Show Me The Money: Grants & Funding - December 2023
Dec 06, 2023 4:13 pm
Show Me The Money! Grants & Funding - Practical Tips & Support
Revised: Christmas December Issue 2023
Hello wonderful people,
Where did 2023 go! This month as usual we’re packed full of Festive Grant Funding & Programme treats. Featured this month, summary of the Chancellors Autumn statement, regional funding & programmes from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) & the Birmingham Commonwealth Games Legacy Fund. I have to say the W Midlands is really hot right now for funding. Even the bankrupt Birmingham City Council are giving money away with a Business Growth Programme
Salary threshold for skilled worker international visa’s are going up to £38,700 per annum. The cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge is also going up 66% to £1035.
NatWest Entrepreneur Accelerator programme opens for the latest cohort. I am biased but the NatWest Accelerator is my favourite, probably because I’m also a mentor. 82% of entrepreneurs who attend a Natwest accelerator programme, are still trading 3 years on. What you learn builds resilience!
50% match funded grants for up to £20,000 are available to businesses based in Birmingham, Solihull and Shropshire. Plus free help applying by the amazing Richard Fallon!
Interesting feature on the government looking to step in to cap university spinout equity. University of Cambridge, for example, averages around 12%, while the University of Leeds holds an average stake just over 42%. It’s no wonder why 80% of VC spend stays down south.
As always, for this Christmas issue we’re including a lot of social support grants for organisations working with the vulnerable & overlooked communities.
Wishing you all a Happy Christmas & Prosperous 2024!
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, many funds listed are for the W Midlands. 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 Show Me The Money free newsletter every month direct to your inbox:
https://sendfox.com/hibretOne
LATEST:
£2 Million Winter Fuel Poverty Fund
Fund launched to provide energy and food support to vulnerable people across the UK during the winter months. The Cadent Foundation's Winter Support Fund will allow charities offering energy and money guidance, to have rapid access to additional financial resources, helping to make an immediate impact for people needing extra support.
Each household will receive up to two vouchers, with the option of also having up to £100 to spend on essential heating and cooking appliances, such as heated blankets, slow cookers and air fryers. The funding will be distributed through the Foundation's current charity partners, including Citizens Advice, Groundwork UK and Trussell Trust.
Support between December 2023 and March 2024.
https://cadentgas.com/cadent-foundation
Grants for Birmingham, Solihull and Shropshire Businesses
50% match funded grants for up to £20,000 are available to businesses based in Birmingham, Solihull and Shropshire.
Business projects can be considered for:
· New business start-ups (with the grant capped at £7,500)
· Expanding and growing businesses with a turnover of under £40m and less than 249 employees
These grants can be used for:
· Capital investment- e.g. buying new equipment and machinery
· Inward investment
· Developing new markets opportunities
· Innovation, including new product development
· An increase in the productive capacity of new and existing premises through new property builds, refurbishment and extensions
· Digital projects
Note: you must create jobs within 6 months of receiving the grant. You need to create one job for a £10,000 grant or two for a £20,000 grant.
Book a convenient slot in the fantastic Richard Fallon’s diary to find out more and get help with applying.
https://calendly.com/richard-fallon/tsc-discovery-zoom.
Investment Journey – Different Types and How to Become Investment Ready
Workshop run by Innovate UK EDGE on getting access to finance and funding. Innovation & Growth Specialists will discuss the different types of finance and funding for your business and how to access it.
As well as a full business support programme they also have access to various projects and grants such as the Global Innovation Programmes and IP Audit grants, all provided in the context of 1:1 support.
Date: 18 January 2023
Location: BCU STEAMhouse, Millennium Point, Birmingham
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/704624198947
Autumn Statement 2023
Announcements in the Chancellor's Statement which affect small businesses include:
Business rates
In 2024/25 the small business multiplier for business rates will be frozen at the current rate.
Business rates relief for the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors will continue in 2024/25. This will provide businesses with a 75% reduction in their business rates.
Tax and investment
From April 2024 the R&D Expenditure Credit and the Small and Medium Enterprise Scheme will be merged to help simplify the system and increase innovation.
Tax reliefs for Investment Zones and Freeports will be extended from five years to ten years. A £150 million Investment Opportunity Fund will also support Investment Zones and
Freeports to secure specific business investment opportunities.
The Enterprise Investment Scheme and Venture Capital Trusts will be extended until 2035.
National Insurance
Class 2 National Insurance contributions (NICs), which are the flat-rate contributions paid by self-employed people earning more than £12,570, will be abolished from April 2024. This will not affect access to contributory benefits, including the state pension.
In 2024, the Government will set out next steps on Class 2 NICs reforms. This will include how self-employed people who have profits under £6,725 and pay Class 2 NICs voluntarily will continue to build up National Insurance credits.
From April 2024, the rate of Class 4 NICs on all self-employed earnings between £12,570 and £50,270 will reduce from 9% to 8%.
Employee NICs will be cut from 12% to 10% from 6 January 2024.
The Autumn Statement is available in full at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/autumn-statement-2023
University spinout equity stake to be capped
Currently, UK average stake a university has in a spinout is 22.8 per cent. For spinouts with limited intellectual property, this will be capped at 10 per cent or less. For IP-intensive spinouts, the cap will likely be 25 per cent. The University of Cambridge, for example, averages 11.8 per cent, while the University of Leeds holds an average stake of 42.3 per cent. Investment into university spinouts dropped for the second year in a row. In the first half of 2023, only £743 million was raised. For context, 2022 raised £2.3 billion and 2021 raised £2.7 billion in total.
