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

Revised: April 2024

Hello wonderful people,

Another packed month of grants & free money programmes! Must admit I cannot wait till we get the hibretOne platform launched, so generative AI can assist in curating this Show Me The Money funding newsletter.

Doug Wright MBE a great supporter of empowering entrepreneurship, has been declared the new High Sheriff of the West Midlands for 2025. Doug is absolutely one of the most generous, humble and brilliant people you could ever meet. I tell you this because when our platform launches there’s a scholarship in his name, as well as a host of other brilliant people you may recognise. Grant funding, mentorship & access to the platform.

hibretOne MVP platform screenshot

Two more amazing students, Yuxin Huang demonstrating our Grant Finder & Nischal Raut creating Industry Intelligence guides, both features use Generative AI.

Yuxin is studying Computer Science at University of Birmingham, Nischal at Birmingham City University. To secure interns of your own, connect with the university contacts further down:

Yuxin - https://youtu.be/_eKzOoENnvI

Nischal - https://youtu.be/cSvDQaPj53A

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 free Show Me The Money newsletter every month to your inbox:

https://sendfox.com/hibretOne

LATEST:

Student Interns & Work Placements

Contact these wonderful people for interns, a very few students are fully-funded by the institution. The others you’ll need to fund. Put the effort in & they will absolutely repay that extra effort:

·        Aston University - All funded placements are now taken.

·        Emma Johnson - University of Birmingham <e.o.johnson@bham.ac.uk>

·        Leslie Griffiths - University of Birmingham <internships@contacts.bham.ac.uk>

·        Amardeep Paneser – Birmingham City University (BCU) <Amardeep.paneser@bcu.ac.uk>

·        Nicole Riley - Birmingham City University (BCU) <Nicole.riley@bcu.ac.uk>

·        Trina Tiernan - Joseph Chamberlain College <ttiernan@jcc.ac.uk>

·        Violet Williams - BMet <violet.williams@bmet.ac.uk>

·        University College Birmingham (UCB) <hired@ucb.ac.uk>

·        University of Warwick - employerconnect@warwick.ac.uk

·        Coventry University - talentteam@coventry.ac.uk

Elect Her CIC

If you’re looking for space to recharge while you recover from the entrepreneurship journey, check this out. Work with a great organisation who are looking for a feminist Fundraising Manager, to help grow the funds needed to deliver powerful programmes that support more women into politics, and create spaces so women in democracy can thrive.

https://lnkd.in/e2_3azNn

National Lottery Heritage Grants

Funding programme for all types of heritage project grants in the UK from £250,000 to £10m. You must first submit an Expression of Interest.

Projects must:

·        clearly focus on UK heritage – this can be national, regional or local

·        take into account all four investment principles

·        have a clear plan with a defined start, middle and end

·        have not already started

·        can demonstrate the need for National Lottery investment

https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/funding/national-lottery-heritage-grants-250k-10m

MVP Platform Building

Don’t start a business, start experiments: A practical approach to testing your ideas

Join Million Labs for their next startup event and their exclusive hands-on guide to idea testing and strategic growth. Jof Walters & his team are committed to creating one million startups with their Bubble No Code programme.

hibretOne were trained by Million Labs & used Bubble No Code to develop our prototype, so I highly recommend them from firsthand experience.

When: 24th Apr 2024

Where: Online

Cost: Free

https://millionlabs.co.uk/event/don%E2%80%99t-start-a-business-start-experiments-a-practical-approach-to-testing-your-ideas-240424

Attracting new male participants into creative mental health programmes

Grants of £20k to £50k available for developing new participatory arts opportunities for men with mental health problems.

Eligibility:

·        be an established arts organisation of any kind (including museums) operating in the UK;

·        delivered creative opportunities to people with mental health problems for at least two years;

·        have had an annual income of over £75,000 for the last two years.

Deadline: 23rd April 2024

https://baringfoundation.org.uk/news-story/new-funding-attracting-new-male-participants-into-creative-mental-health-programmes/

Hatch Programmes

Launchpad: Valued at over £1500

Designed for early-stage founders who are at pre launch or early stage looking for guidance to turn

their idea into reality. You have an idea and want to launch your own business, and want to

increase your business knowledge, skills and confidence. You want to network and be part of a

cohort of other entrepreneurs.

Grants available up to £1000

Deadline: 26th April 2024

(1) For founders outside of London and the south east:

https://hatchenterprise.org/our-programmes/natwest-launchpad-jun-24

(2) Open to all:

https://hatchenterprise.org/our-programmes/pizzahut-launchpad-jun-24

Incubator: Valued at over £3000

Ideal for founders who have already launched their business and will now be looking to see

sustainable growth. Think hiring staff, having wider social or environmental impact and growing

your business income. You’ll be projected to turn over at least 5K annually.

Grants available up to £5000

Deadline for applications: 29th April 2024

(1) For founders outside of London and the south east:

https://hatchenterprise.org/our-programmes/natwest-incubator-may-24/

(2) Open to all:

https://hatchenterprise.org/our-programmes/pizzahut-incubator-may-24

Grants to Help Prevent or Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease (Wales)

Registered charities, voluntary and community organisations, and other not-for-profit organisations in Wales can apply for funding for local community projects that actively promote a healthy heart, and help to prevent, or reduce, the risk of heart disease.

The Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Grant Scheme awards grants of up to £15,000 for projects lasting up to twelve months that encourage people to look after their hearts and promote positive lifestyle changes. Projects must focus mainly on one or more of the following: healthy eating, physical activity, smoking and/or alcohol consumption.

Deadline: 24th April 2024.

https://heartresearch.org.uk/healthy-heart-grant-apply/

Climate Action Fund – Our Shared Future Opens for UK Applications

The National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) has launched its new £20 million Climate Action Fund for formal partnership working across sectors, led by community and voluntary organisations or public sector organisations for projects that reach more people. Funding is intended to reach people who are new to climate action by funding other types of organisations and by using everyday activities and interests as a starting point for climate action.

Particular interest in projects that involve people, places and communities experiencing poverty, discrimination and disadvantage.

A total of up to 25 projects is expected to be funded. The minimum grant is £500,000. It is expected that most grants will be between £1 million and £1.5 million over three to five years. Some exceptional projects of up to £3 million, for up to seven years, may be funded.

NLCF is holding the following information sessions:

16 May 2024 (Welsh and English).

21 May 2024

Deadline: 31 December 2024

https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/climate-action-fund-our-shared-future

Small Grants for charities with incomes under £200,000

Support for projects and organisations that focus on greening and growing, working with older people, working with Deaf and Disabled people, working with the LGBTQIA+ community, and working with migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.

Area: Greater London

Funding size: Up to £20,000 per year for a maximum of five years

Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis

https://www.citybridgefoundation.org.uk/funding/small-grants

West Midlands Tech Review

3rd annual review. This year, the event will also include Tech Nation's Rising Stars competition (17:00 - 20:00), celebrating exciting tech and digital businesses from across the region. TechWM is delighted to have been chosen to run and host this showcase event in collaboration with the UK Tech Cluster Group.

The event will include a number of high profile announcements, including:

·        A new digital narrative and proposition for the region

·        A refreshed Digital Roadmap for the West Midlands

·        A 2030 digital strategy and blueprint for the region's tech sector

When: 24th April 2024

Where: The Halls, Wolverhampton

https://birminghamtechweek.cventevents.com/L7kG2

Grants to Help Children & Young People Make, Learn & Earn in Music (England)

Up to £30,000 are available to organisations in England for projects that support children and young people facing barriers to make, learn and earn in music. The funding is made available through the Youth Music Trailblazer fund which supports organisations who want to trial work for the first time, test a new way of working, or disrupt the status quo - or all three. Organisations less than one year old can apply for up to £15,000. A minimum of 10% match funding is required. A minimum of 10% match funding is required.

Deadline: 23rd June 2023.

After this deadline, Youth Music will pause the Trailblazer Fund to make some small but significant improvements, focusing on greater accessibility and more youth voice.

https://youthmusic.org.uk/trailblazer-fund

Barclays Black Founder

A dedicated 12-week programme designed to champion Black founder-led businesses through a series of masterclasses and one-to-one mentoring to help them accelerate and grow. Run by Barclays Eagle Labs & Foundervine.

Bringing expertise from sales, marketing, technology, business and investment, the programme will provide you with the tools you need to take your business to the next level.

Deadline: 15 May 2024

https://www.foundervine.com/barclays-accelerator

APC: Advanced route to market demonstrator 3 (ARMD3)

UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £15 million for late stage research and development projects that help accelerate the UK towards a zero emission automotive future.

Eligibility

·        Open to single applicants and collaborations.

·        To lead a project your organisation must be a UK registered business.

Deadline: 01 May 2024

https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/apc-advanced-route-to-market-demonstrator-3-armd3/

£150m Investment Zone for Northern Ireland

Plans for a £150 million Enhanced Investment Zone (EIZ) for Northern Ireland have been published. The UK Government and the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland will work together to develop EIZ proposals based on the specific needs of Northern Ireland's economy.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/plans-published-for-150m-investment-zone-for-northern-ireland

AI upskilling pilot fund

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has launched a new pilot scheme that will help fund AI training to upskill workers. The Flexible AI Upskilling Fund will provide £7.4 million to subsidise the cost of AI skills training for small and medium-sized enterprises in the professional business services sector.

https://www.find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/grants/flexible-ai-upskilling-fund-pilot-expression-of-interest-1#eligibility

Comic Relief Launches New Youth Homelessness in the UK Fund

Flexible, core funding in the way of grants of up to £200,000 over a three to five year period to organisations which do both of the following:

·        Specialise in the provision of holistic support to young people aged 16-25 in the UK, who are at immediate risk of, or experiencing homelessness.

·        Meaningfully involve young people with lived experience of homelessness.

·        Although not a requirement, organisations who work to change public attitudes towards youth homelessness and/or reduce the stigma and discrimination that young people face.

This influencing work can be done either by the applicant or by working in partnership with others to effect change.

Eligibility:

·        UK based not-for-profit organisations

·        Organisation targets young people aged 16-25 at risk of experiencing homelessness.

·        annual income of between £250,000 and £10 million and a set of annual accounts.

Deadline: 07 May 2024

https://www.comicrelief.com/funding/funding-opportunities/youth-homelessness-in-the-uk/

Barclays Eagle Labs

Programmes & an online Entrepreneur Academy.

In January we launched the Eagle Labs Academy, an online learning portal to help you gain the skills to start and scale a tech business.

