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

Revised: May 2025

Hello wonderful innovators,

Women in Innovation 2025 Innovate UK Award Winners were announced recently. These tough trailblazing innovators are tackling critical social, environmental and economic challenges. Each winner receives a £75,000 grant, personalised business coaching, and access to networking, role modelling and training opportunities. They are all amazing especially as winning an Innovate UK grant is so competitive.

Celebrating Women in Innovation is even more important today, as new polling commissioned by Amnesty International UK, exposes the levels of online misogyny on social media. Driving young people, particularly women, away from spaces meant for connection and creativity. All women with huge generous hearts, empowering others; Melissa Snover, Maxine Laceby, Patricia Hamzahee, Pam Sheemar, Izzy Obeng, Deb Leary, Henrietta Brearley, Sarah Beaumont, Sharon Thompson, Yvonne Field, Shani Dhanda, Michelle Ovens, Timi Okuwa, Margaret Casely-Hayford, Carolyn Dawson, Kanye King, Jo Anderson, Tara Attfield-Tomes, to name just a few of my shero’s!

More pots of funding continue to be paused (the PR term for closed), particularly for the social economy sector. Also business grant funds are being closed with a major one closing last January, the Innovate UK Smart Grant programme. Smart Grants started off with a fund of £25m with a success rate of 15%. At close this went down to £15m with a success rate of less than 3%. This is a huge loss throughout the UK, with UKRI providing £300m less this year for innovators. More need, more applicants, less money available. C’mon Drew pull your finger out & launch hibretOne to help fill this funding gap!

Managed to sneak a few tickets for Birmingham Black Business Show in June organised by the brilliant founder Raphael Sofoluke. (Dame Denise Lewis MBE is keynote). See event details for the comp code. Sorry Raphael if I wasn’t meant to share so widely! I’m actually not really! 😉

The Higher Level Skills Match (HLSM) Plus is a free Careers and placement programme for graduates across four Birmingham universities for any companies that are seeking graduate employees. A fully funded recruitment and retention service.

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

https://sendfox.com/hibretOne

Stay amazing, stay courageous

Drew

Drew Currie

Founder, hibretOne CIC

Interim CEO, initiative for Social Entrepreneurs (iSE)

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.

●      Use AI, or speed read till you find something of interest, as some of the grants have a short window for applications & you may miss out.

LATEST:

Women in Innovation 2025 Award Winners Announced

Innovate UK recently announced the winners of the Women in Innovation Awards 2025. These trailblazing entrepreneurs are tackling critical social, environmental and economic challenges, creating a robust pipeline of women-led businesses for future investment.

Winners span the length and breadth of the UK and cover a wide range of sectors including digital health, legal tech, sustainable fashion, renewable energy and more.

Some of the challenges this cohort are tackling include:

●     Transforming early-stage cancer detection

●     Responsive glass coatings that regulate temperatures without electricity

●     Developing medical devices to improve childbirth safety

●     Revolutionising financial transactions for the visually impaired

●     Developing the world’s first B2B food matchmaking platform

Each winner receives a £75,000 grant, personalised business coaching, and access to networking, role modelling and training opportunities.

https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/news/women-in-innovation-2025-award-winners-announced

Toxic tech: New polling exposes widespread online misogyny

New polling commissioned by Amnesty International UK, exposes the staggering levels of online misogyny that plague social media, driving young people, particularly women, away from spaces meant for connection and creativity. The polling, Toxic Tech: How Misogyny is Shaping Gen Z’s Online Experience, was conducted by Savanta and is taken from the testimony of 3,024 Gen Z respondents from a nationally representative sample of the UK population. The findings underscore the urgent need for tech platforms to overhaul their policies and take concrete steps toward ensuring safer digital communities.

73% of Gen Z social media users have witnessed misogynistic content online with half encountering it on a weekly basis. The problem is only getting worse, as 70% believe misogynistic and divisive language has increased on social media.

Among social media platforms, TikTok is seen as the worst offender. Specifically, 70% of respondents reported encountering misogynistic content on TikTok, rising to 80% for women,

https://www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releases/toxic-tech-new-polling-exposes-widespread-online-misogyny-driving-gen-z-away-social

Diabetes Free Workshops

Without health, wealth is less important! 6m people suffer with diabetes in the UK. Nearly 1.3m don’t even realise they have it. Diabetes can result in loss of limbs, or even death, so iSE are running a series of free workshops.

When: Throughout May 2025

Where: iSE Womens Enterprise & Community Hub, Sparkbrook, Birmingham

Cost: Free

Bring a friend to receive a free goodie bag.

https://i-se.co.uk/upcoming-events/

BEEP Export Bootcamp

Created by the brilliant Alex Cole and his organisation TIN Ventures. 4-week online programme helps ambitious SME Founders unlock international markets, build real-world export capabilities, and fast-track their journey to a Global Trade Accelerator MBA with The Open University Business School. Programme includes expert trade coaching, peer learning, and a microcredential pathway built for global growth.

Global Co-Pilot Incubator launches in September to qualify for the new Global Trade Accelerator MBA launching in November 2025.

EOI session: 29th May 2025, 12:00–1:15pm

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/beep-export-bootcamp-tickets-1338545618979

How Armenia is trying to build a Silicon Valley in the Caucasus

In a typical three-storey state school in the Armenian capital, nine-year old Slavik is demonstrating his invention. Next to him, 14-year-old Eric and Narek are showing their smart greenhouse model that monitors temperature and controls fans automatically through a mobile app. Other children are enthusiastically showcasing their inventions: games, robots, apps and smart home projects.

The programme started in 2014, and is called Armath, which translates into English as "root". Today there are 650 Armath labs in schools across Armenia. The initiative was established by a business organisation called the Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises (UATE), which represents more than 200 high-tech Armenian companies. The vision is Armenia becoming a tech centre powerhouse, states the chief executive of UATE.

We need to stay on top of our game in the UK, or other smaller countries will gradually move ahead.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2ew48p13y0o

Job Alert! Head of Impact Labs at Resonance

This organisation is phenomenal. Resonance are one of the UK’s leading social impact investment companies. In this vital role, you’ll:

- Lead and grow our Impact Labs team and funds

- Drive investment and grant raising and partnerships

- Strengthen the impact of social enterprises

- Work at the heart of a mission-driven organisation

A highly motivated leader with exceptional networking, strategic thinking, and fundraising skills to help scale their impact.