Levels of foreign investment into UK spinouts during 2022/23 reached a new peak, with over 10 per cent of total funding into UK spinouts coming from foreign investors for the first time on record. US-based funds are by far the most active non-UK investors
https://growthbusiness.co.uk/university-spinout-equity-stake-to-be-capped-2571117/
Innovate UK EDGE
Complements Innovate UK project funding with bespoke, specialist-led support for ambitious businesses. The EDGE programme offers bespoke business support for companies delivering some level of innovation within the product or service.
GETTING ACCESS TO FINANCE & FUNDING WORKSHOP
Workshop run by Innovate UK EDGE on getting access to finance and funding.
Date: 14 December 2023
https://bcuadvantage.co.uk/event/innovate-uk-edge-getting-access-to-finance-funding-workshop/
UoB Business Club Webinar - What's available for SMEs in the Horizon Europe programme?
Webinar is to highlight and promote the many opportunities available for industry in the EU flagship programme as well as helping researchers understanding how to connect with the non-academic sector.
Speakers include UK National Contact points and academic sharing of experience, including detailed information and tips about firming up your ideas, plans for developing your application and building on a strong EU consortium.
Date/ Time: Tuesday 12th December 2023, 09:00 - 10:30am
Location: Online (Zoom)
REGISTER: https://forms.office.com/e/uWBbvUeJGa
WMCA Employer Services Roadshows
Addressing the Skills Gap in the Food and Hospitality Sector
Roadshow will incorporate a Christmas Market with lots of Food, Drink and Hospitality Businesses selling their goods in time for Christmas so perfect excuse for some Christmas shopping!
Date/Time: 07 December 2023, 10 am – 1.30 pm
Location: The Iron House Gallery, 174 Great Hampton Row, Birmingham B19 3JP
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/731091764147?aff=oddtdtcreator
Commonwealth Games Legacy
The West Midlands is one of the most diverse regions in the country, home to many communities of different cultures and faiths.
The legacy fund is investing around £20m into ensuring that locally-led projects across the region can benefit from the legacy of the Commonwealth Games.
https://www.wmca.org.uk/what-we-do/commonwealth-games-legacy-enhancement-fund/
National Lottery funding
Help you to make a difference in your community. Offering funding from £300 to £20,000 to support what matters to people and communities. Occasionally the Fund makes grants of under £20,000 to projects that benefit people right across the UK & £20,001 for longer term projects.
Eligibility:
● Funding for projects in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/under10k
Deutsche Bank Awards for Creative Entrepreneurs (DBACE)
If you are an entrepreneur or have a strong business idea within the arts and creative sector that is driven by social change, DBACE could be the perfect opportunity for you.
The awards are committed to championing initiatives that seek positive change in society and help to build the long-term success of the UK creative industries.
Applications to DBACE will open from 31 January - 2 April 2024.
https://dbace.org/
Inclusive Communities Grants Programme
The West Midlands is one of the most diverse regions in the country, home to many communities of different cultures and faiths. The legacy fund is investing around £20m into ensuring that locally-led projects across the region can benefit from the legacy of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The fund has three key missions:
● Bringing West Midlands people together
● Strengthening our communities
● Telling our story
Four kinds of grant funding that groups can apply for:
● Smaller projects up to £15,000.
● Medium projects up to £75,000.
● Larger projects up to £300,000 (limited number of awards at this scale).
● Small Works grants of up to £100,000
https://www.wmca.org.uk/what-we-do/commonwealth-games-legacy-enhancement-fund/inclusive-communities/
Funding Opportunity: Horizon Europe Health 2024 Single Stage Calls (
If you are applying to these calls, they recently held consortia building event including presentations on: UK participation and the UK Horizon Europe Guarantee; Getting Started and Finding Partners (with lots of useful ideas); a Case Study; and Pitching Session (with pitches both from the UK and other countries). The slides and recording are available online along with a list of the call topics and link to the call text.
Lump Sum Funding in Horizon Europe:
How does it work & How to write a proposal?
https://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/docs/h2020-funding-guide/other/event231019.htm
West Midlands SME Grant Programme
Start-up SMEs based in the West Midlands Region (grants of £2,500 to £7,500 are available for Birmingham Cannock Chase and Solihull based businesses only) existing SMEs based in the West Midlands Region (grants of £5,000 to £100,000 are available for Birmingham, Cannock Chase, Solihull, and Shropshire based businesses).
Most applications expected for an average grant of between £10,000 to £20,000, and only in exceptional circumstances will grants of up to £100,000 be awarded. This is to make sure that the limited WMGP budget is given to as many businesses as possible.
Deadline: 13 December 2023
https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/50293/wm_sme_grant_programme/2693/about_the_west_midlands_sme_grant_programme
Amazon to release AI chatbot
Amazon has launched a workplace chatbot called Amazon Q, to help its business customers search for information, write code and review business metrics. Amazon Q will be able to complete a variety of tasks, including synthesising content and streamlining day-to-day communications.
https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2023/11/amazon-ai-chatbot/
NatWest Accelerator programme
For businesses with ambitions to expand, the NatWest Accelerator programme could help. You may be looking to build your team, venture into new markets or seeking further investment.
