Show Me The Money Grants and Funding - November 2024
Nov 10, 2024 2:52 pm
Show Me The Money! Grants & Funding - Practical Tips & Support
Revised: November 2024
Hello wonderful people,
This month post-budget issue features many fantastic initiatives delivered by great people & organisations, some I am honoured to be involved with. Pic taken when Rachel was Shadow Chancellor at a round table on social impact.
‘Ok Rachel! We agree with you, but you need to give entrepreneurs much more in the next budget!’
Programmes and grants include a series of fully-funded Green Economy events showing business owners how to benefit from current and upcoming opportunities, organised by the wonderful Debbie Smith, at Tyseley Energy Park, supported by iSE & WMCA.
I’ll be presenting my ‘Show Me The Money’ workshop at the NatWest MoneyFest on 13th November morning in Birmingham. To date the Show Me The Money pilot has directed founders to over £8 million in grant funding. Got a nice mention amongst some other stellar people on LinkedIn by the brilliant Myles Grennan. Myles has only got his fantastic Cameler Spice Co listed at Harrods.
The largest social economy event in the W Midlands; Social Economy Drive of which I can proudly say I am involved. 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 and initiative for Social Enterprise (iSE) for the delivery.
Inclusive Health 2025 programme an accelerator delivering support and grant funding for social impact entrepreneurs in the Health & Wellbeing space. Well done Reena of Birmingham City Council & Debbie Smith, University of Birmingham for putting these great initiatives which both come with grant funding together. Find out more at MoneyFest & at the Social Economy Drive.
A nice Budget overview, thank you BVSC for putting it together.
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.
Signup to receive this free Show Me The Money newsletter every month to your inbox:
https://sendfox.com/hibretOne
LATEST:
MoneyFest: A Festival of funding & finance
This is more than just where to access funding for your business, but how. You’ll meet many great connections to help you start or scale your enterprise. Well done Harinder Kunor for putting this together.
As part of the NatWest event I’ll be delivering my Show Me The Money workshop between 10:15 - 11am. I’ll direct you to guaranteed grants and programme support.
When: 13 November 2024
Where: NatWest Hub, 2 St Philip's Place, Birmingham
Cost: Free
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--birmingham/natwest-moneyfest/
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.
When: 18th – 22nd November 2024
Where: In-Person & Online
https://socialeconomydrive.com/
Dive into Grant funding / Dive into Crowdfunding
This workshop takes a deep dive into the different kinds of grant funding available to creative and innovative companies, CICs and charities, and also the five different kinds of crowdfunding, illustrated with case study examples that demonstrate the benefits, pitfalls, and top tips for each kind of crowdfunding strategy. It will help you better understand the grant and crowdfunding options available to you.
When: 26 November, 9am-2pm
Where: Solihull College & University Centre
Cost: Free
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/small-business-finance-and-innovation-support-for-solihull-smes-tickets-992935104627
The Art of Pitching: What investors and funders are looking for
This workshop is designed to give you insights into how investors and funders think, what they are looking for in a startup, and the information they are seeking to make investment or funding decisions. This workshop will provide you with a suite of tools and resources to boost your effectiveness in pitching and communication. You'll come away from this workshop with the skill to construct effective pitch decks and presentations, with insights on what makes the perfect pitch.
When: 28 November, 9am-2pm
Where Solihull College & University Centre
Cost: Free
STEAMhouse Forward is fully-funded by the UK government through the UKSPF (UK Shared Prosperity Fund) to support Birmingham & Solihull businesses.
Two events delivered by the brilliant John Holmes, Managing Director at Advantage Creative
The Green Economy Series
Propel Your Business with the Green Economy. Introducing our new Green Economy Series (delivered by the Climate Innovation Platform, The University of Birmingham) a fully-funded programme (WMCA) designed to support and elevate (aspiring) businesses in the Midlands by exploring the green economy and highlighting how your business could benefit from current and upcoming opportunities. Programme will be delivered through a series of half day workshops.
Discover more at MoneyFest & the Social Economy Drive.
When:
Friday 15 November: Introduction and Tyseley Energy Park Tour
Friday 22 November: Social and Environmental Impact
Friday 13 December: Networking for Success
Friday 17 January: Business Strategy and Growth (inc. 10 free 1:1 sessions*)
Where: Tyseley Energy Park, Birmingham.
For further information/to register your interest please email: Debbie Smith, Programme Manager d.s.smith.1@bham.ac.uk
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/energy/climate-innovation-platform
Inclusive Health Programme 2025
- Are you an aspiring entrepreneur or business owner with a Health & Well-being product or idea?
- Do you believe it will deliver social impact?
- Are you seeking programme support & grant funding?
If you're based in the W Midlands the Inclusive Health Accelerator could be the kickstart you need. Back for it’s 5th year this programme is mammoth. Plus the connections to sell you’re your product into the NHS. If you have an idea, product or business which is health or wellbeing related you need to signup to this programme. You may even have a product which with tweaks could be used in the health sector.
Launching January 2025! Discover more at MoneyFest & the Social Economy Drive.
Email Sue for latest information & your application form:
Sue.collins@i-se.co.uk
Social Economy Forum
Exploring a key topic for social economy organisations, DATA! CAPTURE COMPLIANCE COMMUNITY. Facilitated by Sallie Ryan (BSSEC CIC), discussion welcomes expert insights from 3 speakers who will take us through the 3 C's of data...