You can access self-paced, on demand and interactive content – at any time. Courses and content are designed in a modular basis which are easy to dip into, with content in both video and written form.

Business growth programmes

Six programmes open for applications and many more coming soon that you can register your interest for.

Currently open for applications:

Sustainability Bridge

To help support a transition to low carbon transport, Barclays Eagle Labs and Codebase are launching a new Bridge programme. The Sustainability Bridge will focus on transport and micromobility, such as bikes, e-bikes and electric scooters.

Cyber Bridge

Cyber Bridge is designed to help address the rise of ransomware attacks. It supports startups and established businesses to understand the different approaches to collaboration and disruptive innovation in cyber security.

EnergyTech Bridge

Opportunity North East (ONE) working in collaboration with Codebase and Barclays Eagle Labs are launching a new programme focused on the transition to green energy.

AI Bridge

This programme is designed to help both startups and established businesses understand the different approaches to collaboration, and disruptive innovation in generative AI so they can harness the potential for greater productivity.

Global Connect

Global Connect is designed to give founders the opportunity to learn from Silicon Valley veterans and teach them the fundamentals of raising early-stage institutional funding in the US.

Black Founder Accelerator

This programme is designed to champion diversity in entrepreneurship and showcase Black Founder-led businesses

https://labs.uk.barclays/what-we-offer/our-programmes/

https://academy.uk.barclays/

Trafford Shop Improvement Grant

A capital grant scheme that can help new and existing businesses to grow in Trafford by providing a one-off grant to support the refurbishment of town centre retail premises. The maximum grant available is £10,000, however in exceptional circumstances Trafford Council retain the right to award larger amounts based on the delivery of the outputs.

Successful applicants will also be required to evidence a minimum of 50% match funding. The purpose of the grant fund is to support new business and the sustainability of existing businesses in Trafford. Funding from this grant scheme has come from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (DLUHC).

Location North West England

Deadline: 30 September 2024

https://www.trafford.gov.uk/business/business-support-advice-and-funding/Trafford-Shop-Improvement-Grant.aspx

Be part of Birmingham's Big Help Out!

The Big Help Out is a weekend of volunteering and community action to support local people, communities, and good causes. If your organisation or community group involves volunteers, the Big Help Out is a great opportunity to recruit new volunteers, raise awareness of your work and diversify your volunteering programme. You can find out more at one of our online information sessions.

Tuesday 16th April, 13:30pm-15:00pm: Online Teams

Volunteers' Week, from June 7th - 9th 2024

https://www.bvsc.org/birminghams-big-help-out

Southwark Pioneers Fund: Accelerator: Valued at over £5000

Over six months, the Accelerator will allow you to grow your connections, access mentorship, and

expert-led workshops to level up your marketing, sales, turnover and investment. You’ll have an

annual turnover of roughly £30k+, you may be looking to recruit another member of staff in the

next 12 months and you’ll be looking to be part of an engaged cohort of other entrepreneurs.

Grants available upon completion of the programme, free to attend.

Deadline for applications: 7th May 2024

For Southwark based businesses:

https://hatchenterprise.org/our-programmes/southwark-accelerator-jun-24/

New immigration rules will dent UK entrepreneurship

Affects will deter foreign-born founders from hiring international students and talent. Tech startups wanting to hire foreign software developers, programmers and developers will now need to pay £49,900 (up from £34,000), an increase of 46%."

Accessing the talent pipeline of foreign graduates coming out of UK universities will also be made much more difficult. Startups trying to sponsor these graduates have benefitted from a 'new entrant' discount on salaries paid to recent graduates. But again, with the increase in the 'going rates', the salaries to be paid to these new entrants are going up to £30,900. This compares to the current £23,800 pa for programmer and software developer roles.

The foreign-born founders building our fastest-growing businesses. Despite the foreign-born population of the UK standing at 14.5 per cent, we can reveal that 39 per cent of the 100 fastest growing companies in the UK have a foreign-born founder or co-founder. These include companies such as Oddbox, Zapp, Synthesia, Kroo, and Zilch.

https://www.tenentrepreneurs.org/job-creators-2023-1

Future Leaders Fellowships: round 9

Funding to support ambitious research and innovation across UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)’s remit.

Eligibility:

·        You must be an early career researcher or innovator who is either:

·        looking to establish or transition to independence

·        developing your own original and ambitious plans within a commercial setting

Deadline: 18 June 2024

https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/future-leaders-fellowships-round-9/

AXA Startup Angel competition 2024

Six chances to win, including two top prizes of £25,000, plus valuable mentoring and business insurance for a year, thanks to AXA. Four runners-up will also win a media and mentoring prize valued at more than £18,000 to boost their new ventures.

https://www.axa.co.uk/startup-angel/

Sustainable Screen Training with BAFTA Albert!

Attention all creators of live action fiction and documentary content! Are you eager to make a positive impact on the environment through your filmmaking journey? Join for a transformative training session on Sustainable Screen production!

When: 21st May 2024

Cost: Free

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqdO6qqTkjHdPkSmnnPKNdECtPd5MdMP6G#/registration

Lean Impact for Scale

A fully-funded training programme that assists leaders of mission-driven organisations at the forefront of this issue in building proven scaling strategies and iteratively developing or refining interventions for scale.