Starting with IGNITION w/c March 11th 2024 and extends over six months with fortnightly events, opportunities and monthly 121, peer to peer and group coaching sessions. Places are limited.
The programme will help you gain the knowledge and skills to excel in a range of business areas:
● accessing new markets
● attracting talent and building an effective team
● access to growth funding
● leadership development
● developing a scalable infrastructure
Deadline: 16 February 2024
Currently open for applications for the March 2024 cohort
https://www.natwest.com/business/business-services/entrepreneur-accelerator.html
London Health Accelerator for Social Enterprise
Tackling health inequities through life science innovation. A free programme tailored specifically for social enterprises working in or seeking to work in London’s health and life sciences sector, covering seven boroughs. This accelerator is a collaboration between MedCity and the School for Social Entrepreneurs and is part of the Boosting Life Sciences Social Economy programme which is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Dates: 5 Feb 2024 - 16 Apr 2024
Duration: 10 weeks
Delivered in: London
https://www.the-sse.org/courses/london-health-accelerator/
Innovate UK BridgeAI: Bespoke Data Science and AI Advice for SMEs
The Alan Turing Institute, an Innovate UK BridgeAI partner, recently launched mentoring support that provides tailored data science and AI guidance like never before.
This is a unique opportunity to overcome complex AI challenges and align AI with your long-term business strategies
Deadline: Expressions of interest: 21 December 2023
https://iuk.ktn-uk.org/opportunities/bespoke-ai-and-data-science-advice-for-smes-from-the-alan-turing-institute/
Innovate UK BridgeAI: AI Adoption Assessment Toolkit
As part of the Innovate UK BridgeAI programme, Digital Catapult is launching an artificial intelligence adoption assessment toolkit, which aims to stimulate the adoption of AI & ML technologies in the agriculture, creative, construction, and transport sectors.
The toolkit includes:
● Digital and data maturity assessments - to help gauge the levels in terms of digital and data maturity and provide steps for moving to the next level.
● Data readiness assessment - to test the data readiness of an organisation for AI adoption.
Contact: bridgeai@digicatapult.org.uk
UFi VocTech Activate
£900k VocTech Activate grant fund designed to support the development of early-stage digital tools and approaches with the potential to tackle vocational learning problems and get adults learning. The grant provides support of between £30,000 and £60,000 for projects lasting up to 12 months. Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend a pre-application workshop to find out more about the fund.
Applications open: 02 January 2024
https://ufi.co.uk/grant-funding/voctech-activate/
New business support initiative in Northern Ireland
To help businesses start and grow. The Go Succeed initiative is provided by 11 local authorities in partnership with the UK Government. The initiative provides mentoring, masterclasses, peer networks, access to grant funding and business support.
https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/go-succeed-business-support-service-launches
Tool to help businesses address work-related stress
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is encouraging businesses to sign up to a free-to-use interactive tool designed to prevent work-related stress. The tool provides simple and effective guidance employers can follow to meet their legal duties and begin to understand how to include stress in their workplace risk assessments.
https://press.hse.gov.uk/2023/11/08/new-online-learning-tool-helps-businesses-address-work-related-stress/
Foundervine Ascend Xtension
The programme opens up resources and support from the Ascend programme to a broader community of ventures based in London. By taking part in the programme, Ascend Xtension participants will access the same robust support, including access to investor networks, pitching opportunities, and co-working spaces as the Ascend cohort.
Deadline: 15 December 2023
Location: London
contact: ascend@foundervine.com
FSB Business Bootcamp & Networking
FSB in partnership with Department for Business and Trade (DBT), supporting entrepreneurs, self-employed and small businesses. Hosted by the fabulous Sandra Garlick MBE, founder of the Woman Who Inspires Network.
Date: 18 March 2024
Cost: Free
Location: In-person, Coombe Abbey Hotel
https://www.fsb.org.uk/event-calendar/fsb-business-bootcamp-boost-your-business-18-mar-24.html
Social Economy Growth Programme
W Midlands Social Enterprise Business support. Thanks to funds released from an underspend on the Commonwealth Games, is being distributed from the WMCA.
Business Support
A suite of business support programmes that come with a grant that will support 120 social enterprises next year plus a further 40 or more who want to access public sector contracts or explore social investment.
https://www.wmca.org.uk/what-we-do/economy-and-innovation/social-economy/business-and-place-support/
Glasspool Charity Trust
Grants to support people experiencing financial hardship, to help get over a short time crisis. Can apply for funds for white goods, essential household items, baby needs, and more.
Glasspool grants cannot be applied for by the client directly, they must go through a third-party organisation that operates in England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland. Examples include statutory organisations delivering health care, social care, advice service or citizens advice bureaux.
https://www.glasspool.org.uk/grants/grants
Al-Mizan Charitable Trust: General Welfare Fund
The General Welfare Fund provides small grants up to £500 to individuals, regardless of their faith or cultural background, who are in financial hardship or need, because of poverty, deprivation, or disadvantage.
