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

Revised: October 2024

Hello wonderful people,

October is always packed full of events around the country. Coming up for Birmingham Tech Week, the largest UK regional tech with over 7500 people attending the event.

Plus, arguably the largest social economy event in the W Midlands. Social Economy Drive in November 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 for the delivery. Black History Month with the theme Reclaiming Narratives.

We have to skip the intern in the spotlight this month as we have been migrating the hibretOne platform we get ready for closed-user testing.

I’ll be doing my ‘Show Me The Money’ workshop at the NatWest MoneyFest on Wednesday 13th November in Birmingham. To date the Show Me The Money pilot has directed founders to over £8 million in grant funding. Got a lovely LI message from Anthony R last week. He said the newsletter had directed him to over £80,000 in grants. Anthony if you’re free on the 13th, come & share what you’ve done. I’ll give you some other tips, that will double what you’ve already won!

Coventry Building Society are one of my hero companies! I’ll say it another way, Coventry Building Society are doing something so rare of any finance institution. They run a Supplier Diversity Event 08 October, tailor-made for all businesses including diverse suppliers based in and around Coventry. CBS are the only financial institution I know who have opened up their supply chain. Most banks want you to be their customer, but they don’t to be your customer! They are also doing a Meet The Buyer event for hibretOne in December.

Whether you trust vaccines or not, Oxford researchers have secured funding from Cancer Research UK for the world's first ovarian cancer prevention vaccine. Hopefully, this funding is a massive step forward in improving women's health outcomes.

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:

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LATEST:

Birmingham Tech Week 2024

UK’s largest regional tech festival and conference with over 7,500 people attending. Events will be taking place across the entire West Midlands covering a variety of important and innovative topics.

21st – 25th October 2024

Where: In-Person & Online

https://birminghamtechweek.com/

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/

Local authorities rushing to spend UKSPF

Some regional mayors have admitted they are racing to spend millions of pounds on skills training before UKSPF funding ends in March 2025. According to some local authorities, the UKSPF three-year spending timeframe was made worse by months of government delays in the release of funding. This has resulted in some regions taking urgent action to spend their funding before the UKSPF comes to an end. If you are in a Combined Authority check to see if funding is available for training.

https://feweek.co.uk/mayors-in-spending-panic-to-beat-2-6bn-skills-cash-deadline/

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

MoneyFest: A Festival of funding & finance

As part of the day I’ll be delivering my Show Me The Money workshop. I’ll direct you to guaranteed grants and programme support. Well done Harinder Kunor for putting this together.

When: Wednesday, November 13 2024

Where: NatWest Hub, 2 St Philip's Place, Birmingham

Cost: Free

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--birmingham/natwest-moneyfest/

Agri-tech and food technology, Eastern England

UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £2.5 million for business led projects that grow their innovation activities in the agri-tech and food technology cluster in Eastern England. This funding is from Innovate UK. Grants between £25,000 and £100,000.

Eligibility:

Eastern England consists of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership area, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Norfolk and Suffolk.

Deadline: 06 November 2024

https://iuk.ktn-uk.org/opportunities/agri-tech-and-food-technology-eastern-england-round-2-mfa/

Create Growth Programme Showcase Day

Registrations are open for the Showcase Day, open to investors looking to explore opportunities within the creative industries. This is a national event held in London on Tuesday, 15 October, by the CGP Programme, launched by the Department of Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) in partnership with Innovate UK.

The Day will revolve around founder-investor networking and highly-focused sessions on raising and driving investment in the creative sector.

When: 15 October 2024

Where: London

https://web-eur.cvent.com/event/c9035a68-bbf0-4cb9-b7b2-9ea3a134f201/summary

Action needed to help self-employed prepare for retirement

According to a report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies, policy action is needed to help millions of self-employed workers better prepare for their retirement.