Deadline: 16 May 2025

First interviews: 22 May 2025 (via Teams)

https://resonance.ltd.uk/more-info/careers/head-of-impact-labs

Why have so many funders closed to applications?

More charities are applying…far more than funders can handle. The surge in grant applications is unprecedented. City Bridge Foundation, for example, temporarily closed to new applications after what it described as a “surprising” increase in funding requests. One VCSE programme reported a 40% rise in applications in just one year…a trend echoed throughout the sector.

For funders, this means rejecting more applications than ever before, a painful process even for the most seasoned grantmakers.

https://i-se.co.uk/why-are-so-many-funders-closing-their-doors/

Innovate UK Smart Grants Closed!

The Smart Grant programme designed to support SME’s to develop innovation with the potential to drive economic growth has been massively successful. Initially with a funding pot per round of £25 million, reduced to £15 million in 2024, it provided grants of between £100,000 and £500,000.

Unfortunately, the programme attracted a large number of applications with a success rate from 15% down to less than 3%. Various, what I and many others applying for grants consider underhanded techniques to keep applications low have failed. Indeed, who is that 4^th assessor who always marks applications down! Why was the Smart Grant closure made hidden in an announcement titled ‘Innovate UK is developing new funding and support packages for innovative SMEs!’

Whilst disappointing, it is no surprise the fantastic Smart Grant programme has been closed. Looking forward to what comes next.

https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/news/new-funding-and-support-packages-for-innovative-smes/

Ministers confirm UK Research and Innovation budget will fall

Agency’s allocation drops by £300 million compared with previous year’s spending, despite rising Dsit budget. UK Research and Innovation’s budget will fall in 2025-26 compared with the previous year, the government has confirmed.

The UK’s national research funding agency will receive £8.8 billion for 2025-26—compared with the £8.9bn initially set out for the previous year—the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology announced on 4 April.

https://www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-research-councils-2025-4-ministers-confirm-uk-research-and-innovation-budget-will-fall/

Free mentoring for Disabled Entrepreneurs, by Disabled Entrepreneurs

Small Business Britain and Lloyds Banking Group, are working together to give Disabled entrepreneurs access to FREE one to one, online mentoring sessions.

These sessions are facilitated by mentors who have direct or lived knowledge of Disability and you can choose to be matched by shared experiences or by business needs. Choose from a huge range of topics and select from a range of suggested mentors.

Each session is hosted online, and is an hour long.

https://digitalboost.org.uk/disabled-entrepreneurs-programme/

Becoming an Angel Investor' event

As part of the regional 'Embracing Diversity' series, is due to take place on in partnership with UK Business Angels Association and Minerva Business Angels.

When: Thursday, 15th May 2025, 10.00am - 1.00pm

Where: University of Warwick - Warwick Business School, Coventry

https://lnkd.in/eEDQfBfV

UK visa applications plummet following strict rule change

Applications for key UK visa routes have plummeted by more than a third in a year, according to new Home Office data. The figures reveal a significant drop in applications across major visa categories, including work, study, and family visas, likely reflecting the impact of stricter immigration rules introduced in early 2024.

In the year to March 2025, applications covering 772,200 individuals were submitted, a stark 37 per cent decrease from the nearly 1.24 million applications received in the preceding 12 months. The most dramatic decline was seen in applications from foreign health and care workers and their families. These applications plummeted by 78 per cent, from 359,300 in 2023/24 to just 80,700 in 2024/25.

Data also highlights a significant impact on student dependents. Applications by family members of sponsored study visa holders fell by a staggering 83 per cent. Applications from the main student applicants themselves saw a more modest decrease of 11 per cent.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/uk-visa-applications-immigration-figures-b2731004.html

NatWest Accelerator Pitch competition

For 10 years, NatWest Accelerator has been helping businesses get going and get growing. To celebrate this milestone, NatWest are launching their Accelerator Pitch with a total prize pot of £1m to be given out over a series of competitions throughout 2025 and beyond.

Judges will select five Finalists to attend our first live final in Manchester on 31 July 2025, with a second edition of the competition coming to London later in 2025.

At the live events, the Finalists will get to deliver their best ‘Dragon’s Den/Shark Tank’ pitches. The best three at each event will share in the £100k prize pot, with the overall winner scooping £70k for their business. 

https://www.natwestacceleratorpitch.co.uk/

Great British Entrepreneur Awards

Acknowledges the hard work and inspiring stories of British entrepreneurs and businesses. It’s more than an awards ceremony; it’s a thriving community that champions entrepreneurship all year round.

Entrepreneurs from all industries and 10 regions of the United Kingdom that fulfil the eligibility criteria are eligible to apply. From early start-up business, to more established companies; any entrepreneur can apply!

https://gbea.awardsplatform.com/

Enterprise Accelerators Festival 2025

13 events, online, over a week with the sessions recorded for those who can't come live.

Are you passionate about fostering entrepreneurship? Join us at The Enterprise Accelerators Festival — a dynamic online conference uniting the brightest minds and strongest advocates from government, business, the non-profit sector, and education to empower and accelerate entrepreneurship. It's for people who support entrepreneurs of all types, and from different sectors and roles.

When: 12th - 17th May 2025

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-enterprise-accelerators-festival-2025-tickets-1217798691669

Coventry Building Society Fund

In need of funding? Look to our Coventry Building Society fund! The aim of the fund is to support projects addressing the local needs in Coventry which will enable the community to be better off through life.

Small grants up to £2,000 and large grants up to £10,000 are available for groups that support communities by facilitating better connections and addressing isolation and vulnerability. Priority is given to projects in Coventry, however projects from Warwickshire may be considered.

Deadline: 6th June 2025

https://www.heartofenglandcf.co.uk/coventry-building-society-small-grants

Women in Investing Fellowship Program AWE (Achieving Women Equity) Funds

A fellowship for investing by bringing more women to the investment table. Every year, 10 mid-career professionals who identify as women will be selected for an intensive, high-impact program that includes:

·       A deep-dive investment bootcamp led by top VCs

·       A six to nine-month immersive fellowship with AWE Funds and other leading VC firms

·       Hands-on experience with live deals, investment committees, and portfolio building

Aims to close the gender gap in capital allocation and empower the next generation of women venture capitalists.

https://lnkd.in/g2SZBaHu

Venturefest Mobile Hub: Financing Innovation

Getting the right funding and finance can be crucial for your growth and scaling journey. This event, focused on financing innovation, is tailored for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators seeking to establish and grow their businesses.