Funding is available for a range of goods and services that would better the beneficiary’s circumstances and situation, and help them break out of the vicious cycle of poverty. To be eligible to apply, you must be living in the UK and have British citizenship.
https://www.almizantrust.org.uk/apply-for-support
COSARAF Hardship Fund
Grants to support the most financially excluded, with additional weight given to applications from those with caring responsibilities. You can apply for funds for white goods, basic living expenses, work or education related expenses, rent arrears or Council Tax arrears, or contribution to immigration costs. Applications need to be made by a recognised social organisation on your behalf, and funds are only available to UK residents.
https://www.cosaraf.org/apply-for-funding/hardship-grants-application-guide/
The Talismans Charity
Helps individuals in need with one-off grants to relieve poverty for education, health, housing, disablement or disability.
http://www.talismancharity.org/
The King Charles III Charitable Fund
Set to launch the Small Grants Programme, continuing the legacy of former initiatives like the Prince's Countryside Fund. This new programme focuses on supporting projects that contribute to the environment, countryside, social inclusion, health and wellbeing, education, heritage and conservation.
Each year, the fund will allocate grants of up to £5,000 to about 100 community-based organisations, including Charities, Community Interest Companies, and Parish Councils.
Opens: January 2024
https://www.kccf.org.uk/small-grants/
abrdn Financial Fairness Trust
Awarding 15-20 grants annually, sizes: £10k - £200k. Grant application deadlines: February and June each year.
Eligibility:
● Registered charities, voluntary organisations, think tanks, campaigning groups, research bodies and universities.
● UK wide.
Deadline: 05 February 2024
https://www.financialfairness.org.uk/en/funding
Community Environment Fund
A £1 million pot of funding for anyone with a project that will that improve the environment and people's lives. 30 grants of up to £25k and 5 grants of up to £100k on offer. Funding for the following project themes:
● Natural environment
● Access to green space
● Climate adaptation
● Circular economy
● Environment awareness
https://www.wmca.org.uk/what-we-do/environment-and-energy/community-environment-fund/
Neighbourhood Fund
Supporting local community groups whose work addresses local issues, social problems, poverty and disadvantage. Grants of up to £5,000.
Eligibility
● Prioritises smaller community groups
● Annual expenditure below £250,000
● Groups must be local to Dorset
Deadline: 12 January 2024
https://www.dorsetcommunityfoundation.org/funds/neighbourhood-fund
Love Rowing
Grants £500 – £3000 for rowing clubs, schools and community organisations for projects which benefit Love Rowing's core areas of focus including:
● Young people from low socio-economic backgrounds
● People from ethnic minority backgrounds
● People with a disability or long-term health condition
May fund equipment.
Deadline: 19 December 2023
https://www.britishrowing.org/2023/11/love-rowing-grant-funding-opens-for-applications/
Veterans’ Career Development Fund
For projects that will enable Veterans and their families to enter stable long-term employment, by delivering qualifications and training. Funding organisation The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. From £1 to £70,000. Total size of grant scheme £70,000.
Deadline: 08 January 2024
https://covenantfund.org.uk/programme/veterans-career-development-fund/
Export-focused scale-ups wanted for enhanced Global Growth Programme
High growth West Midlands tech companies are being invited to apply for a 12-month export support initiative, fully-funded by the West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). Expanding the successful Global Growth Programme, which supports West Midlands businesses in getting export-ready, as well as providing a comprehensive support package for international companies looking to grow in the region. The new programme is the result of a unique partnership with London & Partners – London’s official investment promotion agency.
https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/resource/export-focused-scale-ups-wanted-for-enhanced-global-growth-programme.html
Global list of 200+ Angel networks
UK, Europe, USA, Canada, South America, Africa, India and Australia (thanks Emmie Faust from Female Founders Rise for sharing).
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1r1CUI-noEKE3ivoISba9q6_rVHG6nOc&g_ep=CAISDDYuOTIuMC4yNDI0MBgAIN1iKhssNDcwNzE3MDQsNDcwODQzMDQsOTQyMDIyOTNCAkdC&g_st=iw&ll=-3.81666561775622e-14%2C-143.61787811895113&z=1
The Weston
Charity Awards created to support ambitious charities working in the fields of Community, Welfare and Youth. Amplifying the impact of charities across the North of England, the Midlands, and Wales, and charities working in the field of environmental action. The Awards offer a package of support worth over £22,000 to 22 charities every year
Deadline: 10 January 2023
https://www.pilotlight.org.uk/weston-charity-awards
Leeds Community Fund - Jimbo’s Fund
Grants of £1K to £20K available over 1 year to support people in hardship. Funding between 20 to 30 applications.
Eligibility:
● Applicant & beneficiaries must be Leeds based
Deadline: 06 January 2024
https://www.leedscf.org.uk/grants/jimbos-fund
FUTURE INNOVATE UK EDGE (MIDLANDS) EVENTS:
Monthly Jan 24 – Feb 24.
Venue – Millennium Point – STEAMhouse Pre-Incubator Space, Curzon Street. Birmingham.
18TH JANUARY 2023 – 10.30 – 12noon
The Investment Journey – The Different Types and How to Become Investment Ready
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/704624198947
15TH FEBRUARY 2023 – 10.30 – 12 noon
How to Develop Your Business Identity – Branding, Marketing and Getting to Know Your Customer.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/704630186857
Women in UK Venture Capital
Report by ADA Ventures
https://docsend.com/view/hn9hikdnu4srdvsp
Innovation loans future economy: round 12
UK registered businesses can apply for loans for innovative projects with strong commercial potential to significantly improve the UK economy.
Eligibility:
● Open to single applications from SME’s registered in the UK.