When: Wednesday 13th November 2024
Where: Witton Lodge Community Association, Birmingham
https://bssec.org.uk/
Innovation in the East Birmingham
If you’ve got a great idea for a business, or need ideas on how the latest technology improve your business, then must attend this event.
VentureFest, Birmingham City Council & iSE will be hosting
Save The Date: 03 December 2024 10-12pm
Where: iSE, Ladypool Road, Sparkbrook, Birmingham
Eventbrite link coming soon
West Midlands Business Festival
Will bring the local business community together for two-weeks of inspiration, innovation, learning, sharing, showcasing and networking. Festival will include an exciting programme of free events put on by business for business. Events will promote growth, collaboration and skills development.
West Midlands Business Festival is a brand new initiative by Business Growth West Midlands. It will showcase the region as a fantastic place to work, live and do business.
When: 3rd - 14th March 2025
Where: West Midlands
https://www.wmbf.co.uk/
The International Showcase Fund (ISF)
Offers grants up to £5,500 for international export opportunities for UK-based artists, bands, songwriters and producers who have been invited to perform or create new music at international industry facing showcasing festivals, song writing camps or conferences.
Eligibility:
Music creators must have been formally invited to perform or participate in an international event, with a conference element, that is geared towards music industry professionals, rather than the general public or an international song writing camp which is geared towards international collaboration and creative and career progression.
Deadline: 31 March 2025
The Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund (LSIMF)
UK registered businesses can apply for funding for life science manufacturing capital investment projects which help increase UK health resilience. Grants from £1 million.
Deadline: 31 March 2030
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/life-sciences-innovative-manufacturing-fund-lsimf
Accessibility Solutions for Transport Sector
The Scaling Innovation Programme offers UK SMEs the chance to tackle evidence-based challenges identified through research undertaken by the National Centre for Accessible Transport (ncat), as well as an open call for any SME working on accessibility innovations in the transport sector.
The programme challenges are:
· Physical barriers in the street.
· Interactions with other people.
Open call (for ideas that fall outside the defined challenges).
Funding of up to £150,000 is available per SME (up to 15 SMEs will be selected) and programme support.
Applications from D/deaf and Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) and for individuals or entrepreneurs with lived experiences of disability are particularly welcome.
Deadline: 28 November 2024
https://cp.catapult.org.uk/opportunity/national-centre-for-accessible-transport-ncat-scaling-innovation-programme-2025/
Condition Improvement Fund
Academies, multi-academy trusts, sixth-form colleges, and voluntary aided schools across England can apply now for capital funding to improve school buildings and expand academies and sixth-form colleges rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.Funded by Department for Education (DfE).
CIF also supports a small proportion of expansion projects where Ofsted has rated the school or sixth-form college either good or outstanding in quality of education and leadership & management subcategories, and where the school needs to expand their existing facilities and/or floor space to either increase admissions or address overcrowding.
£1.8 billion is available for this round. The maximum project threshold is £4 million.
The minimum project funding threshold for:
· Primary and special schools is £20,000.
· Secondary schools, all-through schools and sixth-form colleges is £50,000.
In addition to grants, CIF Loans are available to applicants for all of part of the project costs.
Deadline: 17 December 2024
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/condition-improvement-fund
AI solutions to develop AI competencies in key sectors
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £2 million for artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to support AI upskilling in BridgeAI key sectors.
Eligibility:
Open to single applicants and collaborations.
Deadline: 29 January 2025
https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/ai-solutions-to-develop-ai-competencies-in-key-sectors/
Aston Business Clinic / Global Business Challenge Business Details 2024-25
Get a fresh perspective on your business challenges and opportunities!
Through Team Academy Aston, the Aston Business Clinic or Global Business Challenge, we match teams of students with you and your business to spend between 24-hours and eight weeks working on a non-critical but important challenge or opportunity. You might have ideas you want to validate, research you want to complete, creative concepts you want to generate, or more.
Our students go through a competitive application process to join Team Academy Aston, the Aston Business Clinic or Global Business Challenge and aim to improve their research skills, creativity, client management, and problem-solving. They are eager to learn how to work together in teams to deliver innovative and engaging pitches, which respond to real-world business needs.
Each team is coached by a member of staff, who will work with them on their processes and team dynamics (but not their solutions!).
Time To Change Reporting
Feeding back to the W Midlands Metro Mayor the progress from partners to the Time To Change NatWest-CRÈME report.
Hold the Date - March 13 2025
https://www.natwestgroup.com/news-and-insights/latest-stories/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/2023/may/time-to-change-report-our-progress-so-far.html
FREE Early Years Care Training (NCFE)
Level 1,2, or 3 (depending on qualifications) for NEET’s aged 19 - 59 years old (London Only)
This is a course done online 2-3 times a week
Entrepreneurs Therapy Club
Entrepreneurs Therapy Club a quarterly event sponsored by DOES to support entrepreneurs in navigating the unspoken mental health challenges of running a business.
Join Akil and Dr. Kenisha Jackson as they invite the audience to join and explore how closest relationships can shape our lives and make an impact on the decisions we make with our businesses and teams.
Where: Apple, Covent Garden, London
When 28th November 2024
https://lu.ma/wpi8b697
Innovation loans future economy: round 18
UK registered businesses can apply for loans for innovative projects with strong commercial potential to significantly improve the UK economy.
Eligibility:
· Open to single applicants and collaborations.