When: 08 May 2025 9:30 - 12:30

Where: Legacy Centre Of Excellence, 144 Potters Lane, Birmingham

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/venturefest-mobile-hub-financing-innovation-tickets-1316085429949

Companies House starts to verify identities

The voluntary period for identity verification is open for business. More than 6 million individuals will need to comply in the 12 months after identity verification becomes a legal requirement later this year. This phased approach reduces the burden on companies.

The introduction of identity verification is one of the key changes to UK company law under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. This landmark legislation gave Companies House new and enhanced powers to help disrupt economic crime and support economic growth.

To reduce the burden on business, the identity verification requirement for existing directors will be integrated into the annual confirmation statement update process.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/companies-house-starts-to-verify-identities

Global military spending reached a record high of $2.7 trillion

According to the latest data by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. More than 100 countries increased their military spending in 2024, with Europe's expenditure surpassing levels last seen at the end of the Cold War, driven mainly by the conflict in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Middle East's spending reached an estimated $243 billion, a 15 percent increase on 2023, as the Israel-Gaza war and the conflict with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon continue.

https://www.sipri.org/media/press-release/2025/unprecedented-rise-global-military-expenditure-european-and-middle-east-spending-surges

Jaguar Landrover (JLR) expert access,

Gain access to cutting-edge facilities, and potentially secure investment and strategic partnerships to accelerate growth. A £90,000 prize pot will be awarded to successful innovations - one winner and two runners up. What you get:

• Mentorship from industry leaders and technical experts

• Access to JLR’s global ecosystem and resources

• Visibility on an international platform

• Potential for Investment and strategic collaborations or POCs.

Deadline: 31st July 2025

https://lnkd.in/dTYhdqHi

DCMS Create Growth Programme Competition 4: large projects

UK registered micro, small and medium enterprises in the creative sector can apply for a share of up to £8 million for innovation projects to grow their business. This funding is from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

Eligibility:

·       a UK registered micro, small or medium size enterprise

·       registered or operational in a DCMS Create Growth Programme appointed region

·       able to demonstrate ambition for growth

·       from the creative industries and focused on one or more of the creative industries sub-sectors

Deadline: 29 May 2025

https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/dcms-create-growth-programme-competition-4-large-projects/

Go! London Young Entrepreneurs Programme

Do you know a young Londoner aged 16–24 with a big idea in sports or physical activity? Delivered by the School of Social Entrepreneurs, the programme provides up to £15,000 funding, alongside training and mentoring to help turn creative ideas into successful social enterprises.

Past projects include:

·       A bamboo-based sportswear brand

·       An app for easier sports bookings

·       A women-led boxing and Muay Thai club

Register interest

Deadline: 5th May 2025

https://golondon.org.uk/apply-for-the-go-london-young-entrepreneurs-programme/

BVSC Engage for Funding Forum: In Kind Direct

In kind Direct distributes consumer products, donated by companies, to charitable organisations to ensure that everyone has access to the products they need to keep clean, safe and well. It's a great way for organisations to save money and further help their beneficiaries.

BVSC are a fantastic organisation supporting the voluntary sector. Signup to their newsletter for the latest, news, events and latest grant opportunities.

When: 5th May 2025

https://www.bvsc.org/Event/engage-for-funding-in-kind-direct

Wolverhampton Centre of Excellence for Shaped Laser Additive Manufacturing

Winning the award for the longest event title. This event brings together industry experts, researchers, and innovators to discuss the latest advancements in laser beam shaping, sustainable AM, and industrial 3D printing applications.

Key Highlights:

·       Insights from leading experts in additive manufacturing

·       Discussions on green innovation & investment zones

·       Live case studies from industry leaders

·       Networking opportunities with professionals & academics

When: Wed 07 May 2025, 09:30 - 15:00

Where: University of Wolverhampton, Springfield Campus, Wolverhampton

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wolverhampton-centre-of-excellence-for-shaped-laser-additive-manufacturing-tickets-1300956629299

Nominate now for The Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards 2025

Promoting social mobility, diversity, inclusion and equity, The Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards aims to showcase those who are working hard to overcome adversity and achieve their goals through apprenticeships. Well done Safaraz Ali for your continuous support of apprenticeships.

As well as celebrating apprentices themselves, the awards also champion the employers, universities, colleges and independent training providers that support them on their career journey.

Deadline for nominations: 16th May 2025

https://multiculturalapprenticeshipawards.co.uk/

Local Youth Transformation Fund

Delivery Partner Sought for £750,000 Youth Services Pilot in England. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is seeking a delivery partner for a £750,000 pilot aimed at supporting 10 to 12 local authorities in England to improve youth services provision.

The Local Youth Transformation (LYT) Pilot aims to help local authorities rebuild a high-quality youth offer and transition back to locally led youth service delivery. Selected authorities will represent a range of geographical contexts and service delivery models.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/applying-to-the-local-youth-transformation-fund

Midlands Women in Tech Awards

A driving force for change in the tech sector for the past five years, making significant strides toward promoting gender equality and representation in a traditionally male-dominated industry. With a strong foundation built within the Midlands, the awards are now expanding their mission nationwide, opening nominations to recognise women in tech across the UK.

Co-Founders Anita Chumber & Ifraz Ahmed organise a bunch of great events around the W Midlands. I am biased, but the energy at this event is amazing.

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN for the 6th Women In Tech Awards

https://www.womenintechawards.co.uk/

Founders Faculty

Incorporates a UK-based angel community connecting visionary founders with experienced angel investors who’ve been in your shoes and know what it takes to succeed. Access to seasoned angel investors ready to invest £25k–£500k in transformative ideas.

Hands-on mentorship from former founders who’ve built, scaled, and exited multi-million-pound businesses. A chance to pitch at intimate quarterly networking events, designed to foster meaningful connections. Support beyond funding, including strategic guidance and resources to help you scale.

The network is looking for exceptional founders with:

·       Revenue-generating startups under £1M or pre-revenue companies with a tested MVP.

·       A focus on innovation in sectors like AI, Healthcare, Climate/Energy, Education, and more.