Currently only 20% of self-employed workers earning over £10,000 are saving in a private pension, compared to 80% of employees. Among the self-employed, pension participation has fallen from 60% in 1998 to 20% since 2013.

https://ifs.org.uk/news/policy-action-needed-help-millions-self-employed-workers-better-prepare-their-retirement

Government must stabilise business support funding

As the current round of UKSPF is due to end in March 2025, the Local Government Association is urging the Government to take immediate action to stabilise regional growth funding.

The association is calling for the Government to provide one year of additional, fully flexible funding that equates to the value of year 3 of UKSPF. This will provide greater certainty for business support provision, which helps support national and local ambitions for economic growth.

https://www.local.gov.uk/parliament/briefings-and-responses/adjournment-debate-uk-shared-prosperity-fund-9-september-2024

Business Wales Start-Up Accelerator Programme

Begins in January 2025 and is open for applications. As part of the ten-week programme, participants will receive step-by-step guidance on how to turn their ideas into fully operational businesses. They will receive tailored support designed to help them acquire customers and develop a sustainable business model.

https://businesswales.gov.wales/news-and-blog/business-wales-start-accelerator-programme

Package of reforms for universities

A report published by Universities UK has recommended a package of reforms to help universities break down barriers to opportunity and boost the economy. The reforms include working more closely with local businesses, chambers of commerce and metro mayors, as well as a major efficiency drive to change the way universities work.

https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/latest/news/uk-faces-clear-choice-between-success-or

Join the East Midlands Combined Authority Business Advisory Board

Representatives from across the East Midlands are being sought to help strengthen the connection between East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) and local businesses, with the window for applications open until

Deadline: 11 October 2024

https://midlandsengine.org/news-events/join-the-east-midlands-combined-county-authority-business-advisory-board/

University of Birmingham Business Club: Business Recovery and Growth - a Birmingham Tech Week Fringe Event

At this exclusive event, you’ll discover how partnering with the University of Birmingham can unlock your company’s full potential. Learn how academic research, cutting-edge knowledge transfer, and access to our pool of talented students and graduates can drive your business forward.

When: 22 October 2024

Where: UoB The Exchange, Birmingham

Cost: Free

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=z8oksN7eQUKhXDyX1VPp8xeY2nkhXw5MsgzE5zHZOcFUN0gyWFNTM1hWTFFBSzUzNU0zREdCQzJCMC4u&route=shorturl

Wessex Water Community Fund

Up to £4000 to support community based activities that meet local needs and improve the lives of those most in need. Priorities include community cohesion and financial resilience. Applicants must be based and working in Dorset or Ringwood (Hampshire) and they prioritise applicants with income under £500,000 pa. Open to most non profits.

Fund delivered by Quartet (Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire), Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire Community Foundations.

A lot of water companies are doing these types of grants, so contact your local supplier.

Deadline 18 October 2024

https://www.dorsetcommunityfoundation.org/funds/wessex-water-community-fund/

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/

T Level and Work Experience Officer

BMet (Birmingham Metropolitan College) is on an exciting journey! Be a part of our students' experience and make a difference.

James Watt College, Birmingham, West Midlands. United Kingdom, B44 8NE

Deadline: 13 October 2024

https://careers.bmet.ac.uk/job/616283

World's first ovarian cancer prevention vaccine study

Oxford researchers secure funding for world's first ovarian cancer prevention vaccine

Researchers have been awarded funding from Cancer Research UK to create the world’s first vaccine to prevent ovarian cancer.

Scientists at the University of Oxford are designing OvarianVax, a vaccine which teaches the immune system to recognise and attack the earliest stages of ovarian cancer. The team will receive up to £600,000 for the study over the next three years to support lab research into the vaccine.

https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2024-10-04-oxford-researchers-secure-funding-worlds-first-ovarian-cancer-prevention-vaccine

Nuffield: Racial Diversity UK Fund

Research funding to understand the barriers and pathways to a racially just and inclusive UK society. They encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, particularly from individuals and organisations from racially minoritised communities. Grants from £15,000 to £750,000. Deadline 14 October 2024

https://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/funding/racial-diversity-uk-fund

Innovation & Creativity Masterclass

The importance of Creative Thinking and Developing an Innovation Mindset. Brought to you by The Creative Chain and West Midlands Combined Authority as part of West Midlands Creativity Week.