Deadline: 08 January 2025
https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/innovation-loans-future-economy-round-18/
Kellogg’s School Breakfast Clubs Grant Programme
In partnership with Forever Manchester, offering grants of up to £1,000 to schools across the UK to help fund breakfast clubs aimed at pupils between reception class and year 13 to ensure that those who need it most receive a morning meal.
Priority will be given to schools that either:
· Have 35% and above of children eligible for pupil premium funding (for England) and eligible for free school meals (Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales); or
· Are based in an area which is classified as falling in the 10% of most deprived areas according to the Index of Multiple Deprivation.
Deadline: Applications can be submitted at any time.
Projects to Help Visually Impaired People
Funding to eye clinics, hospitals, schools, libraries and other organisations helping visually impaired people in the UK and overseas. It also funds medical research and the provision of facilities for the treatment or alleviation of visual impairment.
Grants range from around £100 to £500,000. Applications are accepted from organisations that help the visually impaired in the UK or overseas. Organisations need not necessarily be a charity and can be a community interest company (CIC) or social group and could include:
· Applications from public libraries run by local authorities will be considered if these are additional to the local authority's core service.
· Volunteer-run libraries may be supported if they are supported in cash or in kind by the local authority.
Eligible costs can include equipment or materials. Staffing costs for specific, time-limited projects may be considered at the Trustees’ discretion.
Next Deadline: 15 December 2024. Applications four times a year.
https://www.ulverscroft-foundation.org.uk/
Some Love for a Fellow Entrepreneur
Myles has only got his fantastic Cameler Spice Co listed at Harrods.
Student Interns
Contact these wonderful people for interns, a very few students are fully-funded by the institution. The others you’ll need to fund. Put the effort in & they will absolutely repay that extra effort:
Aston University – Sarah Collins s.collins3@aston.ac.uk Careers <careers_postgrad@aston.ac.uk>
Emma Johnson - University of Birmingham <e.o.johnson@bham.ac.uk>
Leslie Griffiths - University of Birmingham <internships@contacts.bham.ac.uk>
Helen Hobson - University of Birmingham <internships@contacts.bham.ac.uk>
Amardeep Paneser – Birmingham City University (BCU) <Amardeep.paneser@bcu.ac.uk>
Nicole Riley - Birmingham City University (BCU) <Nicole.riley@bcu.ac.uk>
Trina Tiernan - Joseph Chamberlain College <ttiernan@jcc.ac.uk>
Violet Williams - BMet <violet.williams@bmet.ac.uk>
Marika Beckford <Marika.Beckford@bmet.ac.uk>
University College Birmingham (UCB) <hired@ucb.ac.uk>
University of Warwick - employerconnect@warwick.ac.uk
Coventry University - talentteam@coventry.ac.uk
Ocado Retail has partnered a programme to support women. Launching with an aisle on site, customers can now find more than 1,000 products from 130 female-founded brands, including Piccolo (Organic Baby & Toddler Food), THE ESTATE DAIRY, Pip & Nut | B Corp, Fix8 Kombucha, The Cheeky Panda | Certified B Corp, CHIKA'S WHOLEFOODS AFRICA, Little Dish, Hunter & Gather, Little Moons, Moorish Dips, Borough Broth | B Corp™ plus so many others!
They'll be featuring the stories behind the brands with spotlight profiles on site so customers can learn more about the products they're buying and the founders behind them.
Action for Women's Health Fund - Global Call
For organisations taking innovative approaches in addressing the health inequities faced by women around the world and providing the resources they need to scale up and reach as many people as possible.
US$250 million global open call provided by Pivotal Philanthropies Foundation (a Melinda French Gates organisation) and managed by Lever for Change, a US based non-profit affiliate of the US based John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
Eligibility:
· UK applicants must be recognised as one of the following:
· A non-governmental organisation
· A higher educational organisation
· A charitable organisation.
· A not-for-profit organisation.
Deadline: 03 December 2024
https://womenshealth.leverforchange.org/submit
Rosa’s Voices from the Frontline Fund
Offers grants to women’s and girls’ organisations to support campaigning and influencing work that enables women and girls to use their voice to achieve change. Grants from £7,000 to £10,000 and will cover an 18-month period.
Eligibility:
· Not-for-profit women's sector voluntary and community organisations in the UK that
· Been active for at least one year and can produce annual accounts for an entire year.
· Governed and led by women.
· They will have a Board of Trustees (or similar) where the Chair is a woman, and the majority of members are women.
· The majority of their organisation’s employee leadership team will be women.
· Their organisation will have the principal objective of working with women and/or girls and the majority of their organisation’s beneficiaries are, and will always be, women and/or girls.
Deadline: 09 December 2024
https://rosauk.org/our-programmes/voices-from-the-frontline/
Pitch For PoC (proof of concept)
Are you a young startup, a scaleup, a corporate veteran or an established company and have a new and interesting product in mind? Enter this competition for a chance to win free proof of concept development. Well done for putting this together Jacub.
Deadline: 01 December 2024
British Gas Energy Support Fund
An independent charity funded by British Gas, set up to support individuals and families who are struggling to pay their bills, regardless of energy provider. Intended to tackle fuel poverty by clearing the energy debts of struggling households and respond to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Eligibility:
· Trust does not award cash payments, crediting the householder account.
· Individual and Families Fund will cover arrears of between £50 and £1,700.
· British Gas Energy Support Fund will cover arrears of between £250 and £2,000.
· British Gas Energy Support Fund applicants must:
· Be British Gas credit or pre-payment meter customer.