Zero cost: Lean Impact for Scale is fully-funded

Location: The programme will take place over Zoom

Participants: 8 outstanding organisations

Commitment: 2 team members (one of whom is in a leadership position) are each able to commit 1 day per week

Duration: 10 weeks

Cost: Free

Deadline: 15 April 2024

Dates: May - July 2024

https://info963648.typeform.com/to/qndgYjt8

Careers Connect: Lloyds Bank Recruitment Evening

Dive into the heart of the banking industry with the Careers Connect job fair, featuring Lloyds Bank! This one-of-a-kind event is your golden ticket to exploring a plethora of opportunities within the banking sector, including Commercial Banking, Business Banking, and much more.

Don't miss this chance to elevate your career prospects in banking. Mark your calendar and prepare to connect with the future of finance at Careers Connect with Lloyds Bank!

When: 17th April, Time: 17:30 - 21:00

Where: Legacy Centre of Excellence, 144 Potters Lane Birmingham

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/career-connect-presents-lloyds-bank-recruitment-evening-tickets-856764153647,

Amazon Innovation Accelerator

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) is joining forces with Amazon in the UK for an exclusive business accelerator programme designed to help small firms innovate and grow.

A cohort of up to 25 businesses will be selected to take part in the Amazon Innovation Accelerator, which will showcase the latest trends and strategies on everything from tech adoption to leadership and management - with best-in-class guidance from across Amazon, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and the GBCC.

Eligibility:

·        Employ 50+ members of staff or a turnover of over £5 million

·        Businesses with operations in the West Midlands,

·        In manufacturing, engineering, logistics, retail or related industries

Cost: Free

Deadline: 10 May 2024

https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/resource/chamber-and-amazon-join-forces-to-launch-business-accelerator-programme.html

UK Global Business Innovation Programme (GBIP)

Helping innovative SMEs to collaborate and explore global markets, accelerating business growth. Each GBIP, focused on a specific market and technology or sector area, involves a cohort of up to 15 ambitious innovative UK businesses looking to grow and scale globally. The programme aims to help businesses explore future opportunities and to better understand what is needed to be successful on the global stage.

Deadline: 16th April 2024

https://www.innovateukedge.ukri.org/gbip#

Lloyds Bank Foundation's Racial Equity Programme

This year, the Racial Equity Programme will be providing 42 unrestricted grants of £75,000 over three years (£25,000 per year) with tailored development support to registered charities and community interest companies which are led by and working with people who are experiencing economic inequity because of the race or ethnicity.

The 2024 programme is open to small, local and specialist registered charities, charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs) and community interest companies (CICs) registered in England and Wales.

Eligibility:

·        Based and working in England (excluding London) and Wales.

·        Annual income of between £25,000 and £500,000 in the last set of published accounts.

·        Track record of directly delivering services for at least one year to people (aged 18 and over) from racially minoritised communities experiencing significant economic disadvantage.

In 2024, applications from Wales and Yorkshire and Humber favoured as it invested less funding in these areas in 2023, and they have been identified as regions where racially minoritised people are more likely to be living in poverty, relative to the white population.

A free information webinar and live Q&A panel will be held on 24 April 2024.

Deadline: 30 May 2024.

https://www.lloydsbankfoundation.org.uk/funding

Hong Kong British Nationals (Overseas) Welcome Programme

Offers Funding for Two VCSE- Run Projects in England by The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) is offering two grants for voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations working to enable BN(O) status holders and their family members to contribute to life in the UK both economically and socially, and ensure they feel safe and welcome in doing so.

This year's funding aims to help BN(O)s to thrive in their new lives in the UK – helping them to get jobs that match their skills so that they can prosper and get help with mental health and wellbeing to give them the confidence to be part of their communities.

In 2024/25, the total funding for the VCSE grant is up to around £1 million.

There are two separate funding strands:

·        Up to £650,000 for employability.

·        Up to £310,000 for mental health and wellbeing.

The funding for the VCSE grant scheme is available to 31 March 2025.

DLUHC expect to fund one organisation/consortium for each grant.

The funding can be used for costs directly related to the project,

Please note there will no longer be funding for regional VCSE projects as the funding is now focusing its support of BN(O)s in line with current needs identified through ongoing delivery and funded research.

DLUHC is planning to run an event on Wednesday 3 April and Wednesday 10 April 2024 to talk about the VCSE grant scheme in more detail.

Deadline: 28 April 2024

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hong-kong-british-national-overseas-programme-year-4-vcse-funding-20242025

Become a Community Champion

Champions’ time will be remunerated at a rate of £350 per day. We’re Right Here are looking for people who:

·        Are passionate about the power of communities to drive their own change and share our frustration that it shouldn’t be so hard to do this kind of work.

·        Have a story to tell about their efforts to work with and empower local people in their area.

·        Can commit around 5-10 days a year to build support for the movement for community power, both in their own community and nationally with the support of the campaign team.

Deadline: 15th April 2024

https://www.right-here.org/become-a-community-champion/

STEAMhouse And UKSPF Launch Pre-Funded Opportunities For Businesses Who Need Support To Innovate

Do you want to build a new product, service or project but have limited budget or resources to get things going? We’re thrilled to announce a new project – fully-funded by the UK government through the UKSPF (UK Shared Prosperity Fund) – to support Birmingham & Solihull businesses to innovate, collaborate and grow.