Masterclass includes a panel with Dale Hicks of The Fashion Network, Rosie Penny of Propel Dance, plus some great people flying in from France that morning. Well done Fiona Latter for organising this event as well.

When: Thursday 10th October, 10.30am – 1pm

Where: National Brownfield Institute, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton

https://www.businessgrowthwestmidlands.org.uk/events/innovation-and-creativity-masterclass/

Amplify: Access To New Markets Business Workshop Series

A programme from Foundervine, designed to help you scale beyond the UK quickly and effectively. Whether you're looking to expand your reach or boost your revenue, this series equips you with proven strategies rooted in lean startup principles to help you succeed in global markets.

https://www.foundervine.com/amplify-venture

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

Creative Founders Connect

An exclusive event organised by the fantastic team at Foundervine. Bringing together innovative founders and key influencers from the creative industries at Meta HQ.

When: 18 October 2024 | Time: 18:00 - 21:00

Where: Meta HQ, 9-11 Canal Reach, London

https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1uGvZhj3vT2mreI081puvvQfj0bc

ReBOOT

A collaboration interchange event for the Voluntary Community Faith and Social Enterprise (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

New SBRI Funding

SBRI Healthcare, in partnership with the Health Innovation Network and NHS England's Digital Innovation Team, has launched a new funding competition focused on work-related digital innovations for individuals with poor mental health. This is a fantastic opportunity for innovators looking to make a difference in mental health through digital solutions.

Funding Available: Up to £200,000 (NET, excluding VAT) per innovation for up to 12 months.

Eligibility:

Open to innovations at any stage, from feasibility testing to generating real-world evidence.

Webinar on 08 October 2024

Deadline: 13 November 2024

https://sbrihealthcare.co.uk/competitions/competition-27-work-related-digital-innovations-for-individuals-with-poor-mental-health

Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation

For engineers and entrepreneurs who have developed, or are in the process of developing, a new technological innovation. Applicants should have the ambition to take a leading role in creating a new business to commercialise this innovation. Innovations must aim to promote the welfare and economic development of a country or countries in sub-Saharan Africa, and be designed to address a development need or specific challenge facing that country.

https://africaprize.raeng.org.uk/about-the-prize/how-to-apply

Jasiri Talent Investor programme

Dedicated to discovering and investing in promising entrepreneurs with the potential to establish high-impact businesses.

Fully funded 13 month programme that takes a comprehensive, long-term approach to nurture entrepreneurs. The programme offers fellows the time and resources needed to identify Market-Creating Innovations and achieve product-market fit.

Deadline: 17 October 2024

https://vc4a.com/jasiri/talent-investor/

Black in Business is back for 2024

Each business will receive £150,000 of TV Advertising on Channel 4, the creation of their own TV commercial by Quiet Storm, business and marketing masterclasses, and 6 months of tailored mentorship to accelerate their business growth.

Designed by Channel 4 in partnership with Lloyds, the initiative will support four businesses ready to scale through the power of TV Advertising and Mentorship.

Applications are now open

https://www.channel4.com/blackinbusiness/

Digital Health Rewired Pitchfest Conference

Taking place at The NEC in Birmingham on March 18-19, 2025, the Pitchfest Conference invites start-ups to compete for the Pitchfest Start-Up title, showcasing their ideas to NHS leaders and investors.

Whether pre or post-revenue, applicants will first compete in live heats at AI and Data in London Olympia on October 22-23, 2024. Finalists will then pitch live at Rewired 2025 in Birmingham, with preliminary judging at AI and Data 2024. Winners will gain expert advice, project opportunities, media exposure.

https://digitalhealthrewired.com/pitchfest/

Locally Unlocking Culture through Inclusive Access (LUCIA) (Grant)

Apply for funding to form a community-driven research network to enhance access to culture. Funded networks will create partnerships across communities, researchers, and policymakers, to promote urban cultural renewal. You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for AHRC funding.