Deadline: 10 January 2024
https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/innovation-loans-future-economy-round-12/
The Henry Smith Charity
Aims to use its resources to help people and communities at a time of need and to bring about positive change. We achieve this by funding organisations that work with people to reduce social and economic disadvantage.
https://www.henrysmithcharity.org.uk/
British Business Bank Finance Hub
Supports UK businesses like yours
Learn more about business management with our library of articles on everything from finance and staffing, to sustainability and innovation.
https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/finance-hub/
PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTOR TENDERS AND SUPPLIER OPPORTUNITIES
Instead of grants, how about getting into the supply chain of local authorities, councils, or government.
https://www.finditintheblackcountry.co.uk/opportunities
Most local authorities have not spent SPF allocation
Funding allocated to local authorities under the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) has been left unspent. Around 95% of local authorities that received SPF funding in 2022/23 have not been able to spend all of their allocation. Across the UK, 43% of £429 million in funding was not spent and not a single council in the north of England, Scotland or Wales spent its full allocation.
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/nov/05/almost-all-uk-councils-have-not-spent-total-share-of-levelling-up-fund
Finance guide for smaller businesses
British Business Bank has launched a guide covering the different financial products available for smaller businesses. The 'Making Business Finance Work for You' guide covers the seven most common challenges businesses might face and the types of finance that could help overcome them.
https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/press-release/british-business-bank-launches-new-making-business-finance-work-for-you-guide-to-coincide-with-business-finance-week/
Aston Business School - Voluntary & Paid Work Placements
Opportunities to work with Aston University’s talented MBA students, for businesses through their MBA Project Programme. I use Aston placements all the time, as you get access to some super-talented students! Projects run typically for 12 weeks, and students can work up-to 20 hours per week on their projects (if voluntary), and full-time hours (if paid).
Students available from the following specialties: Business Development/Sales, Accountancy & Finance, Strategy, Operations, Banking, Marketing, IT & Tech, Legal, and Human Resources.
The Process: Download Project Brief Form from https://bit.ly/3jErnCA. Once they receive your project brief, they'll promote it and provide you with a shortlist of potential candidates.
If Warren Chughtai & his team cannot accommodate you with an MBA student, he will try to match the role with a student outside of the MBA course.
Deadline: 08 January 2024
Return the completed form to MBAprojects@aston.ac.uk.
MSDUK Accelerator
Brings together innovative and high-growth ethnic minority businesses & connects them after training to global corporations. A four-month programme designed to make connections, educate, corporate mentoring, 1-2-1 advice from expert facilitators, and specialist workshops. Access to over 100 global corporations and over 300 businesses in the MSDUK network.
Deadline: Applications currently closed, but signup to their newsletter for the next cohort
https://accelerator.msduk.org.uk/
National Archive Resilience Grants Programme
Designed to support archive services, organisations with archives, and archives networks to be adaptable, resilient and sustainable, creating lasting solutions that enable them to respond to change, and contribute to communities and the economy.
Resilience Grants programme invites archives services, organisations with archives and archive networks throughout the UK to apply for resilience-building projects of up to £20,000, with no minimum level of funding required.
Total size of grant scheme £120,000
Deadline: 19 January 2024
https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/archives-sector/grants-and-funding/resilience-grants/how-to-apply
Do it Now Now
Collaborating with City Bridge Foundation to deliver a cutting-edge enterprise development programme supporting Black-led charities and social enterprises delivering support to Black and Global Majority communities in London.
‘Innovate Now’ will provide 64 London-based Black-led charities and enterprises with £12,000 grant funding, bespoke support and £3,000 in compensated capacity building. Helping organisations build financial resilience and operational readiness, increase chances of raising social investment and create a sustainable future for organisations.
Round 1: deadline 10 January 2024
Round 2: opens 5 March 2024, closes 9 May 2024
Round 3: opens 1 October 2024, closes 4 December 2024
https://www.doitnownow.com/innovate-now-with-city-bridge-foundation
Smart Grants September 2023
Apply for a share of up to £25 million for game-changing and commercially viable R&D innovations that can significantly impact the UK economy. This funding is from Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation.
Eligibility:
● open to single applicants and collaborations.
● be a UK registered business
● be a UK registered research and technology organisation (RTO)
● carry out all your research and development (R&D) project activity in the UK
● intend to commercially exploit the project results from the UK
Deadline: 17 January 2024
https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/smart-grants-september-2023/
Projects that Help the Homeless Grants
Small Homeless UK charities can apply for capital grants of up to £5,000 for projects that aim to help homeless people return to the community and enable them to rebuild their lives.
Eligibility:
● Must have an annual turnover of under £500,00,0
● 'unrestricted reserves' of under six months.
Deadline: 15th December 2023.
http://www.help-the-homeless.org.uk/applying-for-funding/
Chair of Trustees
Passionate about EDI and have a background in one of the following areas:
● Working within the social mobility sector
● Working within or selling to the higher educational sector
● Working within the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion field
● Scaling a start-up organisation
WithInsight mentor black-heritage pupils to help them successfully apply to top universities and progress into professional careers. A strong understanding of governance best practice is also essential although prior experience of being a board Chair is not required.