Help ambitious businesses and organisations who want to capitalise on the opportunity to receive up to 20 hours of tailored, free-to-access business support, until March 2025.

Even if this programme is not right for you, or you cannot get on the scheme go & visit the STEAMhouse location. Ask for Sophia Tarr. The kit they have there has to be some of the best in the UK.

https://steamhouse.org.uk/news/funded-business-support-ukspf-steamhouse/

Investigation into use of personal guarantees

Following a 'super complaint' from the FSB, the Financial Conduct Authority has committed to investigating the use of personal guarantees by lenders to support small business loans. The FSB has raised concerns that growing demand for personal guarantees has a detrimental impact on small businesses, which they believe dissuades them from borrowing to grow.

https://www.fca.org.uk/news/press-releases/fca-investigate-use-personal-guarantees-certain-small-business-lending

Innovate UK innovation loans future economy: round 14

UK registered businesses can apply for loans for innovative projects with strong commercial potential to significantly improve the UK economy.

£25 million in loans to micro, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Innovate UK innovation loans are for highly innovative late stage research and development (R&D) projects with the best potential for the future. There must be a clear route to commercialisation and economic impact. Loans can be between £100,000 and £2 million.

Deadline: 01 May 2024

https://iuk.ktn-uk.org/opportunities/innovate-uk-innovation-loans-future-economy-round-14/

Innovate Now with City Bridge Foundation

Do it Now Now is 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.

Will provide 64 London-based Black-led charities and enterprises with £12,000 grant funding, bespoke support and £3,000 in compensated capacity building. We will help your organisation build financial resilience and operational readiness, increase your chances of raising social investment and create a sustainable future for your organisation.

The fund will be disbursed in 3 rounds. We will review all expressions of interest that are submitted within the time period for each round.

Deadline: Round 2 closes 09 May 2024

Round 3: opens 1 October 2024, closes 4 December 2024

https://www.doitnownow.com/innovate-now-with-city-bridge-foundation

Green Advantage- Skills Bootcamp in Sustainability

A short course designed for business leaders, managers and professionals who want to consider the implications of climate and environmental challenges for their business or workplace alongside maintaining business performance and profitability. 

Green Advantage is funded for some attendees by the Government Department for Education via the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) as part of the Government's Skills Bootcamps.

The Course:

·        A 12-week part-time course

·        Workshops – blended delivery available

·        4 hours of one-to-one coaching from a business sustainability expert

Delivered by Aston Centre for Growth in partnership with The Energy & Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) and the Centre for Circular Economy and Advanced Sustainability at Aston University.

https://www.aston.ac.uk/research/bss/abs/centres-hubs/aston-centre-for-growth/green-advantage

UnLtd

Grants of up to £18,000 plus business support are available to social entrepreneurs that are looking to start or grow an existing social venture. The funding is being made available through the UnLtd the leading provider of support to social entrepreneurs in and around the UK.

UnLtd are committed to providing 50% of their awards to Black, Asian and minority ethnic social entrepreneurs, and/or disabled social entrepreneurs. To be eligible applicants need to be aged 16 or over, living in the UK and are looking to fulfil a clear social need and demand. The closing date for this funding round is the 30th June 2024.

https://www.unltd.org.uk/awards/

Student loans: UK's highest debt revealed to be £231,000

The largest repayment a graduate has made tops £110,000, the figures show, with another loan holder accumulating interest alone of nearly £55,000.

Student Loans Company (SLC) following a BBC Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

SLC says graduates in England leave university with average debts of £44,940.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-68534953

Unlock the full potential of your creative business

Creative UK's business support programmes, free-to-access transformative nine-month programme of support for creative businesses. You'll receive one-to-one mentoring sessions and access tailored workshops and invaluable networking opportunities aimed at supercharging growth, ensuring business sustainability, and priming for investment success.

Also run a shorter six-month programme for businesses beginning to explore investment.

The programme culminates with investor connection opportunities via invitation-only pitching and networking events.

South East (Kent, Essex and Sussex) – application deadline 16th April 2024

West Midlands – application deadline 4th May 2024

North East – rolling application deadline

West Yorkshire – application deadline 2nd May 2024

https://www.wearecreative.uk/support/regional-growth-programmes/

Channel 4 targets new wave of investment into overlooked founders

Channel 4 is launching Untapped, a ground-breaking commercial initiative to invest in entrepreneurs who have traditionally been overlooked by the VC ecosystem.

The initiative – led by Channel 4’s consumer investment arm, Channel 4 Ventures - is informed by new research which shows that founders securing significant investment historically fall into a narrow range of elite profiles.

The brilliant Tom Adeeyola has recently been invited onto the board of Channel 4. This programme has fingerprints of his brilliant mind all over it? Need to ask him next time we chat.

https://www.channel4.com/press/news/channel-4-targets-new-wave-investment-overlooked-founders

Help to Grow: Management

Is a government-funded* 12 week leadership course delivered by Aston University, a world-class international Business School.

The course offers:

·        In-depth leadership training provided by business experts both online and face-to-face sessions designed to allow you to complete the course alongside running your business.

·        Strategies for growth and innovation, leading high-performance teams, and digital adoption, as well as financial management and responsible business practices.