·       A vision to create a transformative impact.

www.foundersfaculty.co.uk.

Global Business Innovation Programme: Digital Health, USA

Innovate UK seeks up to 15 ambitious UK small businesses (with under 250 employees) who want to explore digital health opportunities in the USA. Innovate UK will fund and organise flights, accommodation, in-market travel, and conference fees for successful applicants.

5-day innovation visit focused on Digital Health, an ‘Exploit the opportunity’ workshop and support from an Innovate UK innovation and growth specialist, helping your business maximise the opportunities, including developing innovation projects with partners in the region.

This initiative will be delivered physically. This programme will include a visit to HLTH conference in Las Vegas, and a two-day visit to Chicago to explore the challenges and opportunities in the US Midwest.

Deadline: 8^th June 2025

https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/opportunities/global-business-innovation-programme-digital-health-usa/

Get Ready For Race Equality Week 2026

Be one of the first to hear key insights from Race Equality Week 2025. Hear from expert speakers who will share how they used the 5 Day Challenge and #MyNameIs to make a meaningful impact during Race Equality Week 2025. Meet, collaborate, and exchange ideas with your peers and other changemakers in virtual discussion groups. Take part in interactive polls and hear the state-of-the-nation poll results.

Gain access to 50+ insights to help you plan for 2026

Past attendees include:

·       Race Network Leaders

·       Race Network Members

·       Senior leaders, and

·       HR and D&I representatives

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIpcOGtrzkjGdb3mtZBFmyWr4cz9msusMOU#/registration

Contracts for Innovation: READ-OUT digital cognitive dementia assessments

Organisations can apply for a single award of up to £600,000, inclusive of VAT. To implement and assess a dementia based digital cognitive assessment to be evaluated as part of the Real-world dementia outcomes (READ-OUT) study being managed by the University of Oxford.

Contracts will be awarded to a single legal entity only.

Eligibility

·       be an organisation

·       work alone or with other organisations as subcontractors

Deadline: 14 May 2025

https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/contracts-for-innovation-read-out-digital-cognitive-dementia-assessments/

Small Business Week at WeWork

A curated Free programme to give professionals valuable, practical, and actionable insights and tools to help scale startups and promote products. Well-known brands include Zoom, Canva, and LinkedIn—offering both virtual and in-person workshops on boosting brand identity, growth tactics, and more.

Programmes:

·       How to Unlock AI for Your Growing Business with Zoom

·       The Power of Visual Storytelling to Grow Your Brand with Canva

·       Grow Your Business: Unlock your Personal Brand with LinkedIn

·       Fostering Productivity & Growth in the Hybrid Work Era with Zoom and WeWork

When: May 5^th – 9^th 2025

Where: Online & in-person

https://www.wework.com/info/small-business-week-at-wework-2025

Innovation Leadership Programme Demo Day

Discover how financial services professionals are driving transformation through innovation.

Event brings together Future Finance programme partners, fintech and software providers, and academic experts to explore the latest strategies shaping the future of financial services.

Expect project showcases, panel discussions, and networking with industry leaders.

When: 08 May 2025

Where: Mshed, Princes Wharf, Bristol

https://www.future-finance.tech/event-details/innovation-leadership-programme-demo-day

Economic contribution of community business

Power To Change have commissioned some research conducted by Ortus Economic Research. Addressing the gaps in quantitative evidence around the unique economic contribution that community business makes.

This new research provides an estimate of the total economic contribution made by community businesses to the national economy. It highlights the different ways, to whom, and where community businesses drive economic benefits locally.

Hear from the team that carried out the research as they discuss the ways in which community businesses can use the report's key figures to make the case for investment.

When: 20 May 2025

Where: Online

https://www.powertochange.org.uk/evidence-and-ideas/research-and-reports/the-economic-contribution-of-community-business/

Association of Independent Museums (AIM)

In partnership with the Julia Rausing Trust and the Pilgrim Trust, is offering grants of up to £20,000 for small-to-medium-sized museums with fewer than 50,000 visitors per annum across the UK to support core activities, enable them to care for collections more effectively and efficiently, and meet the standards required for Accreditation.

Eligible costs:

·       Collections documentation and research.

·       Collections review.

·       Development of new exhibitions or other access to collections.

·       Purchase of new equipment and software.

·       Small-scale building work to support collections care.

·       Improvements to heating, lighting, and other building services.

·       Staff time.

·       Volunteer recruitment and expenses.

AIM member registered charities, groups with exempt charitable status, or recognised public bodies (Local Authority Museums) can apply. Applicants are encouraged to develop projects based on their collection needs, which improve knowledge, care, and access to heritage collections.

There is a two-stage application process, with two funding rounds in 2025.

Deadline: 08 August 2025

https://aim-museums.co.uk/grants/museum-fundamentals/

Aston Centre for Growth

Generate more income for your community business with this funded programme!

If you're based in England, leading a locally rooted community business, accountable to your community, trading for community benefit, and making a broad community impact, then the Trading for Good Community Business programme could help you generate more income for your community.

Programme runs: 20th October 2025 - 31st July 2026 & offers:

·       An unparalleled learning experience

·       £4,000 Match Trading™ grant

·       A ready-made support network

Deadline: 14th May 2025

https://www.the-sse.org/courses/trading-for-good-community-business/

#SBS Roadshow is heading to Wales!

All in partnership with Theo Paphitis SBS Small Business Sunday. A brilliant day of connecting, learning, and celebrating small businesses. Plus, find out more about the NatWest fully funded Accelerator Program and how it can help you grow and your business.

Spaces are limited, so grab your spot now, this is open to SBS winners and those of you who are interested in finding out how to become a SBS winner.

When: Tuesday 6th May 9.30am - 1.30pm

Where: NatWest Group Cymru Accelerator Hub, Cardiff

https://lnkd.in/gxfXVjMu

Barclays New Community Sport Fund

This new fund, delivered in partnership with Sported, aims to reduce inequalities in sport – with a focus on football, tennis, and cricket. It replaces the Barclays Community Football Fund.

The three-year funding programme, running from April 2025 to December 2027, will provide £1.4 million each year.

The funding supports community groups and grassroots sports organisations who are working within the most deprived areas of the UK and are making sport more accessible to women and girls, as well as engaging people from other under-represented groups including people with disabilities, from racially diverse communities and from the LGBTQ+ community.