Full economic cost (FEC) of your network up to £100,000 and AHRC will fund 80% of the FEC.

Deadline: 10 April 2025

https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/locally-unlocking-culture-through-inclusive-access-lucia/

Small Grants to Reduce Social Isolation for Over 55s in UK

Founded by Home Instead, the UK’s leading provider of home care, Home Instead Charities’ mission is to end loneliness for ageing adults. The organisation exists to bring happiness and joy into the lives of Britain’s ageing population so that ageing adults are thriving, not just surviving.

To this end, they offer funding to support local community events that enhance and enrich the lives of people over the age of 55 to combat loneliness and sometimes isolation ensuring they stay fit, active, healthy and connected and contributing to their local communities.

There are two levels of funding:

·        Grants of up to £500 for small grass roots organisations.

·        Grants of up to £1,500 for small local registered charities. Larger grants can be considered for exceptional projects.

The funder will only fully fund a grant request where the applicant holds no more than three months operating costs in reserve. For organisations that have more than this, up to 50% of the project costs will be funded.

Four application windows per year.

Deadline: 31 October 2024.

https://www.homeinstead.co.uk/charities/how-we-do-it/apply-for-a-grant/

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

Support for early-stage femtech and AI projects

Two new BMC accelerators, funded in collaboration with the Medical Research Council, are currently open focusing on two key themes: femtech and artificial intelligence (AI) in health, each with their own programme of support. Each theme has a stream for businesses, and another specifically developed for academics.

Accelerating FemTech helps UK-based, early-stage companies, university spinouts and entrepreneurial-minded academics focused on women’s health to gain the commercial and funding momentum they need for long-term success.

Accelerators will be followed by a closed BMC feasibility competition. This will provide financial support to assess the technical and commercial viability of the early-stage projects.

Deadline for Accelerating FemTech: 13 Oct 2024

https://iuk.ktn-uk.org/opportunities/biomedical-catalyst-accelerating-femtech/

Mindset extended reality (XR): Digital therapeutics for mental health

UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £3.7 million for R&D projects that provide digital therapeutics for mental health solutions. This funding is from Innovate UK.

Eligibility

Open to single applicants and collaborations.

To lead a project your organisation must be a UK registered business of any size.

Deadline: 15 January 2025

https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/mindset-extended-reality-xr-digital-therapeutics-for-mental-health/

True Colours Trust – Africa Small Grants Scheme

A UK charity passionate about promoting and developing palliative care for adults and children in Africa, including improving access to appropriate pain relief. The scheme was established in 2009 and is administered by the African Palliative Care Association on behalf of the Trust. Grants of up to £5,000 are available primarily for one-off projects with a duration of no more than one year.

Deadline: 31/10/2024

https://africasmallgrants.truecolourstrust.org.uk/

Social Tech Trust

GoodTech Ventures Cohort 3 Expression of Interest Form

Gearing up for a third accelerator program and are looking for early-stage tech-for-good ventures based in London.

https://tally.so/r/wQYYKY

Help to Grow: Management Course

A 12-week, Government-funded leadership course that covers the fundamentals of running a business. Designed to provide practical knowledge, tried-and-tested frameworks, and support from small business experts to help build confidence, improve decision-making, and inspire your team to achieve ambitious business goals.

Eligibility:

• Work for or own a small or medium-sized enterprise based in the United Kingdom.

• Employ between 5 and 249 employees.

• Be a member of the senior leadership team and have direct reports.

https://smallbusinesscharter.org/help-to-grow-management-course)

Resilient Urban Business and Enterprise Networks Project

Business in the Community (BITC) are running a survey on business resilience for SMEs. Survey aims to aid research into how business networks and groups can be supported to prepare for, and respond to emergency incidents that affect their communities – from the civil unrest seen recently, to flooding, terrorist attacks, power outage, fire, pandemics and beyond.