·        Support to build resilience and develop a targeted Growth Action Plan for your business

The course is 90% funded by the government*. Businesses pay just £750 per participant. Eligibility criteria applies.

https://www.aston.ac.uk/research/bss/abs/centres-hubs/aston-centre-for-growth/help-to-grow-management

Digital Technology: The Future of AME Supply Chains

the nationally acclaimed Made Smarter programme is coming to the Black Country to host an event packed with industry experts, manufacturers, OEMs, buyers, technology specialists and exhibitors. Organised by Made Smarter West Midlands

https://www.finditintheblackcountry.co.uk/events/the-future-of-ame-supply-chains-digital-technology-at-its-best

American Express Leadership Academy for the UK & EMEA

Founded in 2008, the American Express Leadership Academy builds the personal, business and leadership skills of high potential non-profit and social purpose leaders through multi-day, in-person training.

Eligibility:

·        High potential leaders with average of 5-8 years experience in social sector or equivalent,

·        High potential leaders at a unique transition point in their professional trajectory,

In roles that require them to accelerate their ability to influence inside and outside of their organizations

With a track record of innovation, embracing change, and want to transform their team, organization and community

With a desire and readiness to be supported in public speaking and tell their story to a broader audience

Applicants must work for a registered non-profit and/or social enterprise organization.

Deadline: 08 April 2024

https://commonpurpose.org/american-express-leadership-academy/apply

The AMANI Project

A 6-month mentoring and employability programme inspired by the personal transformation of project patron, Amani Simpson and ran in collaboration with AVIARD Inspires Goldman Sachs, Hogan Lovells and Mentivity. Back for the third year. Programme consists of:

·        10 x in-person workshops, with additional meet-ups for social events

·        Dedicated mentors from both Goldman Sachs and Hogan Lovells with support from Mentivity and AVIARD.

·        Tasks and challenges to improve soft skills, confidence and and clarity

·        Networking opportunities

Eligibility:

Currently only open for Black and black mixed-race teenagers (aged 16-19) from London who are in need of a 2nd chance to help raise aspirations, improve networks and develop confidence.

https://www.aviard.co.uk/theamaniproject

CISI Future Foundation

grant giving charity seeks to support the advancement of education for the public benefit by advancing knowledge and improving skills in financial capacities and capabilities. Apply for a grant in excess of £20,000. Applications for lesser amounts will generally not be considered.

Eligibility:

·        Not for profit or charity

·        2 years accounts

https://www.cisi.org/cisiweb2/future-foundation/homepage

Lloyds Banking Group Launch Innovation Programme

Are you an exceptional FinTech or InsurTech wanting to push your purpose? How does a 5-month programme leading to rapid experimentation, access to subject matter experts, and free business masterclasses sound?

Be part of the Launch Innovation programme for businesses who think they’ve got the talent and tech to solve one of their five business strategy challenges.

Deadline: 17 April 2024 

https://www.lloydsbankinggroup.com/who-we-are/working-with-suppliers/collaborating-with-fintechs/launch-innovation-programme.html

West Midlands Green Careers Fair

Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and shape the future of sustainability at this BeC event. This isn't just any job fair; it's a dynamic gathering of passionate individuals committed to making a positive impact. Whether you're on the hunt for your dream green job, eager to engage with industry leaders, or simply thirsty for knowledge about the latest sustainability trends, this event has something for everyone!

BeCa are run by a great bunch of guys. Read recently that the organisations they’ve supported have now received funding of tens of £M’s! Well done Daniel Evans, Paul Cadman to you & your team.

When: 18 April 2024

Where: Tricorn Cafe, Birmingham

https://www.becleaps.co.uk/

https://lnkd.in/d2EWNXhk

Elevate Fund

Supported by generous funding from Spirit of 2012, and in collaboration with Foundation for Future London. This London 2012 Legacy Partnership project is designed to bring the legacy from the London 2012 Games – past, present and future – to the forefront.

The Elevate Fund will distribute grants for the community with the community, and collaborate with funders to fund impactful projects that help young people and youth invested organisations from Newham, Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest.

Deadline: 02 June 2024

DIATOMIC UK Accelerator Showcase

Digital Solutions to Housing and Waste Challenges. bringing together industry experts and innovators to discuss and explore developing solutions in relation to housing and waste challenges in the public sector.

When: 17th April 2024 , 12:00 – 18:00

Location: STEAMhouse, Birmingham City University, B4 7RQ

https://cp.catapult.org.uk/event/showcase-digital-solutions-to-housing-and-waste-challenges/#eventDetails

Business for Good Growth & Resilience programme

FREE learning programme supporting you to develop new and existing skills and network with other socially minded or democratically owned businesses based in West Yorkshire. The programme is jointly delivered by the School of Social Entrepreneurs and Co-operatives UK and builds on both organisations experience of working with alternative businesses.

Eligibility:

·        Based in West Yorkshire (Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Wakefield and Leeds)

·        Trading for at least 18 months and able to demonstrate this via financial records showing an income of at least £15K over the last 12 months.

Evidence of your legal structure and governance documents. You may be a co-operative society or co-operative company, registered charity, a Community Benefit Society (CBS), registered society or a Community Interest Company (CIC). We can also accept limited corporations if you have a social purpose, majority restriction on profits, and an asset lock.

Organisation has a social or environmental purposes and/ or democratically controlled and owned.