The following funding is available:

·       Grants of £1,000 which can be split across football, tennis or cricket activities.

·       Female Coaches for Girls Grants (Football - £160 grant; Tennis - £200 grant; Cricket - £200 grant) to support coaching courses to help increase the number of female coaches delivering sport to girls.

Deadline: 22 June 2025

https://sported.org.uk/Barclays-community-sport-fund/

Internet Retail Expo

West Midlands tech community — this is your moment to plug into the future of eCommerce. The Internet Retail Expo is a powerhouse of innovation, insights, & industry leadership.

Connect with decision-makers, tech innovators, & digital leaders shaping the next wave of retail. Plus, enjoy the all new B2B Zone.

When: 13th - 14th May

Where: NEC, Birmingham

https://www.internetretailingexpo.com/

Santander X Global Challenge

West Midlands – Let's Bring the Victory Home! Calling all green-minded startups and scaleups: could your venture lead the world into a more sustainable future?

The Santander X Global Challenge is calling for game-changers from 11 countries, and we know the West Midlands has what it takes to shine. Apply now & win a shot at €120,000 prize pool, shared across six winners.

Deadline: 13th May 2025

https://app.santanderx.com/calls/circular-economy-revolution

Justice for Disabled People

The Three Guineas Trust is offering funding for projects within the UK supporting Disabled or neurodivergent people to exercise their rights on:

·       Income, welfare benefits or debt

·       Housing and homelessness

·       Community care

·       Personal liberty

·       Equal access to goods and services

A total of £1.5 million is available for this grant round. The maximum annual grant will be £50,000 a year. Grants can run for one to three years. There are no restrictions on what the grant can be used for provided the funding furthers access to justice for disabled people.

Applications will be accepted from not-for-profit organisations with an income of less than £1 million for work to provide legal advice, advocacy, or overcome barriers to access advice and advocacy services for Disabled or neurodivergent people.

Deadline: 12 June 2025

https://threeguineastrust.org.uk/

Local Community Skills Fund

Grants to support a wide range of initiatives that will make a positive impact on communities across the UK. City and Guilds Foundation are offering grants of up to £10,000 to 'innovative local and community-led projects that may not be eligible for traditional funding sources'.

Deadline: Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

https://cityandguildsfoundation.org/what-we-offer/funding/local-community-skills-fund

Best universities for spinouts

University spinouts continue to make an impression on the business landscape, securing millions during funding rounds and getting investment from some high-profile venture capitalists. But which institutions are faring the best? Well, the ones with the highest number of spinouts. In fact, over half of spinouts (52.3 per cent) originated in the top 10 academic institutions.

With the help of the Beauhurst Spotlight on Spinouts 2024 report.

·       University of Oxford

·       University of Cambridge

·       Imperial College, London

·       University College, London

·       University of Manchester

·       University of Bristol

·       Royal College of Art

·       University of Edinburgh

·       Swansea University

·       Queen’s University, Belfast

https://growthbusiness.co.uk/best-universities-for-spinouts-2582467/

Innovate UK: Further Education in Innovation conference

Join Innovate UK for an engaging event that will be exploring how Further Education (FE) Colleges are helping to shape local innovation landscapes

Hear from newly established College Innovation Centres and showcase examples of FE colleges across the UK that are actively supporting local businesses to innovate. Attendees will also learn about tools and support available from Innovate UK and beyond to help colleges enter or grow within this spaces.

When: 14 May 2025

Where: The Watershed, Bristol

https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/events/innovate-uk-further-education-in-innovation-conference

Innovate UK Talent & Skills Connect Focus Event – Innovation Skills

Hear from:

·       The Intellectual Property Office – sharing how innovators can better understand and access intellectual property support and resources.

·       ISO 56001 Contributors – offering insights into the new innovation management systems standards and how they support professionalism and leadership in innovation.

·       Greater Manchester Colleges – presenting their Innovation Literacy Course, designed to equip apprentices with practical innovation skills in the workplace.

·       The Open University – showcasing inclusive resources that empower individuals to become confident business creators and innovators.

When: 03 June 2025

Where: Online

https://web-eur.cvent.com/event/84678051-c369-4dbe-9765-5f9a035282be/regPage:8113cbb8-8726-4fd8-abd5-b98a802d36c2

Jaguar Land Rover - Defender Awards

For registered charities and not-for-profit organisations, with income under £500k pa, for projects focused on humanitarian work, and environmental and conservation activities. One award is available to UK organisations.

Winner will receive: £100,000 (or local country equivalent) - £50,000 in year one and £50,000 in year two. Plus the use of a Defender vehicle for two years. In the first phase of the programme, applications will be accepted from the UK, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and South Africa.

Deadline 16 June 2025

https://www.landrover.co.uk/defender/defender-awards/index.html

TikTok launches SME council

Launched its first SME council for TikTok-focused small businesses. The council will provide insights to help shape TikTok's SME Manifesto, which will include practical, proactive recommendations for policymakers to help accelerate SME growth on the app.

https://www.grocerygazette.co.uk/2025/04/17/tiktok-sme-council/

Eureka Funding

Announce four new thematic calls for projects involving a total of 27 Eureka countries and millions of euro of dedicated funding. Prepare to define international R&D projects on:

·       Lightweighting 15 May until 23 October

·       Linkup Eureka 26 May until 8 September

·       Disaster resilience, response and recovery 10 June until 31 October

·       Circular value creation 12 June until 30 September

register to our matchmaking platforms and find like-minded partners to collaborate on these innovation topics

https://eurekanetwork.org/opencalls/network-projects-circular-value-creation-2025/

Horizon Europe Hour - Financial Basics

Innovate UK will host a Horizon Europe Hour webinar providing an informal discussion and an opportunity to put your questions directly to the experts on Horizon Europe. Everyone is welcome, whether you are new to Horizon Europe or if you have experience in past projects.

Horizon Europe is the world's largest collaborative research programme worth £80bn+ over 7 years (from 2021). It is aimed at driving research excellence, fostering innovation and tackling global challenges through collaborative projects and funding opportunities.

Horizon calls have the highest success rate, some over 30%. But they are difficult to apply for & you will need professional bid writer support.