· Live in England, Scotland or Wales.
· Not have received a British Gas Energy Trust grant within the last 12 months.
Be seeking a grant to clear an outstanding debt on a current or open gas, electricity or dual fuel energy account in their own name or be a member of that household. The energy account must relate to their main residence.
Be in or facing fuel poverty.
Have received help from a money advice or guidance agency.
Please note that the British Gas Energy Trust is interested in funding applications where the applicant can show a sustainable position moving forward.
Deadline: Opens for applications 04 November 2024
https://britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/grants-available/
The Toy Trust
Grants of up to £5,000 are available for registered charities undertaking projects to
support disadvantaged and disabled children who are under 13 years of age within
the UK and abroad.
https://www.toytrust.co.uk/about/
Birmingham Fairer Futures Fund – Locality Small Grants
Grants of up to £15,000 per year, with a maximum of £45,000 for projects lasting up
to 3 years to fund activities that will contribute to improving outcomes and tackling
inequality for communities of identity and experience who are based in one locality
within Birmingham. Before submitting a bid, organisations must connect with their
NNS lead provider. Only bids that are supported by the NNS lead will be considered
by the grants panel.
https://www.heartofenglandcf.co.uk/birmingham-fairer-futures-fund-locality-small-grants/
Employment rights reforms could cost £5bn a year
Reforms could cost businesses up to £5 billion a year according to government analysis which acknowledged that businesses would end up spending more on sick pay, paternity and parental leave and zero-hours contracts as well as on administrative costs.
Do It Now Now Make it Big
Round 2 with Pathway Fund. unique programme is designed to empower Black and Global Majority-led charities and social enterprises across the UK. Through grants of £25,000, alongside expert-led support and training
Deadline: 14 January 2025
https://www.doitnownow.com/make-it-big-with-pathway-fund
100x Impact Accelerator
World-leading social impact accelerator based at the London School of Economics, is looking for highly scalable models, that can be for-profit or non-profit, addressing global challenges in the areas of climate and environment, health and social care, refugees and cohesion, equitable economies, happiness and wellbeing, democracy, education and new frontiers.
£150,000 in funding, plus a 12 week programme.
Eligibility:
· Impact-first venture: may be structured as a non-profit or a for-profit
· Can be registered and/or operating from anywhere in the world
· Delivering impact within at least one of the eight Impact Areas
· Impact achieved to date is reaching at least 10,000 end-users via either a direct B2C model or an indirect B2B or B2G (government) model
· Operating with a team of four or more full-time paid employees
· Raised at least US$100,000 in capital from any source
Two programmes for the 2025/2026 Cohort: one starting in September 2025 and the other starting in March 2026.
Social ventures working with underserved communities in emerging markets in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa are encouraged to apply.
Organisations that have applied in previous cycles and were unsuccessful are welcome to reapply.
Deadline: 06 January 2025
https://www.100ximpact.org/
Diverse Business Summit
Sponsored by Lloyds Banking Group, is the ultimate platform to gain insights, boost visibility, and take your business to the next level. This dynamic one-day event features panel discussions, masterclasses, a procurement challenge, and corporate networking sessions.
When: Date: Friday 15th November, 2024, 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Where: Etc Venues, London SE1 7GP
https://thediversebusinesssummit.com/
Future Leaders Fellowships: round 10
Funding to support ambitious research and innovation across UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)’s remit.
Eligibility:
· You must be an early career researcher or innovator who is either:
· looking to establish or transition to independence
· developing their own original and ambitious plans within a commercial setting
· You must be based at, and have the support of, an eligible academic or non-academic institution eligible for UKRI funding.
There is no minimum or maximum project cost. UKRI will fund 80% of the full economic cost (FEC).
Your project can last for up to four years, with the option to apply to renew for a further three years.
Deadline: 18 June 2025
https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/future-leaders-fellowships-round-10/
Made Smarter Innovation – Innovate UK's Materials & Manufacturing Showcase
Join the Materials and Manufacturing Showcase to celebrate the success of the Made Smarter Innovation programme, and to help shape the future of innovation, investment, and collaboration.
The event will highlight the impact of £1.75 billion investment in materials and manufacturing, offering exclusive access to groundbreaking innovations and high-growth investment opportunities.
The two-day Showcase hosted by Innovate UK is designed to inspire, connect, and empower those driving change in these sectors. Network with industry leaders, investors and government representatives, and explore collaborations that will drive the UK's journey to net zero.
Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation that will define the next decade of growth in these critical industries.
When: 19 - 20 February 2025 |
Where: Venue Convene Sancroft, St Pauls, London
https://info.ktn-uk.org/cr/AQiqlwgQvsiaARig7tyIAiMjuvaRs5oH5YV9YzJbw7-kIglbla1Qo7aOGQd0F5go
Barrow Cadbury Trust - Breaking the Cycle
Funding initiative for Black and Minoritised Ethnic-led organisations to deepen our collective understanding of economic and racial injustice in Birmingham
This programme includes:
· Up to £15,000 core funding over 12 months
· Participation in a peer learning group (facilitated by brap)
· Access to individual support from brap
Apply in writing or video with a shorter form.
Briefing sessions 11th November. Email general@barrowcadbury.org.uk to attend.
Deadline: 02 December 2024
Curiosity Award: round six
Flexible awards to fund fundamental research that leads to new research agendas, networking activity and idea generation, which enables the development of further research opportunities and new research agendas.