Dates: 13 May 2024 - 21 Oct 2024

Cost: Free

https://www.the-sse.org/courses/business-for-good-growth-and-resilience-programme/

Create Growth Programme Showcase Day

A national event held in London on Tuesday, celebrating and showcasing innovative businesses and talent in the creative industries. Apply to showcase your offering and connect with investors and key stakeholders

As part of the Create Growth Programme launched by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) in partnership with Innovate UK, and designed to support the development of creative businesses with high-growth potential across England, this flagship event will bring together Founders, investors and key stakeholders to exchange ideas for driving sustainable growth in the sector.

The Showcase 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

Strategic Approaches to Public Sector Procurement: A Workshop for Business Owners

Whether you're a small startup or an established enterprise, understanding how to engage with public sector procurement contracts can significantly impact your bottom line. This workshop organised by BetaDen will provide invaluable insights, practical strategies, and expert guidance to help you thrive in the competitive landscape of public procurement.

When: 25 April 2024, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Where: The Kiln, 2 Copenhagen St, Worcester WR1 2HB

https://www.beta-den.com/events/25042024/strategic-approaches-to-public-sector-procurement-a-workshop-for-business-owners/

A record 900,058 companies incorporated in 2023

An 11.8% increase on the number incorporated in 2022. However, a new company being incorporated is not the same as a new venture created. Nearly 12,000 companies were dissolved in the same year that they were incorporated.

Of the 900k new companies, 500k have only filed one document at Companies House so it’s too early to say how many will make an economic or social impact.

https://www.beauhurst.com/research/new-startup-index/

Self-employment approaching a ten-year low

Analysis of the UK's employment landscape has revealed a fall in the number self-employed people since the beginning of the pandemic. Self-employment is approaching a ten-year low, and the share of the UK workforce that is currently self-employed is the lowest in almost two decades.

https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/uk-self-employment-is-approaching-a-10-year-low-new-analysis-by-business-coach-academy-reveals-1033146998

School of code - Data & AI Mastery Course

As we step into an era dominated by data and artificial intelligence, the ability to adapt and up skill has never been more critical. As such, School of code are introducing a premier Data Engineering & AI Mastery Course, along with their other coding courses.

Targeted Learning: Specifically designed for professionals in tech roles, this part time course is ideal for engineers and analysts looking to advance their skills

Strategic Edge: Equip your team with the latest in data engineering and AI, setting your projects apart and driving innovation.

Zero Cost, Maximum Value: Through a partnership with the WMCA, we're able to offer this comprehensive 15-week program for FREE* to eligible participants, providing unprecedented value without impacting your budget.

Eligibility:

·        Free if living in WMCA region.

Supporting the West Midlands Combined Authority Social Economy Business Growth Programme, aimed at developing the business skills of social economy organisations across the region, helping you to grow, become more sustainable and increase the impact you have in addressing inequalities.

https://www.schoolofcode.co.uk/

Aston University Social Economy Growth Programmes

Grow and Accelerate your Charity, Social Enterprise or CIC with a fully funded leadership

and management training programme plus a grant to support you to increase your trading income.

Aston Centre for Growth introduces the GROW and ACCELERATE programmes, designed to champion the Social Economy Sector. Through a series of expert-led workshops, and with support from peer group coaches, you will develop strategies to increase your trading income while also building beneficiary impact. You will elevate your business skills, gain confidence to create sustainable growth in your organisation and develop a new supportive and collaborative network.

Participants can receive upto £10k incentivised grant for the Grow Programme & upto £20k incentivised grant for the ACCELERATE Programme.

Applications close April 2024

https://lnkd.in/eRKPf45j

Centre for Finance, Innovation and Technology (CFIT) report

Discover 'proofs of concept', developed with Citizens Advice and HSBC UK, showcasing how Open Finance can revolutionise financial advice for consumers and access to credit for SMEs.

Delve into our recommendations for advancing secure data-sharing and harnessing the full potential of Open Finance.

Explore their findings on how integrating Open Finance into the UK's financial ecosystem can help further unlock £30.5bn in GDP growth. The CEO Ezechi Britton has been one of hibretOne’s advisors.

By embracing Open Finance, CFIT aims to help drive forward more equitable access to financial services, bolster SME growth and empower consumers with greater control over their financial data.

https://bit.ly/3OYPmca

Funding to Support Music and Heritage Projects Across the UK

Radcliffe Trust is offering grants averaging between £2,500 and £7,500:

·        Music - Classical music performance and training.

·        Heritage & Crafts - Development of the skills, knowledge and experience that underpin the UK’s traditional cultural heritage and crafts sectors.

There are typically rounds per year, with trustee meetings held in June and December. Groups can apply for both a Music grant and a Heritage & Crafts grant in the same funding round.

Eligibility:

·        Charities, not-for-profit groups, and exempt organisations for projects that fall under the following categories:

Deadline: 31 July 2024

https://theradcliffetrust.org/

City Bridge Foundation

Small Grant support for projects and organisations that focus on greening and growing, working with older people, working with Deaf and Disabled people, working with the LGBTQIA+ community, and working with migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.