When: 14 May 2025, 11am-12pm

Where: Online

https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/events/horizon-europe-hour-financial-basics/

Fall in cybercrime

A UK government survey revealed that 43% of businesses and 30% of charities experienced a cybersecurity breach or attack in 2024. This is compared to 50% of businesses in 2023. The decrease was due to fewer micro and small businesses experiencing phishing attacks. The report also revealed that small businesses increased their uptake of cybersecurity risk assessments, cyber insurance and business continuity plans.

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2025/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2025#summary

Wray Forward Pitch & Rum Punch

Opportunity for six visionary Black-owned businesses to pitch their inspiring and growing businesses for the opportunity to access a £5k funding pot.

Networking and enjoy delicious cocktails and mocktails!

Applications to Pitch close on the 21 May 2025

When: 11 June 2025 | 18:30 - 21:30

Where: Campari 14-16 Great Portland St, London

https://www.foundervine.com/our-programmes/wrayforward-pitchandrumpunch

Nesta Innovation in the early years report

Children growing up in poverty are less likely to live a long, fulfilling and happy life when compared to their peers. However, our current systems of support often struggle to reach the families who need support the most.

At the inception of Nesta’s A Fairer Start mission, local authorities had borne the brunt of over a decade of austerity. Frontline services were stretched to breaking point and the capacity for innovation, service development and continuous improvement was severely denuded.

This report tells the story of the Fairer Start Local programme, designed to respond to this challenge. This report describes how we worked in partnership with three local authorities to test and scale new ideas to support early childhood development, offering a multidisciplinary innovation team, a structured approach to innovation, and funding support to help councils tackle the challenges that hold back their efforts to provide a fair start to local families.

https://www.nesta.org.uk/report/innovation-in-the-early-years/

Nesta Reducing reoffending: lessons from Little Scandinavia

Nesta and BIT’s event series – How to make good things happen – looks at policy success stories from around the globe, generating fresh insights for UK policymakers to apply at home. For our next instalment, we’re exploring how Scandinavian practices are being applied in the US to reduce prison re-offending.

UK prisons have reached a capacity crisis. Overcrowding, resource constraints and poor conditions are harming efforts to rehabilitate prisoners. The government continues to implement early emergency measures to alleviate pressure – but it’s far from a sustainable solution. How should policymakers look to solve this crisis?

An in-depth look at the outcomes of the Little Scandinavia Prison Unit – a small subdivision of a prison outside of Philadelphia focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration. Its model is based on prisons in Scandinavia, a region with recidivism rates 25% lower than in the UK.

When: 20th May | 17:30-18:30 BST

Where: London or online

https://www.nesta.org.uk/event/reducing-reoffending-lessons-from-little-scandinavia/

Thamesmead Community Fund on behalf of Peabody.

Peabody have awarded grants of up to £3,000 to fund grassroots projects that connect and support the Thamesmead community. Grants are available to individuals and community groups across Thamesmead over two rounds in 2025/26.

Deadline: 19th May 2025

https://londoncf.org.uk/grants/thamesmead-community-fund

Nearly all SMEs use social media

Research from iwoca has found that 97% of small and medium-sized firms use social media to boost business, with Facebook and Instagram proving most popular. Video platforms were also popular, with 63% of businesses using YouTube and 49% having a TikTok account. Microbusinesses were five times less likely to use social media than medium-sized businesses.

https://www.iwoca.co.uk/news/meta-channels-lead-97-smes-use-social-media

Make an impact with Volunteer Brum!

Volunteer Brum connects Birmingham’s residents with opportunities to volunteer and create positive change in their community. Whether you’re passionate about giving back or looking to lend a hand, Volunteer Brum makes it easy to get involved. Plus, it empowers local charities, voluntary, and community groups to tap into a network of dedicated volunteers keen to make a difference.

Launched by those fabulous people at BVSC. Access through a digital platform connecting Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations in Birmingham with volunteers keen to support local services, activities, and events.

If you’re a VCFSE organisation that involves volunteers, Volunteer Brum is an excellent way to advertise your volunteering roles, engage with potential volunteers, and share your opportunities across your social media channels.

https://www.volunteerbrum.org/

Aston Centre for Growth – Help to Grow Programme

Are you a senior leader eager to grow your business? Our next cohort of the Help to Grow:

Management Course commences on Wednesday 4^th June.

This 12-week course offers you the opportunity to work on your business rather than it,

through:

·       One-to-one mentoring with an expert to work through any pain points

·       A peer group of fellow business leaders to share ideas with

·       Practical workshops covering strategy, marketing, finance, organisational structure

·       and so much more, focusing on real-world case studies.

https://smallbusinesscharter.org/h2gmcourse/aston-16

Access Upcoming Tech Talent At Innovation Fest 2025

Birmingham City University’s Faculty of Computing, Engineering, and the Built Environment are proud to host the 12th year of Innovation Fest. This event is a celebration of the creative talents of our undergraduate and postgraduate students, inspiring them to address real-world problems through research and innovation.

Celebrating the creative talents of our students, inspiring them to address real-world problems through research and innovation.

When: 20th May 2025 · 10am - 5pm

Where BCU STEAMhouse, Belmont Row, Birmingham

Cost: Free

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/innovation-fest-2025-tickets-1252887081989

£100 Million Funding to Enhance Grassroots Sports (UK)

The UK Government has announced a £100 million investment aimed at upgrading local grassroots sports facilities across the UK. This initiative seeks to enhance community access to sports and physical activities, particularly in deprived areas, and to increase participation among under-represented groups, including women, girls, ethnic minorities, and disabled individuals. 

This initiative is part of the Government's 'Plan for Change', aiming to break down barriers to opportunity and address persistent health inequalities through preventive measures. The upgraded facilities are intended to foster community cohesion, provide young people with opportunities to develop essential skills, and instil a sense of pride in local areas. Applications need to be submitted via the UK nations Football Foundations

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/100-million-to-revamp-local-sports-facilities-across-uk

University College Birmingham accredited battery manufacturing skills programme

In the face of Net Zero aims and the increasing demand for renewable energy, University College Birmingham has launched the Battery Manufacturing Skills Pathway (B-MSP), the first fully accredited programme in the UK.

The B-MSP has been developed to create a talent pipeline that will sustain the nation’s battery value chain across sectors such as automotive, marine, defence, portable electronics and construction.

https://www.ucb.ac.uk/about-us/news/university-college-birmingham-launches-uks-first-accredited-battery-manufacturing-skills-programme

Funding for Rural Community and Education Projects

Charities supporting rural development, particularly young people's education and poverty relief within rural areas, can apply for funding through the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust. The funding focuses on supporting larger initiatives that would significantly impact rural communities.