By sharing your thoughts and experience in this survey, there will be opportunity for you to access more information and support for your group of businesses in this area of emergency preparation and response.

https://eu.research.net/r/UBENP_Survey

Wales sees record growth in entrepreneurship

The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM UK) Wales report 2023 has revealed that the rate of total early-stage entrepreneurial activity reached an unprecedented 11.5% in Wales in 2023. This is an increase from 7.8% in 2022. The report also revealed that 20% of working-age adults in Wales intended to start a business within the next three years, up from 15.7% in 2022.

https://www.gov.wales/wales-sees-record-growth-entrepreneurship

Freelancers reducing their day rates

The quarterly Freelance Confidence Index survey has found that the average freelance day rate was £457 in Q2 2024, down from £547 in the previous quarter. The fall has been attributed to freelancers reducing their day rates to win more work from hirers with tighter budgets.

https://www.ipse.co.uk/articles/freelancers-slash-day-rates-by-16-as-businesses-hit-the-brakes-on-hiring

Birmingham Black Business Conference

Learn how Headline Speaker, Kanya King CBE, transformed the MOBO Awards into a Global Enterprise, along with her tips and strategies at the annual Birmingham Black Business Conference, sponsored by NatWest!

This must-attend event will feature some of the UK's most influential Black business leaders, offering invaluable advice, connections, and resources for both startups and established companies. How to invest in Land, Property and Business within the UK, Jamaica and across Africa, then this is the perfect opportunity for you to invest in your personal and business development.

Organised by one of my hero’s the amazing Keith Shayaam-Smith. This guy is brilliant!

When: Saturday 19 October 2024 

Where: Legacy Centre of Excellence, Birmingham

https://www.legacycoe.co.uk/

Coventry Building Society supply chain

Coventry Building Society are running a Supplier Diversity Event tailor-made for all businesses including diverse suppliers based in and around Coventry. Most banks you cannot get into their supply chain, but banks want you to be their customer. With CBS it is exceptional and I believe the model for all financial institutions.

Working with suppliers from all backgrounds is important to businesses, but understanding why is just as significant. Important conversation about why diversity is essential in creating successful teams and relationships between businesses.

Loads of opportunities to network with fellow business leaders and owners, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations.

When: 08 October

Where: Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry

Cost: Free, but you must book.

https://www.coventrybuildingsocietyarena.co.uk/whats-on/childcare-education-expo-xh2h5#

Co-operative and Mutual Economy 2024 report

Record-breaking numbers are in, this year’s report sets the baseline for government's ambitious pledge to double the size of the co-operative and mutual economy. I will let you in on a secret, one of the business models which hibretOne is employing to support startups is based on the co-operative business model. Why? Because traditionally 60% of businesses fail within 3 years. However, businesses within a cooperative structure have double the survival rate.

Report highlights:

·        £165.7 billion total income – highest ever for the sector

·        9,342 co-operatives and mutuals operating across the UK

·        1.3 million people employed by co-operatives and mutuals

·        68.8 million memberships, a 2.9% rise from last year.

Resilient businesses: Co-operative new-starts more than twice as likely to survive beyond five years.

https://www.uk.coop/resources/economy

Net Zero for Manufacturers

Net Zero Innovation Network from Warwick Manufacturing Group offers grant funding, technical support, and tools to help local manufacturers.

Are you a West Midlands manufacturer looking to:

·        Minimise energy costs?

·        Invest in solar panels or energy-efficient machinery?

·        Reduce scope 3 emissions to stay in or enter a supply chain?

If so, you are invited to join the Net Zero Innovation Network by attending their next workshop.

Benefits for Participants:

·        Grants up to £100,000 for efficient machinery and sustainable solutions like solar panels.

·        5-day technical innovation project with expert support to overcome sustainability challenges, reduce costs, increase turnover, or improve productivity.

Net-zero roadmap workshop providing valuable insights and a personalized roadmap for sustainable business success.