Eligibility:

Charities with incomes under £200,000. Funding up to £20,000 per year for a maximum of five years. To give smaller organisations easier access to funding in the following five strands:

1) Environmental, greening and growing

2) Working with older people

3) Working with Deaf and Disabled people

4) Working with the LGBTQIA+ community

5) Working with migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers

Deadline: Applications on a rolling basis

https://www.citybridgefoundation.org.uk/funding/small-grants

Funding to Improve Employment & Training for Disabled People (UK)

Grants of up to £5,000 are available to UK registered charities for projects that support and improve access to employment and training for people living with disabilities. The Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust awards the funding to charities that have an operating income and expenditure of over £1 million.

The Trust will continue to prioritise charities that work in BAME communities, in light of Black Lives Matter and the growing awareness that these communities have been disproportionately affected by the Covid 19 crisis.

Deadline: 30th April 2024

https://austin-hope-pilkington.org.uk/how-to-apply/

Santander Breakthrough Women Business Leaders' Mentoring Programme

Supporting women and entrepreneurship. They've run a Women Business Leaders' mentoring programme since 2019. This is a key part of their commitment to the Government's Investing in Women Code. The Code supports the advancement of female founders and business owners in the UK. It does this by improving access to tools, resources, and finance.

The programme is for the next generation of fast-growth ambitious female founders and business owners. Santander will:

·        Match you with a suitable mentor. Mentors come from a wide range of sectors and have a minimum of 5 years' leadership experience.

·        Help you think in different ways about your business. Your matched mentor will have the skills and experience to guide you through this.

You must commit to meeting regularly with a mentor. With them, you'll decide on your business objectives and the help you need.

Be given the resources to make sure you get the most from the programme.

Be part of an active network of female founders.

The programme runs March through to November. During this time, you'll be expected to commit to a minimum of 30 hours of mentoring and learning.

Closed: Put yourself on the waitlist for the next cohort

https://www.santander.co.uk/breakthrough/resources/santander-breakthrough-women

UK Businesses Urged to Apply for Share of £82bn Horizon Europe Funding

Horizon Europe grants are difficult tro write, so I strongly recommend getting help. The average Horizon grant is worth £450,000 to a UK business.

Some competitions have an over 30% success rate, because applying is so difficult. You will need help, because they are so difficult to apply for. I tried doing one myself & quit part way through the second question, after spending many hours on it.

Horizon Europe is built around three main pillars – excellent science (Pillar 1), global challenges and industrial competitiveness (Pillar 2), and innovative Europe (Pillar 3). Horizon’s Pillar 2 has the largest budget, and supports research that is aimed at tackling some of the biggest problems facing society, from improving people’s health to tackling climate change

https://www.digit.fyi/uk-businesses-urged-to-apply-for-share-of-82bn-horizon-europe-funding/

MSDUK's Innovation Challenge 2024

Opportunity champions ethnic minority entrepreneurs from across the UK and Europe to showcase their innovative and ground-breaking solutions to a network of global corporates and supplier diversity advocates.

The overall winner will receive: £20,000 Cash Prize. 1-2-1 corporate mentoring from Accenture

Other benefits:

·        x3 £2,500 cash prize for category winners

·        Free Pitch Training Workshop to enhance your pitching skills

·        Finalists will be invited to pitch The Business Diversity Connect Conference and Business Show 2024, held by MSDUK and ESDP

·        Connect and network with founders, like-minded entrepreneurs and global corporations

Deadline: 7th May 2024

https://www.msduk.org.uk/programme/msduk-innovation-challenge/

Inspirational Youth Awards

Birmingham will play host to the, a prestigious event delivered by B Events. This year, partnering with St Basils Charity, a remarkable organisation dedicated to supporting young people facing homelessness. Goal is to spotlight the incredible achievements of young changemakers who tirelessly work to uplift their communities, often without the recognition they deserve.

Awards are more than just a ceremony; they're a platform to celebrate and amplify the stories of these young heroes among us. Their dedication to creating positive change is a testament to the power of youth as architects of our future. We believe in the importance of recognising and celebrating their contributions, inspiring others to believe in their capacity to make a difference.

When: 27th April 2024

https://lnkd.in/eu_jF6gU

BCU Summer micro-placement programme

They are still putting the information together, but wanted to give BCU a shoutout. Some of the micro-placements are fully-funded. Amardeep leads the employer engagement team of employer engagement consultants and employer engagement advisers. They have a consultant and adviser for each faculty now, which means better access to talent.

Amardeep Paneser (Amardeep.paneser@bcu.ac.uk) or Nicole Riley (Nicole.riley@bcu.ac.uk )

https://www.bcu.ac.uk/business-school/working-in-industry/placements

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.

Eligibility:

·        Open to single applicants and collaborations.

·        be a UK registered business

·        be a UK registered research and technology organisation

·        carry out all your research and development project activity in the UK

·        intend to commercially exploit the project results from the UK

Deadline: 24 April 2024

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

Be the Business

With support from Mastercard Strive, Be the Business is empowering ethnic minority business owners from small and medium-sized businesses around the country, aiming to succeed in the digital economy through free guidance, helpful tools, and personalised one-to-one mentoring.

Three Main Programmes:

Mentoring - Access a free business mentor – Expertise and experience of a senior leader.

Boards - Facing big decisions? With free Boards programme, you don’t have to go it alone.

Tech adoption - Free advice for business leaders looking to get the most out of technology.

https://www.bethebusiness.com/programmes/strive-uk/

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