Awards are available for projects up to £100,000 full economic cost (FEC) and Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) will fund 80% of this. Funding is available for projects up to five years in duration.
Deadline: 30 January 2025
https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/ahrc-responsive-mode-curiosity-award-round-six/
Catalyst Award: round six
Awards to support researchers without prior experience of leading a significant research project to accelerate their trajectory as independent researchers, to unlock their potential, build leadership and convenor experience.
You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for AHRC funding.
The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £300,000.
Deadline: 30 January 2025
https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/ahrc-responsive-mode-catalyst-award-round-six/
Small molecule High Throughput Screen using AstraZeneca facilities (Grant)
Apply for funding to run a High Throughput Screen (HTS) using AstraZeneca’s compound library and screening robots. Two funding opportunities per year with changing highlights. This funding opportunity will have a highlight on new targets related to autoimmunity or motor neurone disease. Funding upto £270,000.
Deadline: 16 January 2025
https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/develop-new-approaches-to-small-molecule-medicine/
Hobin’s Community Fund
Run by Manchester City Council Housing Services and provides grant funding to groups and organisations to help them make a sustainable positive impact across north Manchester.
You don’t have to be a constituted group, charity or company - anyone can apply so long as the idea is to the benefit of north Manchester’s communities.
Fund provides grants to support long-term community based projects in Manchester City Council Housing Service’s three neighbourhood areas:
· Cheetham (including Cheetham, Blackley and Crumpsall)
· Monsall (including Moston, Harpurhey, Collyhurst and Newton Heath)
· White Moss (including Higher Blackley, Charlestown and New Moston)
Deadline: Grants open all year round.
https://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/200047/grants/8222/hobin_s_community_fund_with_northwards_housing
Networking in Worcester for Startup Businesses
Connect with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and some of the most innovative professionals in Worcestershire's tech industry whilst enjoying a drink in a relaxed social environment.
Cost: Free
When: 28 November 2024, 12 pm - 2 pm
Where: The Kiln, Worcester
https://www.beta-den.com/events/28112024/startup-social-networking-event/#frmBookEvent
Mid-range equipment for biosciences research: ALERT 2024 (Grant)
Apply for funding to purchase mid-range equipment for research across BBSRC’s scientific areas through ALERT 2024. You must be a researcher or a research technical professional from an eligible UK research organisation to apply for funding. From £200,000 to £1.5 million.
Deadline: 09 January 2025
https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/mid-range-equipment-for-biosciences-research-alert-2024/
Jimbo’s Fund
Set up by generous local Leeds businessman, Jimi Heselden, to support people experiencing adversity in Leeds. Jimi tragically passed away in an accident in 2010, but the fund continues his legacy via support for community organisations.
Eligibility:
· To support people experiencing adversity in Leeds. Projects supporting people in LS8, LS9, LS14 and LS15 are particularly encouraged.
· They actively welcome more applications from, or benefiting, people under-represented in their grant making, for example LGBTQIA+, racially minoritised, d/Deaf or disabled people.
Grants of £1K to £20K available per year over 3 years Deadline: 26 November 2024
https://www.leedscf.org.uk/grants/jimbos-fund/
Media Cymru Scale Up
UK registered organisations based in Wales, can apply for a grant funding request between £100,000 and £250,000. The organisations must develop innovative products, services or experiences for the media sector.
Deadline: 4 December 2024
Music Export Growth Scheme
MEGS provides match-funding grant support to representatives of UK-based music acts (normally music management companies or record labels who meet SME criteria) to help deliver high-quality marketing and promotion campaigns linked to international tours to enable these acts to grow their international business.
Scheme is targeted at artists that have achieved reasonable levels of commercial impact in the UK and are now looking to break internationally. Successful recipients can claim no more than 50 per cent of eligible expenditure for their projects. No UK activity can be funded. Funding from £5,000 to £50,000.
Deadline: 31 March 2025
https://prsfoundation.com/funding-support/funding-music-creators/international/uk-export-network/
Investor Partnerships in digital technologies, North East: Rd 1
UK registered micro, small or medium sized businesses (SMEs) who will use the funding to grow their innovation activities in the digital technology cluster in North East England, both during and after the project. For this competition, North East England refers to the geography of the North East Combined Authority which includes Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, and County Durham.Funding from £30,000 to £900,000
Deadline: 11 December 2024
Launchpad: bio-based manufacturing, Scotland – Rd 2 MFA
UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £5.25 million for projects that grow their innovation activities in the bio-based manufacturing innovation cluster in Scotland. This funding is from Innovate UK. Funding from £25,000 to £100,000.
Deadline: 11 December 2024
Launchpad: immersive & creative, Coventry & Warwickshire Rd2 MFA
UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £4.35 million for projects that grow their innovation activities in the immersive and creative industries cluster centred on Coventry and Warwickshire in the West Midlands.
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, will work with Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council, and the West Midlands Combined Authority to invest up to £4.35 million in innovation projects.
Deadline: 11 December 2024
Investor Partnerships in health technologies, West Yorkshire: Rd 1
UK registered SMEs can apply for grant funding for projects that grow their innovation activities in the health technology cluster in West Yorkshire, alongside private investment from selected investor partners.
Deadline: 11 December 2024
New Generation Thinkers 2025
This scheme offers five early career researchers the opportunity to be ‘researchers in residence’ where they will work with programme makers at BBC Radio 4 and produce a piece of writing to be recorded for radio.