When: 8^th October 2024, 9:30- 4:30pm

Where: BCIMO, Dudley

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/net-zero-cohort-for-manufacturing-smes-tickets-941818503497

Veolia Environmental Trust grant funding

Fund 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.

·        Habitat and Biodiversity Grants between £10,000 and £75,000 for projects resulting in structural improvements.

·        Environmental Improvement Grants start at £75,000 for ambitious and imaginative projects.

Deadline: October has passed, but typically four funding each year. Thanks for sharing Dr Chloe Sharp.

https://buff.ly/2L0cxUU

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.

Not to sure about applying for these, if you do make sure you have extra help. Success rates are are less than 3%!

Deadline: 23 October 2024

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

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

Water4All European Partnership Joint Transnational Call

Aim of the call is to stimulate research and innovation to improve water security in the long term.

A global budget of approximately €35 million has been provisionally reserved for the call. Must address at least one of the following topics:

·        Topic 1: Enhancement of water circularity in industries.

·        Topic 2: Urban water circularity.

·        Topic 3: Resource recovery and valorisation.

·        Topic 4: Economic, environmental and social implications of water reuse and recovered products.

Eligibility:

A consortium must be composed of at least three eligible partners.

A total of 36 funding partner organisations from the following countries have agreed to participate:

Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, Tunisia and the United Kingdom.

Deadline: 13 November 2024

https://www.water4all-partnership.eu/

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/

Co-op launches accelerator scheme

Co-op has announced a brand accelerator scheme alongside its Apiary incubator programme to boost brand development and growth for smaller suppliers. The accelerator scheme is open to both new and existing suppliers and will provide access to learning opportunities and buyer support.

https://www.grocerygazette.co.uk/2024/09/20/co-op-accelerator-apiary/

Asda Foundation Grants for Grassroots Community Groups

Each year, the Asda Foundation receives a donation from Asda Stores which is used to provide grant funding to grassroots groups at the heart of communities throughout the UK. The Foundation works with In-store Asda Community Champions to award grants to the local groups that need them most.

Three funding streams:

·        Empowering Local Communities: initiatives to address diverse local challenges and support local initiatives for residents over the age of 18 years.

·        Under 18 Better Starts: projects to tackle poverty, address inclusion and boost wellbeing for children and young people under 18 years.

·        Cost of Living: support for local community groups to help with volunteer-related costs, rent/utilities expenses and food/essentials.

·        Charities and not-for-profit organisations based in the UK can apply grants of between £400 and £2,000.

The awards are fixed at £400, £500, £800, £1,000, £1,200, £1,600 and £2,000.

Application forms can be obtained from Asda Community Champions, who are based in local Asda stores: applicants can use the store locator link on the Asda Foundation website to get in touch with their local store and speak to their Community Champion about their project proposal.

Deadline: 08 November 2024

https://asdafoundation.org/our-grants/

West Midlands - Citizen Local Fund

Funding is provided and administered by Citizen, a social housing provider in the West Midlands, for the benefit of their residents. Grants between £50 and £3,000.

Projects should seek to achieve one or more of the following:

·        Improving physical health and mental well-being.

·        Reducing social isolation and loneliness.

·        Supporting community cohesion by helping to bring people of all ages and backgrounds together.

·        Enhance local areas by improving the physical environment.

Eligibility:

Tenants of Citizen Housing in the West Midlands

Deadline: 01/11/2024

https://www.citizenhousing.org.uk/citizen-local-fund/

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/

Triangle Trust’s Autumn Funding

Grants of up to £80,000 for proposals focused on targeted work with high-risk young women and girls ages 11 and 30 who are on the edge of the criminal justice system.

Eligibility:

·        UK registered charities, not-for-profit social enterprises and community interest companies

·        Clearly show that women and girls make up at least 80% of their total beneficiaries across their whole organisation.

·        Proven track record of running projects with vulnerable and challenging young women and girls between the ages of 11 and 30 years, and their work is both gender and trauma informed.