Deadline: 06 January 2024
https://www.withinsightedu.org/vacancies
Funding for social enterprise in disadvantaged areas
The Government has announced funding of up to £4.1 million to support and grow the social enterprise sector in six disadvantaged areas of England. The funding is part of the Social Enterprise Boost Fund and will provide grants of up to £10,000 to support local social enterprises. Funding will also be available to provide business support, training and networking to increase social enterprise activity.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/social-enterprise-boost-fund-local-areas-of-delivery
Funding for support organisations (Scotland)
Scottish Government has announced funding to help people from under-represented backgrounds start a businesses. 42 support organisations will share £1.6 million through the Ecosystem Fund, while 20 business support projects will receive £1.3 million through the Pathways Pre-start Fund.
https://www.gov.scot/news/delivering-a-start-up-nation/
Online directory to find investors
Barclays has launched a Demo Directory to help UK businesses find investors. The free online directory allows investors to sign up and review video pitches and answers to elevator pitch style questions from founders showcasing their businesses.
https://home.barclays/news/press-releases/2023/10/barclays-launches-uk-banking-first--demo-directory---a-free-onli/
Barclays Product Growth Programme
Partnered with Plexal to help high-potential founding teams who have innovative digital products to unlock their next phase of growth.
With support from best-in-class speakers, mentors and course materials, this programme will help businesses accelerate from MVP to ready-to-scale.
Deadline: 13 December 2023
https://labs.uk.barclays/what-we-offer/our-programmes
Barclays Funding Readiness Programme
Founders and entrepreneurs can often feel overwhelmed or confused by the funding options available to them. This programme will teach you how to navigate the funding landscape.
Partnered with Capital Enterprise to help demystify funding, giving founders the skills and knowledge they need to access capital and grow their business.
Deadline: 05 January 2024
https://labs.uk.barclays/what-we-offer/our-programmes
NatWest Entrepreneur Accelerator & WMG
WMG an academic department at the University of Warwick, has created a Clean Transport Specialist Accelerator, combining coaching, thought leadership, community, and access to networks, with specialist support from members of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult
https://www.natwestgroup.com/news-and-insights/latest-stories/climate/2023/nov/a-clean-transport-revolution.html
Making business finance work for you
British Business Bank has put together a series of Making Business Finance work for you guides. Designed to help SME’s make an informed choice about accessing the right type of finance for your business.
https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/finance-hub/making-business-finance-work-for-you-guide/
SME and VCSE Action Plan 2022 to 2024
Sets the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) objectives for the next two years to collaborate and engage with SMEs and VCSEs around public procurement.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ministry-of-justice-action-plan-for-small-and-medium-sized-enterprises/sme-and-vcse-action-plan-2022-to-2024
DCMS Create Growth Programme competition 2: investor partnership
SMEs within appointed regions, can apply for grant funding alongside private investment from selected investor partners to support growth.
Eligibility:
● Single applicants only
Deadline: 10 January 2024
https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/dcms-create-growth-programme-competition-2-investor-partnership/
Fairness Innovation Challenge - addressing bias and discrimination in AI
The aim of this competition is to drive the development of novel solutions to address bias and discrimination in artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Innovate UK will work with the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation (CDEI), part of the Department for Science Innovation and Technology (DSIT). Up to £130,000 funding available.
Deadline: 13 December 2023
https://konfer.online/funding/detail/6529e82dca961820b373dd39
AHRC responsive mode: Curiosity Award: round two
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 available for projects up to £100,000 full economic cost 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 2024
https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/ahrc-responsive-mode-curiosity-award-round-two/
Immersive Arts Bootcamp
Run by another one of my hero’s, the amazing Taran3D. Course designed for creative practitioners to develop existing digital skills, to enhance career pathways within the creative digital industries.
Focus of study is in developing 3D skills in Blender and Unreal Engine 5, enabling participants to create their own VR, AR and other extended reality projects.
Starts: Monday 08 January to Wednesday 27 March 2024, 6.00 – 8.00pm
Cost: Free
https://bom.org.uk/immersive-arts-bootcamp-sign-up/
Eureka GlobalStars Japan Round 2
UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £2 million to develop innovative proposals in partnership with Japan and other participating Eureka members.
Deadline: 31 January 2024
https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/1752/overview/fc1fc0f6-bb40-4dce-98e9-72a2eaff95b0
Eureka GlobalStars Brazil Round 2
UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £2 million to develop innovative proposals in partnership with Brazil and other participating Eureka members.
Deadline: 02 April 2024
https://www.eurekanetwork.org/open-calls/globalstars-brazil-2024
Innovate UK Investor Partnerships: SME round 5
UK registered businesses can apply for grant funding alongside private investment from selected investor partners. Contact Andrew Shortt Innovate UK Edge, to discuss this grant. He’s great & can help.
Deadline 08 January 2024
https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/1772/overview/209df91e-f6d1-4ba1-a939-18369432ff4d
Young Entrepreneurs Challenge
Launched by Verizon and Unloc an annual event centred around finding the best young talent across Europe. Winner will receive a £10,000 grant & support, plus a trip to the One Young World 2024 Global Summit in Montréal.
Eligibility:
● Individuals between the ages of 16 and 25 years
● Residents and/or citizens of the U.K. or the continent of Europe
● Both written and video applications must be in English
Businesses must be either:
● Pre-start (not yet trading)
● Less than three years old & annual turnover of less than £100,000
Deadline: 19 January 2024
https://youngentrepreneurschallenge.com/
Platforms to report self-employed income to HMRC
From 01 January 2024, platforms such as Airbnb, Uber, Deliveroo and Etsy will be required to record how much money people make via the platforms and report it to HMRC. The rules have been introduced as part of a crackdown on tax avoidance by people who are freelance, self-employed or have a side hustle.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reporting-rules-for-digital-platforms/reporting-rules-for-digital-platforms
Nominate the UK's leading women in social enterprise and impact investing
The annual WISE100 list, created by Pioneers Post in partnership with NatWest Social & Community Capital. In addition to our top 100 list, five awards will be announced at a special celebration event planned for March 2024.