If selected, you’ll also take part in learning and development opportunities with AHRC around working with the media, engaging the public with research and how to work with policy makers.
You’ll be an up-and-coming early career researcher with a passion for sharing ideas with the largest possible audience.
Deadline: 28 January 2025
https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/new-generation-thinkers-2025/
Young Start
Helping young people aged eight to 24 to become more confident and play an active part in realising their potential.
We know people, communities and organisations are facing increased demands and challenges as a result of the cost-of-living crisis. If you would like to talk to us about a project in response to this, please get in touch at advicescotland@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk
Eligibility:
· Area Scotland
· Suitable for Voluntary or community organisations
Funding size £20,001 to £100,000
Application deadline Ongoing
https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/young-start
2053: Quantum Missions pilot: Quantum Computing and Quantum Networks
UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £9.5 million for Quantum Computing (QC) and Quantum Networks (QN) projects. This funding is from Innovate UK.
Eligibility:
· To lead a project your organisation must:
· A UK registered business of any size
· Carry out its project work in the UK
· intend to commercially exploit the project results from the UK
· Open to collaborations only
Deadline: 11 December 2024
https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/2053-quantum-missions-pilot-quantum-computing-and-quantum-networks
Net Zero Strategies for West Midlands Manufacturers Workshop
5th Workshop delivered by Aston University, tailored specifically for small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses. Workshops include Net Zero Strategies for West Midlands Manufacturers.
Eligibility:
· Open to SMEs across the West Midlands, including Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry, and the Black Country.
· Please help us spread the word by sharing the event details with your networks via social media, mailers, and other marketing channels.
Date & Time: 14th November 2024 | 9:45 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: The Eastside Rooms, Birmingham
Register Now: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/net-zero-strategies-for-west-midlands-manufacturers-tickets-1040850189937
Top 200 Women-Powered Businesses
J.P. Morgan has partnered with Beauhurst to deliver a comprehensive overview of the women-powered U.K. ecosystem. Insights into the trends, achievements and challenges women face in realising their entrepreneurial ambitions, celebrating the top 200 businesses across Britain.
https://privatebank.jpmorgan.com/eur/en/o/top-200-women-powered-businesses-report
Community innovation fund
Apply for up to £2,500 to bring your idea to life
Open to Turning Point services and the organisations, enterprises and groups that they are connected to in areas where they are located. If you have an idea for a project that would improve wellbeing for people in your local area, you can apply for up to £2500 to bring your idea to life. They're based in Rochdale, Oldham, Thornton, Castleford and London.
https://www.turning-point.co.uk/about-us/community-innovation-fund
Welcome to Immersive Arts!
A brand new funding and support programme for UK-based artists offering £3.6 million of funding designed to help them develop their art by using immersive technologies. Artists at all levels of experience are invited to apply, to explore, experiment or expand how they work with this exciting field of practice.
First round of funding for Explore (£5k), Experiment (£20k), Expand (£50k).
Deadline: 02 December 2024
https://immersivearts.uk/
Maudsley Charity - Mental Health
New core funding call for organisations supporting people affected by severe enduring mental illness. Established community and voluntary organisations that provide support to people affected by severe enduring mental illness in southeast London (Croydon, Lewisham, Southwark and Lambeth). Up to £30,000 for up to 18 months.
Bids can be for core costs, or in the case of an existing project, project costs. Particularly aimed at charities, CICs that can show how they effectively cater for the needs of racially minoritised communities.
Deadline for expressions of interest: 12 November 2024
https://maudsleycharity.org/our-grants/living-well-with-psychosis-community-support/
Get Ready To Supply (GR2S)
Grants are great, but another good way to bring in cash is to procure to organisations with deep pockets.
A program from the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) that helps small and medium-sized businesses in East Birmingham and North Solihull find new contract opportunities. The program is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered in partnership with Newable, a business support specialist.
The Workshops and Procurement Clubs happened last month, but the opportunities to tender are still available.
https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/resource/chamber-partnership-to-unlock-opportunities-for-east-birmingham-and-north-solihull-businesses.html
Use of generative AI in application preparation and assessment
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) launches its policy on the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) during the funding application and assessment process.
Generative AI is a broad label used to describe any AI that can be present opportunities and bring benefits in the context of research and innovation by:
● facilitating creativity and the development of ideas
● providing a useful tool for people who have neurodivergencies
● reducing language barriers
https://wellcome.org/who-we-are/positions-and-statements/joint-statement-generative-ai
Female Founders Competition
Fiverr and Virgin StartUp are once again challenging female founders across the UK to show us how business-building is done for their chance to win £15,000 to spend on Fiverr.
https://www.fiverr.com/cp/female-founders-competition
Acumen UK Fellowship
Invests in social entrepreneurs across the capital continuum and accompanies them on the journey to create transformational change. At Acumen Academy, we identify and prepare these leaders with the hard skills required to build scalable solutions to poverty and the harder skills of moral leadership to re-imagine and build a better world.
The UK Fellowship is a reflective program that brings together a cohort of extraordinary individuals with an entrepreneurial mindset and a commitment to solve problems of poverty. We equip them with the tools and community to strengthen their leadership, scale their impact, and create meaningful change in the United Kingdom.
