing SME's £1,000- £100,000

Examples include- Solar panels, heating, ventilation, pumps, lighting

Energy audit required

For support contact BSGH@birmingham.gov.uk

https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/50294/net_zero_grant_programme/2690/about_the_net_zero_grant_programme/2

Networking Event for Disabled entrepreneurs

Organised by Small Business Britain and Lloyds Bank. The Cholmondeley Terrace can be accessed step free if required and if there is anything else that will make attendance easier, let Small Business Britain know.

When: 2nd October 2024

Where: House of Lords, London

RSVP or email: hello@smallbusinessbritain.uk

LIVING WELL UK

COLLECTIVE: VCFSE Mental Health Collective

The community for all Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise Mental Health and Wellbeing organisations in Birmingham and Solihull.

https://mhcollective.net/

Principles from Resilient Communities Fund

How can local authorities, funders and central government build resilient communities, create positive relationships with businesses, and simultaneously deliver impact across multiple priorities and themes?

https://www.newlocal.org.uk/articles/three-principles-for-local-resilience

Creative Enterprise Business Builder

Grant up to £2,500 to support companies who work in moving image for storytelling, spanning film television, games, animation and immersive industries. With grants of, beneficiaries will be able to work with a consultant to build meaningful connections and create opportunities for business growth.

Funding can be used to subsidise the cost of working with an expert to support companies’ specific goals including business planning and strategy as well as offering other specialist expertise, knowledge or contacts. Examples include marketing strategy, monetisation of IP, international operation, and more.

https://www.wearecreative.uk/support/creative-enterprise/business-builder-grants/

Barclays Community Football Fund

Barclays Bank in partnership with the Sported Foundation is offering grants of up to £1,000 to not-for-profit organisations operating in an area of high deprivation to support delivery of their football activities to engage with young people (under the age of 25 years) from underrepresented groups.

This is an access grant which aims to help improve access to football for all. The funding is for groups that are running football activities for one or more of the following underrepresented groups: women and girls, young people with disabilities, young people from racially diverse communities, young people from the LGBTQ+ community and young people from lower socio-economic groups.

The funding can be used for anything that will support delivery of football activities to underrepresented groups.

The funding cannot be used for schools and other educational establishments, trips abroad, school based football activities, costs associated with elite football or talent development or multiple teams/projects within the same organisation.

Deadline: 15 September 2024.

https://sported.org.uk/barclays-community-football-fund-2/

Apart Not Alone: Support for Serving Families Programme

Launched under the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust’s new three-year Funding Framework which will award £30 million in grants over the next three years.

The funding is for not-for-profit projects that will help to mitigate the impact of long or frequent involuntary separation for families, spouses, and serving personnel, including reservists and their families.

Grants of between £5,000 and £15,000 are available. Applications will be accepted from:

UK-based charities who have been registered for at least one year at the time of their application.

Community Interest Companies (CIC) with substantial recent experience of supporting Armed Forces communities and have been registered as a CIC for more than one year at the time of their application

An Armed Forces unit/base based in the UK.

Deadline: 25 September 2024.

https://covenantfund.org.uk/programme/apart-not-alone-support-for-serving-families-programme-2024-25/

Peter Harrison Foundation Active Lives Programme

Opportunities through sport and physical activity

Enabling life-enhancing opportunities for individuals living in the most disadvantaged areas in the UK who encounter physical, mental, social, or economic barriers. 

Using participation in grassroots sport/physical activity as a catalyst to develop personal and life skills, assisting individuals in discovering and fulfilling their potential.

Charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) throughout the United Kingdom can apply for grants of up to £50,000 to the Peter Harrison Foundation Active grant scheme. The grant scheme aims to provide opportunities for sport and physical activity at a grassroots level that enable physically, mentally, socially or economically disadvantaged people to develop personal and life skills to fulfil their potential. The grants can be used for various purposes, such as funding new sports programmes, improving existing sports facilities, or providing training and support for sports coaches. Priority will be given to organisations with an annual turnover of up to £500,000.