Nominate by: 14 January 2024
https://www.pioneerspost.com/news-views/20231123/wise100-women-social-enterprise-awards-2024-open-nominations
Increase in pop-up shops and galleries
The number of pop-up shops and galleries on high streets has increased by 18% year-on-year. The pop-ups are set up and run by artists, independent retailers, local makers, sustainability campaigners and community action groups.
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/oct/08/how-the-uks-dying-high-streets-are-being-given-new-life-by-pop-up-shops-and-galleries
UK to raise minimum salary for foreign skilled workers
Student visas: The government will ask the Migration Advisory Committee to review the Graduate visa route.
Skilled Worker visa minimum salary increase: The salary threshold for an application will rise by nearly 50% from £26,200 to £38,700. Health and care workers, and professions like teachers with national pay scales, will be exempt and will still qualify for the visa with a lower salary.
Cost of Immigration Health Surcharge: Going up 66% to £1035.
https://www.taylorwessing.com/en/insights-and-events/insights/2023/12/uk-to-raise-minimum-salary-for-foreign-skilled-workers
Global Talent Visa
Enables the best tech talent from around the world to work in the UK’s digital technology sector, contributing their cutting edge expertise and creative skills.
https://technation.io/global-talent-visa/
British Business Bank: Nations and Regions Tracker 2023 Report
Provides analysis on the geographic patterns seen in UK small business finance. This is the Bank’s third annual Nations and Regions Tracker, designed to complement their flagship Small Business Finance Markets report with additional regional analysis.
Three main chapters: first an overview of finance markets in the Nations and regions of the UK, also delves into some of the geographic imbalances and recent trends in usage we see.
The following two chapters provide in-depth analysis on topics facing the UK and for which the Bank has a role to play; innovation-led clusters & challenges faced by smaller businesses in accessing finance in coastal towns throughout the UK.
https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/research/nations-and-regions-tracker-2023/
DIF x Allia Accelerator Challenge
The three selected ventures making it into the challenge will receive non-dilutive capital/grant from a £50k prize pool! The partner DIF will provide mentorship.
Currently recruiting for the challenge to start in February 2024.
Provide the following information:
● Basic information about you and your venture
● Key demographic information
● Your business plan or a pitch deck
● A short pitch video
Deadline: 08 December 2023
https://airtable.com/appn9B56DNB1Mzi59/shrLbQEZtWnvWIQCB
AR Future Projects awards 2024
Launched in 2002, the AR Future Projects awards are a window into tomorrow’s cities. Spanning 12 categories, they celebrate excellence in unbuilt and incomplete projects, and the potential for positive contribution to communities, neighbourhoods and urban landscapes around the world.
Be in with a chance of winning up to £1,500 of prize money.
Entry deadline for has been extended until Friday 15 December 2023.
https://futureprojects.architectural-review.com/arfp2024/en/page/home
West Midlands SME Grant Programme
Start-up SMEs based in the West Midlands Region (grants of £2,500 to £7,500 are available for Birmingham Cannock Chase and Solihull based businesses only) existing SMEs based in the West Midlands Region (grants of £5,000 to £100,000 are available for Birmingham, Cannock Chase, Solihull, and Shropshire based businesses) Most applications expected for an average grant of between £10,000 to £20,000, and only in exceptional circumstances will grants of up to £100,000 be awarded. This is to make sure that the limited WMGP budget is given to as many businesses as possible. Deadline: 13 December 2023. https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/50293/wm_sme_grant_programme/2693/about_the_west_midlands_sme_grant_programme
Climate Literacy for Sustainable Futures
This Climate literacy skills bootcamp is designed to provide solid grounding in the central tenets of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals to develop your climate literacy education, utilise sustainable design strategies and support leadership in sustainable practices.
Cost: Free (self-employed) & Low-cost (employees)
2023 intake open now
https://www.bcu.ac.uk/architecture-and-design/courses/climate-literacy-for-sustainable-futures
Chesterfield Community Grants Fund
Inviting community groups and voluntary organisations to apply for support from the new fund. More than £118,000 is available to eligible local groups in financial year (2023/24) – with awards ranging from £500 to £6,000 – to help boost grassroots projects that will improve life for local people.
Aims to support local projects that will help to build resilient, healthy, and safe neighbourhoods, as well as initiatives which will help reduce the borough’s impact on the climate and wider environment by promoting greener choices.
Eligibility:
Chesterfield based, or users in that area will benefit
https://www.chesterfield.gov.uk/community-grants-fund
Creative Enterprise Business Builder
A grant initiative designed to support companies who work in moving image for storytelling, spanning film television, games, animation and immersive industries. Grants upto £2,500.
Deadline: Applications are open
https://www.wearecreative.uk/support/creative-enterprise/business-builder-grants/
Electric vehicle chargepoint and infrastructure grants for landlords
Grants for landlords to install electric vehicle chargepoints and supporting infrastructure in rental and leasehold properties. Funding from £350 to £30,000, from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles
75% off the cost of the work. The amount depends on how many parking spaces the work covers. Total size of grant scheme £500,000. Receive up to 30 grants each financial year.