Against the backdrop of persistent poverty and increasing inequality across the United Kingdom, our Fellows are building solutions that redefine Education, Employment, Healthcare, Workforce development, and more. Solutions that cultivate dignity and present the greatest hope for the future of our society and our planet.
https://fellowship.acumenacademy.org/uk
ReBOOT
BSSEC are running a technology event for Voluntary Community Faith and Social Enterprise (VCSE’s) to support better understanding and adoption of technology across our sector. This is an event showcasing some interesting examples of how regional organisations are using technology for project management, engagement, training, all kinds of support followed by an opportunity to bring your own technology challenge and get some answers on how you might move forward. This event is based on a Roundtable we held back in March and is designed for the sector by the sector!
A collaboration interchange event for the (VCFSE sector in the West Midlands to explore, engage, and embed technology to enable social business growth.
When: Thursday 14th November 2024
Where: BCU STEAMhouse, Birmingham B4
https://bssec.org.uk/resources/wmca-social-economy-sessions/
Sizewell C Community Fund
Will provide up to £23m over the next decade for local charities, community groups and social enterprises who are delivering projects that benefit local communities in East Suffolk.
Focus of the fund is on reducing the impact of, or building on the opportunities created by, the construction of Sizewell C nuclear power station.
https://www.suffolkcf.org.uk/sizewell-c
Work-related digital innovations for individuals with poor mental health
Up to £200k each for digital innovations to help people remain in work, return to work, or gain employment.
SBRI Healthcare Competition 27: ‘Work-related digital innovations for individuals with poor mental health’ invites innovations that focus on three areas:
- Digital interventions targeting work-related risk factors facing working age population (aged 16-64) with mental health problems in employment, that provide rapid support to individuals to help them remain in work
- Digital interventions that specifically tackle barriers to work facing unemployed working age individuals (aged 16-64) with mental health problems, to support individuals to return to work or gain employment
- Digital interventions targeting workplace issues/barriers facing working age population (aged 16-64) from disadvantaged communities with mental health problems, to support individuals attain, remain or return to work
Deadline: 13 November 2024
https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/opportunities/work-related-digital-innovations-for-individuals-with-poor-mental-health/
Net Zero for SME’s
Workshop esigned for those outside of the manufacturing sector including service providers, retailers, hospitality venues etc.
Programme to:
● Foster innovation and collaboration towards achieving net zero emissions
● Connect like-minded professionals
● Offer valuable insights from industry experts to elevate your business
● Provide access to government funding of up to £100,000
● Enable you to measure your emissions
Where: WMG, Warwick University
When: 21st November 2024 9:30- 4:30 onat for an exciting in-person event tailored for
Cost: Free
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/net-zero-cohort-for-smes-coventry-tickets-1028931560997
Horizon Europe Climate Neutral and Smart Cities Mission Call
The European Commission's Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission works to deliver 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030 and ensure that these cities act as experimentation and innovation hubs to enable all European cities to follow suit by 2050.
A new call for projects has now launched to support research and innovation under the Cities Mission titled: Changing urban spaces and mindsets to accelerate the transition to climate neutrality. A total of €98 million is available for proposals across the following four topics:
● Rethinking urban spaces towards climate neutrality, €45 million budget.
● Zero-pollution cities: €20 million budget - Applicants should propose projects that deliver better and innovative local measures against pollution.
● Mobility management plans and behavioural change: €5 million budget - The objective is to explore, analyse and evaluate the effectiveness of mobility management schemes.
● Integrated peri-urban areas in the transition towards climate neutrality: €28 million budget - This topic aims to foster the integration of green and smart mobility, energy, industry and governance solutions and measures.
Deadline: 11 February 2025
https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/eu-missions-horizon-europe/climate-neutral-and-smart-cities_en
BBC Children in Need Pudsey Next Steps programme
Funding programme will help achieve greater equity, diversity and inclusion in our grant-making.
This round aims to reach under-served and marginalised children and young people. They may be affected by challenges including poverty, discrimination, and exclusion. For example, this could include care experienced or disabled children and young people. It may include children and young people from minoritised ethnic communities.
https://www.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/grants/apply/pudsey-next-steps/
Apprenticeship Levy to be replaced
The Government has announced that a new growth and skills levy will replace the existing Apprenticeship Levy. The growth and skills levy will allow funding for shorter apprenticeships, giving learners and employers greater flexibility over their training than under the existing system.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prime-minister-overhauls-apprenticeships-to-support-opportunity
UK – Germany Bilateral: Collaborative R&D Round 4 funding opportunity
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £2 million to enhance UK and German collaborations in emerging fields of technology.
If you have a game changing, innovative idea leading to new products, processes or services, this funding competition could be for you.
Funding a variety of projects across a range of sectors and technology areas. Particularly encourage applications from following emerging technology areas:
● Quantum
● AI
● Semiconductor applications
● Engineering biology
● Future telecommunications
● Green technologies including hydrogen and battery technologies
Deadline: 06 December 2024
https://iuk.ktn-uk.org/opportunities/uk-germany-bilateral-collaborative-rd-round-4
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.
When: 14 November 2024
Where: BIRMINGHAM
https://bssec.org.uk/
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
https://covenantfund.org.uk/programmes/
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/
Chancellor Delivers Autumn Budget with a Focus on Economic Growth
A Budget, which raises taxes totalling £40 billion, Rachel Reeves said growth was the mission for the duration of this parliament, and the only way to drive economic growth is to 'invest, invest, invest'.
Among the key announcements made, the following measures will directly affect the country's businesses and public services. Thank you to the wonderful team at BVSC for providing this summary.