Deadline: 1st October 2024.

https://peterharrisonfoundation.org/about-our-grant-programmes/active-lives/

Funding to Alleviate Social Deprivation

The Volant Charitable Trust's Grants programme has re-opened for applications. The fund aims to support Scottish charities and projects that help alleviate social deprivation, particularly among women, children and young people at risk. Registered charities, community interest companies, community organisations and social enterprises can apply for grants of up to £15,000 per year for up to three years to support work that will make a lasting difference for women and children affected by hardship or disadvantage. Foundation Scotland administers funding and can be used for project and core costs. There is a two-stage application process.

Deadline: 1st October 2024.

https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/apply-for-funding/funding-available/volant-charitable-trust-large-grants-programme

Initiatives to support start-ups in Scotland

The Scottish Government is investing up to £2.6 million in initiatives to make it easier for people from all backgrounds to start a business. Grants of up to £1,000 will be available as part of a pilot programme in the south of Scotland to help women and other under-represented groups turn their business ideas into a reality. The Scottish Government will also administer a Pathways Fund to support entrepreneurial activity across Scotland.

https://www.gov.scot/news/unlocking-fresh-business-talent/

Cambridge Tech Week

Learn about the latest tech advancements in quantum, AI, semiconductors, and climate tech, discover new startups, and network with a global tech audience.

Date: 09-13 September 2024

https://cambridgetechweek.co.uk/

Collaborative physics-led projects

Apply for funding for collaborative physics-led projects addressing the challenges of climate change, energy, and capacity building, across African economies. You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for STFC funding and have a project co-lead based in an eligible African country. This funding opportunity is open to research groups working on collaborative projects between the UK and Africa.

Eligibility:

Collaborative research with other UK and African research organisations from eligible countries

Encourage applications from diverse groups of researchers & female researchers

welcome applications from individuals at any career stage, subject to STFC eligibility criteria

Deadline: 17 September 2024

https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/africa-uk-physics-partnership-collaborative-research-projects/

Leek Building Society Charitable Foundation

Supports local schemes and good causes across Staffordshire, Cheshire, Derbyshire and Shropshire. The Foundation's primary purpose is to provide grants and donations that will have a positive impact on the lives of disadvantaged or vulnerable people in our communities.

The trustees usually meet quarterly, in January, April, July and October. Grants up to £5k

https://www.leekbs.co.uk/charitable-foundation/#tbc-18345-0

If you are a non-profit making voluntary/community group or social enterprise based in the Scottish Borders, they can help you apply for grant funding to fund your community project.

https://www.scotborders.gov.uk/community-grants-funding/grant-funding-community-projects

Tech Welcome Grant

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) funded initiative, bringing the brightest tech and digital companies into the South Yorkshire region, covering the costs of accommodation up to a twelve-month period. Now open to tech businesses based in South Yorkshire looking for their first physical office.

https://www.theseam.digital/tech-welcome

Peter Harrison Foundation Active Lives Programme (UK)

Charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) throughout the United Kingdom can apply for grants of up to £50,000 to the Peter Harrison Foundation Active grant scheme. The grant scheme aims to provide opportunities for sport and physical activity at a grassroots level that enable physically, mentally, socially or economically disadvantaged people to develop personal and life skills to fulfil their potential.

Grants can be used for various purposes, such as funding new sports programmes, improving existing sports facilities, or providing training and support for sports coaches. Priority will be given to organisations with an annual turnover of up to £500,000.

Deadline: 1st October 2024.

https://peterharrisonfoundation.org/about-our-grant-programmes/active-lives/

The Foyle School Library Scheme

The Foyle Foundation has announced that its School Library Scheme will finally close to applications on the 30th September 2024. The scheme awards grants of between £2,000 and £10,000 to UK state schools to improve or establish their libraries. Priority is given to primary schools up to Key Stage 2, but secondary schools that need books and reading resources for catch-up reading programmes for Key Stage 3 pupils and/or transition reading programmes for feeder/local primary schools will also be considered. The Foundation can also consider applications from special schools for all SEN age groups.