·        There is particular interest in funding projects working with young women and girls who are care experienced, come from Black or minoritized/racialised communities and work that is led by people with lived experience.

The Trust particularly welcomes applications from organisations working in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Deadline: 30 October 2024

https://www.triangletrust.org.uk/

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

Agri-tech and food technology Funding

UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £2.5 million for business led projects that grow their innovation activities in the agri-tech and food technology cluster in Eastern England. This funding is from Innovate UK.

Eligibility:

·        Open to collaborations only.

·        To lead a project your organisation must:

·        A UK registered business of any size

·        Be developing activities in the agri-tech and food technology cluster in Eastern England

·        Intend to exploit the project outcomes from the UK for domestic or global benefit

Deadline: 06 November 2024

https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/agri-tech-and-food-technology-eastern-england-round-3-crd/

Late payment support for small businesses

The Government has announced measures to support small businesses and the self-employed by tackling late payments. The measures include a new Fair Payment Code and a requirement for large businesses to include payment reporting in their annual reports.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/crack-down-on-late-payments-in-major-support-package-for-small-businesses

New Industrial Strategy to be published in 2025

The Chancellor has announced that a new Industrial Strategy will be published in Spring 2025. The strategy will focus on delivering long-term change by breaking down barriers to regional growth and building a secure and resilient economy. A green paper will be published in October 2024 outlining the long-term sectoral growth and priority industries, ahead of the final strategy which will be published following a consultation with business.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-unveils-package-to-deliver-on-promises-of-new-government

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: 24 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.

When: 14 November 2024

Where: BIRMINGHAM

https://bssec.org.uk/

Rewilding Challenge Fund

Upto £100,000 for a single large-scale rewilding project based in England, Scotland, or Wales.

Projects should:

·        Work at nature’s scale by establishing large and ecologically connected rewilding initiatives across land and/​or sea.

·        Let nature lead by creating areas where natural processes are given freedom to generate dynamic and complex mosaics of habitats and species which enhance resilience to the impacts of climate change.

·        Create resilient local economies by providing opportunities for new, nature-based enterprises that in turn support thriving communities.

·        Support people and nature together by bringing community voices to the fore in shaping rewilding initiatives, providing social and well-being benefits, and celebrating local culture.

·        Secure benefits for the longer term by accelerating innovative projects that can act as a blueprint to inspire others and build a knowledge base of how to achieve large-scale rewilding.

Priority will be given to:

Projects that restore and reinstate natural processes, habitats, and missing species.

Community-led/co-designed approaches to rewilding that bring lasting social, economic, and ecological benefits to local communities.

Multi-stage application process. Groups must first submit an online Expression of Interest before being shortlisted to complete a full application.

Deadline: 11 October 2024

https://www.rewildingbritain.org.uk/how-to-rewild/funding-for-rewilding/rewilding-challenge-fund

Cash4Clubs Opens for Applications on 12 September

Grant programme funded by Flutter UK & Ireland, part of Flutter Entertainment, the global sports betting, gaming and entertainment provider. For this reason, groups must be delivering activities to adults (18+) with priority given to applications focused on 18 to 25 year olds.

Eligibility:

·        Not-for-profit organisations, including charities, community groups and traditional sports clubs from across the UK and Ireland can apply for unrestricted grants of £2,000.

·        Funding should be spent within a six-month period.

Applicants must demonstrate they are using sport for a wider social purpose with a goal to increase participation of adults from underrepresented groups.

Priority will be given to applications that:

Increase participation in sport and/or physical activity for one or more underrepresented groups.

Encourage people who would not usually engage in sport to take part.

Address broader social issues for the local community.

Priority will be given to groups based in areas of high deprivation.

Unrestricted grants of £2,000 can be used for anything that will support the organisation to continue and/or grow their activities in their local community.

Please note the programme may close early if oversubscribed as was the case in 2023.

Deadline: 12 November 2024

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

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/

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

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

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/

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 pm - 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

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: 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/

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/

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/

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