Grants available are for £1,000 - 50,000. Larger grants are used to support organisations that significantly impact rural communities nationally. Projects funded in the past have ranged from City farms, Federations of Young Farmers Clubs and farming Community Networks.

Deadline: 23rd May 2025

https://www.nfumutual.co.uk/about-us/charitable-trust/

Grants of up to £5,000 Available for Projects that Help the Homeless

Small Homeless charities can apply for grants of up to £5,000 for projects that aim to help homeless people rebuild their lives.  To be eligible to apply, applicants must be a registered charity and have an annual turnover of under £500,000, with 'unrestricted reserves' of under six months. Typically, organisations awarded funding operate residential or training facilities to assist homeless people.

Funding is being made available through Help the Homeless, a grant-giving trust, founded in 1975, to help homeless people off the streets and enable them to live healthy, independent lives. Previously funded projects include the Booth Centre, an advice and activity centre for homeless people in Manchester, which received a grant of £1,500 to transform the centre and a grant of £3,000 to the Amber Foundation to enable the Foundation to buy new bedroom furniture for their residential centre in Devon. 

Deadline: 15^th June 2025.

https://www.help-the-homeless.org.uk/applying-for-funding

Education Today Awards

Your chance to gain industry-wide recognition and celebrate your achievements among the best in the business.

Deadline: 15 July 2025

https://educationtodayawards.co.uk/entry-nomination/

Funding for Education and Development of Children and Young People

Schools, colleges and community groups in England can apply for grants to support the education and development of children and young people through educational, cultural, sporting and other projects. Projects that will help enhance the self-confidence, teamwork skills and future employability of children and young people are of particular interest.

In most cases, grants are made on a relatively small scale. Many grants will be under £2,000, most will be under £5,000, and in only a few cases will grants exceed £10,000. The funding provided by the BlueSpark Foundation can be for physical assets (such as iPads, sports equipment, or lighting for stage productions) for services or facilities (such as sports coaching or music or drama tuition) or simply for the provision of experiences (such as theatre visits). These examples are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive regarding the funding BlueSpark may provide to support projects. Applications can be submitted anytime and must be made online using BlueSpark Foundation's standard application form.

https://bluesparkfoundation.org.uk/

Charities Addressing Racial Inequity

Charities and Community Interest Companies (CICs) can apply for grants of up to £75,000 over three years to support organisations led by and working with individuals experiencing economic inequity due to their race or ethnicity. The Lloyds Bank Foundation's Racial Equity Programme offers unrestricted funding of £25,000 per year, totaling £75,000 over three years, to small charities and CICs led by and serving racially minoritised communities facing economic disadvantages. The programme also provides tailored development support to strengthen organisational capacity.

Eligibility:

·       Organisations must be based outside London,

·       have an annual income between £25,000 and £500,000,

·       be led by the communities they serve,

·       at least 75% of their directors/trustees and 50% of staff self-identifying as belonging to those communities.

Funds available from October 2025.

Deadline: 29 May 2025

https://www.lloydsbankfoundation.org.uk/funding/racial-equity-programme

Innovation Awards: Nominations Now Open

The Innovation Awards recognise, celebrate and reward those companies, individuals and organisations dedicated to innovation. There are numerous categories including Life Sciences Innovator of the Year and Tech Innovator of the Year. Companies with innovations that have less than 12 months of traction are invited to apply for the New Innovation of the Year. 

Nominations deadline: 16th May. It takes about 3 minutes to nominate. 

https://innovation-awards.co.uk/.

NatWest SE100

Devised in 2010 by Pioneers Post and is delivered in partnership with NatWest Social & Community Capital – NatWest's independent social investment charity. The search is on for this year's pioneers in diversity, climate action, social investment and leadership as Pioneers Post opens this year's NatWest SE100 Social Business Awards. Don't miss your chance to be named among the UK's top 100 impact enterprises.

NatWest SE100 Awards, Tuesday 15 July, Manchester

Enter by 25 May 2025

https://www.pioneerspost.com/news-views/20250418/uk-social-enterprise-top-100-2025-opens-nominations

Additional funding for Growth Guarantee Scheme

The Growth Guarantee Scheme will provide an additional £500 million of lending to help more smaller businesses. The extra funding is aimed at smaller businesses that may need support with cashflow issues due to changes in global tariff rates. The finance can be used for any legitimate business purpose, including managing cashflow or working capital requirements.

https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/news-and-events/news/british-business-banks-growth-guarantee-scheme-provided-with-additional-capacity-to-support-businesses-affected-by-global-tariff-changes

Careers and placement programme for graduates

A free programme across four Birmingham universities for any companies that are seeking graduate employees. Higher Level Skills Match (HLSM) Plus is a fully funded recruitment and retention service delivered by four Birmingham universities. It is designed to help you fill graduate-level vacancies within the Birmingham Enterprise Zone.

Eligibility

·       Business must be trading within the Birmingham Enterprise Zone.

By joining HLSM Plus, you will:

• Receive a dedicated Account Manager who will understand your business needs and hiring requirements.

• Access a managed vacancy service to find candidates that match your criteria.

• Gain access to a potentially untapped pool of graduates, as the project is open to any graduate living in Birmingham, regardless of where they studied.

• Interview well-prepared candidates who have received tailored job and interview coaching.

• Boost employee retention and career progression with our on-the-job support for successful hires.

https://bcuadvantage.co.uk/grow/hlsm-plus/

Improve Sport Spaces (London)

Grants of between £10,000 and £80,000 are available to improve sports spaces and inspire activity in London. The funding is available through the London Marathon Group's Active Spaces Fund to support community groups, schools, and other not-for-profit organisations in improving and creating spaces where children, young people, and marginalised groups and communities can participate in sports and physical activities.

Funding will support capital and/or revenue projects, including building or renovating facilities, purchasing new or replacement equipment, venue hire, coaching costs, and salaries. Expressions of interest can be submitted at any time. Applications will be informed within 20 working days if they can submit a full application.

Deadline: 8th July 2025.

https://www.londonmarathonfoundation.org/active-spaces-fund

WYSE International Leadership Programme

Thirty Emerging Leaders aged 18-35 from across the world and a diverse range of professions and socio economic backgrounds will take part in an intensive, challenging and rewarding 12 day residential leadership programme to work together for global change.