Deadline: 30 September 2024

https://foylefoundation.org.uk/how-to-apply/school-library-scheme-guidelines/

School Climate & Biodiversity Projects (UK)

Primary and secondary schools in the UK can apply for grants of up to £3,000 to support projects and activities addressing climate change and biodiversity issues. The funding is available through the Royal Society's Tomorrow's Climate Scientists Programme and extends the Society's Partnership Grants Programme. The primary purpose of the funding is to facilitate the purchase of necessary equipment for these projects. The Partnership Grants scheme operates annually and follows a two-stage application process.

Deadline: Three submission dates every year, next deadline 30th November 2024.

https://royalsociety.org/grants/partnership-grants/unique-scheme-benefits/tomorrows-climate-scientists/

Alleviate Social Deprivation (Scotland)

The Volant Charitable Trust's Grants programme has re-opened for applications. The fund aims to support Scottish charities and projects that help alleviate social deprivation, particularly among women, children and young people at risk. Registered charities, community interest companies, community organisations and social enterprises can apply for grants of up to £15,000 per year for up to three years to support work that will make a lasting difference for women and children affected by hardship or disadvantage. Foundation Scotland administers funding and can be used for project and core costs. There is a two-stage application process.

Deadline: 1st October 2024.

https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/apply-for-funding/funding-available/volant-charitable-trust-large-grants-programme

European Innovation Council Accelerator Grants

A funding programme under Horizon Europe that offers support to start-ups and SMEs that:

have an innovative, game-changing product, service or business model that could create new markets or disrupt existing ones in Europe and even worldwide,

●       have the ambition and commitment to scale up,

●       looking for substantial funding, but the risks involved are too high for private investors alone

UK SMEs (companies with less than 249 employees and a turnover under £40m) can apply for grants for up to € 2.5 million (£2.1m), for innovation activities only (TRL 5-8) to be completed within 24 months.

Applicants must be aiming to reach the TRL 8 at the end of the project and continue further development without EIC support.

This call is for innovations in any field of technology and innovations that cut across different scientific, technological, sectoral and application fields or represent novel combinations.

Deadline: 3rd October 2024.

https://eic.ec.europa.eu/eic-funding-opportunities/eic-accelerator_en

Small & Mighty Enterprise Programme

6 week programme aims to supercharge sole traders and micro businesses, and help small businesses grow with expert guidance and mentoring.in partnership with Xero and ARU.

The course concludes with a growth plan to support the next year of business opportunity, and an in-person event will also be held to celebrate the achievements of the participants and the goals of the programme.

Live weekly sessions recorded and available on a private Small Business Britain website available exclusively to course participants.

Weekly worksheets to embed learning outcomes accessible on the private website hub, developed by each week’s expert trainers.

Development of an Action Plan: A twelve-month plan to grow and flourish with support of expert mentors.

1 hour of 1-2-1 and group mentoring over the six weeks from expert mentors around the UK.

Inclusion in an exclusive, supportive community to ask and answer questions, access experts and teachers, share experiences and network with other small businesses.

Course dates

Module 1: 25th September 10am - 12pm

Module 2: 2nd October 10am - 12pm

Module 3: 9th October 10am - 12pm

Module 4: 16th October 10am - 12pm

Module 5: 23rd October 10am - 12pm

Module 6: 30th October 10am - 12pm

Cost: Free

Where: Online

https://smallbusinessbritain.uk/small-and-mighty

Be The Business Productivity Programme

Gives you the tools, energy, confidence and connections to tackle your biggest business challenges. You’ll get six months of personalised support, and the inspiration to take control of your company’s future. 44% of small businesses they support see turnover rise after attending their programmes.

https://bethebusiness.com/programmes/the-productivity-programme

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E&OE

Disclaimer:

•     Information is produced for entertainment purposes only and is for the sole use of the recipients.

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•     Items added in the order I found out about them, not importance.