Businesses
● The government will deliver permanently lower business rates multipliers for retail, hospitality and leisure properties from 2026-27. The Budget also provides £1.9 billion of support to small businesses and the high street by freezing the small business multiplier and providing 40% relief, up to a £110,000 cash cap.
● To help start-ups and scale-ups access external sources of financial support, the government is extending the Enterprise Investment Scheme and Venture Capital Trust schemes to 2035.
● A commitment has been made to provide more than £250 million of funding in 2025-26 for the British Business Bank's small business loans programmes.
● The Department for Business and Trade will announce details of a £4 million pilot package to encourage tech adoption for SMEs.
● Funding for the Made Smarter Adoption programme will double to £16 million in 2025-26, supporting more small manufacturing businesses to adopt advanced digital technologies and enabling the programme to be expanded to all nine regions of England.
● To support small firms, the government is increasing the Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500 and removing the £100,000 threshold, expanding this to all eligible employers.
● The government will reform the local growth funding landscape at Phase 2 of the Spending Review: rationalising the number of funds, moving away from competitions, and better supporting local leaders to drive growth.
● £3 billion of additional support will be provided for SMEs and the Build to Rent sector to support the private housing market.
● Confirmation was given about the Industrial Strategy's commitment to target interventions for driving growth, including:
○ £975 million for the aerospace sector over five years to fund research and development.
○ More than £2 billion over five years to support the automotive sector including the zero emissions vehicle manufacturing sector and supply chain.
○ Up to £520 million for a new Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund to drive growth and build resilience for future health emergencies.
○ Tax reliefs for creative industries, which will provide £15 billion of support over the next five years.
○ Extending Innovation Accelerators into 2025-26 to continue bolstering high-potential innovation clusters in the Glasgow City Region, Greater Manchester, and the West Midlands.
● A Small Business Strategy Command Paper will be launched in 2025, setting out the government's vision to support small businesses.
● UK Export Finance (UKEF) will now be able to provide financial support to UK companies supplying minerals to exporters in high-growth sectors such as EV battery production, clean growth, aerospace, and defence, furthering the government's Net Zero ambitions and building supply chain resilience.
● To support existing firms to decarbonise and grow, the government has confirmed £163 million to continue the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund over 2025-26 to 2027-28.
● £120 million will be provided in 2025-26 to support the purchase of new electric vans via the Plug-in Vehicle Grant and to support the manufacture of wheelchair accessible EVs.
● Over £200 million will be provided for wider small business support, including continued funding for practical support through Growth Hubs and Help to Grow Management.
● The Department for Business and Trade will offer continued support for Energy Intensive Industries through around £350 million of funding across 2024-25 and 2025-26 to support energy efficiency, decarbonisation, and technological innovation.
● Funding will be provided for green hydrogen and carbon capture, as part of a government committing to making Britain a clean energy superpower. There will be a new, multi-year investment into carbon capture and storage.
Public sector
● The government will offer additional funding for local roads maintenance. This will go further than the previous commitment to fix an additional one million potholes across England each year, investing almost £1.6 billion, an increase of £500 million on 2024-25.
● £500 million will be invested in 2025-26 to deliver Project Gigabit and Shared Rural Network to drive the rollout of digital infrastructure to underserved parts of the UK, including delivering full gigabit broadband coverage by 2030.
● £1.4 billion for the School Rebuilding Programme, representing an increase of £550 million on this year to support the current programme, including plans for 100 projects to begin delivery across England next year.
● A £500 million boost to the Affordable Homes Programme to build up to 5,000 additional affordable homes. The government will set out details of future grant investment beyond the current phase 2 of the programme to support greater investment in new affordable housing from social housing providers.
● Local authority services will be supported through a real terms increase in core local government spending power of around 3.2%, including at least £600 million of new grant funding to support social care. This is alongside an £86 million increase to the Disabled Facilities Grant to support 7,800 more adaptations to homes for those with social care needs to reduce hospitalisations and prolong independence.
● An additional £1 billion will be provided to accelerate the removal of dangerous cladding on homes, following the Grenfell Tower report.
● Greater Manchester and the West Midlands will be the first authorities to receive new funding settlements next year, a move which the Chancellor says will give mayors meaningful control of the funding for their local areas.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)
The UKSPF is the government's replacement for EU funding, following the country's withdrawal from the European Union. The Autumn Budget confirms that the programme, which was due to end in April 2025, will continue at a reduced level for a further year with £900 million of funding. This transitional arrangement aims to provide as much stability as possible in advance of wider local growth funding reforms.
Closing her statement, the Chancellor said this Budget, the first one from a Labour Government in more than 14 years, will 'restore stability and rebuild Britain'.
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) forecasts the economy to grow by 1.1% in 2024, before increasing to 2.0% and 1.8% in 2025 and 2026. Growth is then expected to return to around the OBR's estimate of its potential rate, at 1.5%, 1.5% and 1.6% over 2027, 2028 and 2029 respectively.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/autumn-budget-2024
Sign-up to this Show Me The Money newsletter, or share with anyone needing support in these times of opportunity & change:
www.hibretone.org
Big Thank You to these supporters….
E&OE
Disclaimer:
• Information is produced for entertainment purposes only and is for the sole use of the recipients.
• The author assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this site. The information contained is provided on an "as is" basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness.
• All supporters expressly disclaim all representations, warranties, assurance of any kind, expressed or implied.
• Items added in the order I found out about them, not importance.