Eligibility:
· Personal / Individual, Public Sector, Non-profit, Private Sector
· Location National
Deadline: 31 March 2025
https://www.find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/grants/electric-vehicle-chargepoint-and-infrastructure-grants-for-landlords-1
Electric vehicle chargepoint grant for renters and flat owners
Grant provides electric vehicle (EV) drivers who are renters or own a flat with support towards the costs of the purchase and installation of EV charge points. Funding £300 to £350 from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles. Total size of grant scheme £5 million
Eligibility:
· Personal
· Location National
Deadline: 31 March 2025
https://find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/grants/electric-vehicle-chargepoint-grant-for-renters-and-flat-owners-1
Do You Want Your Child to Go To Oxford?
Oxford African and Caribbean Society ACS Visions 2023, aimed at assisting the journey to Oxford for state school-educated students. Event will be hosted by African and Caribbean students who currently attend Oxford University, demystifying the application process, helping prospective applicants make the most of their journey in secondary school through route-planning. There will also be interactive sessions aimed at helping choose relevant courses.
For parents, the event will be an introduction into Oxford for their children and how they can play a supportive role in helping their child reach that goal. There will be a Parents Q&A with a member of the Oxford admissions team to answer any questions.
Students who attend will receive future help from the Oxford ACS team.
The event will be replicated on three different days and locations. Students should only apply to the one they wish to attend. The dates are:
- Saturday 09 December 2023, BIRMINGHAM NatWest Accelerator Hub
https://lnkd.in/dKm957Ak
- Saturday 16 December 2023, MANCHESTER, with ACS University of Manchester
https://lnkd.in/dv-fWhKi
- Friday 05 January 2024, LONDON, LAE Tottenham
https://lnkd.in/d2Gasn89
FREE Co-Working in the NatWest Birmingham Accelerator hub for NatWest Alumni
Book your space, then come along to enjoy unlimited teas, coffees and free Wi-fi for NatWest Alumni. A chance to catchup face2face with the old faces & work at the same time. Space on some days is limited, so you must register through eventbrite if you wish to attend.
Sharing a space together with friendly faces, a proactive attitude and similar mindsets, helps create focus, creativity, and productivity!
Thanks for putting this together Harinder!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/coffee-coworking-for-alumni-tickets-714915239727
CREME (Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship)
Uplifting Diverse Voices in Business - The Latest from CRÈME. Making Diversity and Enterprise Everyone's Business. Signup to their newsletter which highlights impactful initiatives cultivating inclusion and empowering underrepresented talents.
The article is written by Prof Monder Ram (another massive massive hero of mine), who founded CRÈME & is an advisor for hibretOne. The recommendations provided in his reports around supporting all enterprises feed into the features we are developing for our platform.
https://sway.office.com/BVw6dpXQg4Og3WYi?ref=Link&loc=play
Green Entrepreneurs Fund
About 5-6 different types of green grants. Helps businesses, organisations, communities and individuals interested in developing skills in the green economy and investing in green energy and carbon reduction schemes.
Grants of between £6,000 to £20,000 are available for proposals for alternative energy, clean fuel and carbon reduction projects.
Eligibility:
· Derbyshire
· Minimum spend of £15,000 and there is a maximum intervention rate of 40 per cent.
https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/business/green-entrepreneurs-fund/green-entrepreneurs-fund.aspx
DHSC Community Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Fund
Organisations across England are invited to bid for a share of £1 million of government funding to buy life-saving defibrillators for community spaces like town halls, local parks or post offices. The DHSC Community Automated External Defibrillator (CAED) Fund will support provision of 2000 AEDs. These will be distributed across England during 2023-2024, supporting any organisation based in England that is not eligible for the current Department of Education AED programme.
Deadline: 21 September 2024 (next year, so plenty of time)
https://www.find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/grants/dhsc-community-automated-external-defibrillator-aed-fund-1
Grants to Support Individuals & Families in Need (UK)
Grants of up to £2,000 are available to charities, housing associations, schools and social services providing support for individuals and families across the UK who are in financial need. The Cosaraf Charitable Foundation's Hardship Grants will support individuals and families who have exhausted all other sources of funding and are struggling with everyday costs, such as basic living expenses, household items and utilities, work- or education-related expenses, or rent arrears. Priority will be given to the most financially excluded people, families over individuals, those with caring responsibilities, and to items that will make the most difference to the individual/family's long-term future. Applications can be made at any time and are assessed every six weeks.
https://www.cosaraf.org/apply-for-funding/hardship-grants/
Local authorities face rise in bankruptcies
Nearly one in five local authorities believe it is fairly or very likely that they will go bankrupt in the next 15 months, according to a Local Government Association survey. A government inquiry into local authority financial distress found that around half of England's 318 local authorities could be in serious financial trouble in 2024.
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/dec/06/english-town-halls-face-unprecedented-rise-in-bankruptcies-council-leaders-warn
Christmas Festivities
Join TechWM and BEC Leaps for festive drinks and cheers. This casual gathering is a chance to celebrate our collective successes in the tech realm as we see out 2023 and move into 2024!
Date: Thursday 14th December from 5:00pm
Venue: Manahatta Temple Street, 10 Temple St, Birmingham, B2 5BN
Come unwind, network, and raise a glass to a fantastic year in tech! I’ll see you there!!
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
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