Applications now open for the 2025 in Italy, 27^th July – 7^th August 2025.

https://www.wyse-ngo.org/programmes/international-leadership-programme

Free Legal Advice for Social Enterprises

Hogan Lovells are keen to hear from any social enterprises in need of pro bono legal advice. HL BaSE is running a pro bono legal workshop at Hogan Lovells’ and is keen to hear from any social enterprises or other impact organisations looking for legal support in the UK. At the workshop social entrepreneurs receive individual support from volunteer advisors.

Typical legal issues that can be covered include advice on the best structure for an organisation to adopt either at the point of start-up or when they’re looking to scale, intellectual property queries, data privacy concerns, employment law questions, advice on contracting with others and advice on funding documents.

When: 05 June 2025

Where: London office

https://www.hoganlovellsbase.com/form/pro-bono

Community Builders Fund

Designed to provide vital investment for communities to adapt, grow their services or invest in the assets to diversify their income. The fund provides loans from £100k to £1.5m for charities and social enterprises improving people’s lives or the environment they live in.

There is also an additional £1m of grant funding through Flexible Finance for Black or racially minoritised-led charities and social enterprises which can be up to 100% of the loan value. 

https://www.sibgroup.org.uk/funds/community-builders-fund/

The National Lottery Community Fund | Climate Action Fund

The Climate Action Fund is a commitment to help communities tackle climate change. Supporting communities to be environmentally sustainable. Want to involve more people in climate action. And want to inspire bold and exciting change.

£500k-£1.5M for orgs to form partnerships increasing climate action on a national level

Deadline: Spring 2025.

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

The Huo Family Foundation

Up to £10M for research on the effects of digital technology on children & young people. HFF is a grant-giving foundation based in London. Its mission is to support education, communities and the pursuit of knowledge. The Foundation’s current focus is in three main areas: education; the arts; and science.

Deadline: 23 May 2025

https://huofamilyfoundation.org/our-grants/funding-opportunities/

The Worshipful Company of Entrepreneurs (EASI):

£10k for early-stage UK-orgs developing innovative social or environmental products or services.

Deadline: Closed, but I wanted you to be aware for the next time the initiative opens.

https://www.entrepreneurscompany.org/easi

Charity Entrepreneurship Incubation Program:

Programme is a two-month, cost-covered training program that gives a small cohort of talented people from all over the world everything they need to launch a field-leading charity, with up to $200k in funding.

https://www.charityentrepreneurship.com/incubation-program

Syncplex Lab SocialTech Incubator

Unlock an unstoppable future in the Social-Tech. Syncplex Lab are dedicated to empowering underserved communities by equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the digital economy of the future. Focused on bridging the divide between potential and opportunity through our engaging and impactful social-tech programmes.

Syncplex Lab is a dynamic social enterprise dedicated to empowering entrepreneurial ecosystem builders, social entrepreneurs, and tech innovators. UK-wide & lot of their work is done in Scotland.

https://www.syncplexlab.com/

Stephen Lloyd Awards

Support early-stage projects aiming to achieve social or environmental change in the UK. The awards were established in memory of charity and social enterprise lawyer Stephen Lloyd, reflecting his commitment to innovation in these sectors.

Successful applicants will receive at least £25,000 in funding, alongside pro bono support from experts in social enterprise. Shortlisted candidates will be awarded up to £2,500 to develop their ideas and may also access expert guidance. The funding aims to help ideas progress from concept to implementation.

Individuals who are resident in the UK, as well as UK-registered organisations and charities, are eligible to apply. Proposals should address a problem systemically and can take various forms, including new enterprises, expansions of existing initiatives, lobbying efforts or policy change campaigns.

Deadline: 14 May 2025

https://www.stephenlloydawards.org/

University of Birmingham Business Club:

Celebrating 50 Years of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. Join the University of Birmingham Business Club for a special event to celebrate 50 years of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme — a national initiative led by Innovate UK that connects businesses with academics to drive innovation and deliver meaningful economic, societal, and environmental impact.

When: Tuesday 24 June 2025, 09:00 – 11:00

Where: School of Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston Campus, B15 2TT

Bristol Impact Fund 3

To grow the power of communities experiencing the greatest inequity’

Medium grants between £11,000 and £55,000 per year.

Large grants between £56,000 and £110,000 per year.

Average grant expected to be around £55,000.

Upper limit of £110,000 per year per organisation or £220,000 per year per partnership.

Deadline: 10 June 2025

https://www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/people-and-communities/voluntary-and-community-organisations/grants-for-voluntary-and-community-organisations/the-bristol-impact-fund

Developmental pathway funding scheme

Apply for funding to develop and test novel therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics and other interventions.

Deadline: 16 July 2025

https://www.ukri.org/what-we-do/browse-our-areas-of-investment-and-support/developmental-pathway-funding-scheme-dpfs/

Community Builders Fund

Provides loans of between £100k and £1.5m to charities and social enterprises based in England, Wales and Scotland who are improving people’s lives, or the environment they live in. you must have been operating for at least two years with minimum turnover of £400k in the last financial year (or £200k if the organisation is based in Scotland or Wales).

Deadline: Always open.

https://www.sibgroup.org.uk/funds/community-builders-fund/

UKRI Creating Opportunities: Rethinking Economic (In)Activity

Funding supports projects focused on promoting sustainable economic activity in areas with high rates of ill-health, disability, and informal care in the UK.

You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funding. We welcome proposals that include team members and project partners from outside academia. The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £1,200,000. UKRI will fund 80% of the FEC. Funding is for a single award.

The project must begin by 12 January 2026 and run for 24 months.

Award: Up to to £1.2 million

Deadline: 6^th May 2025

https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/ukri-creating-opportunities-rethinking-economic-inactivity/

Libraries Improvement Fund confirmed

The Government has announced that the Libraries Improvement Fund will open for expressions of interest on 6 May 2025. Public libraries across England will be able to apply for a share of £5.5 million to upgrade their physical and digital infrastructure to help adapt to changing user needs.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/museums-and-libraries-set-to-receive-a-share-of-over-30-million-of-funding-to-improve-access-to-arts-and-culture

Reduce Isolation and Loneliness Among Older People

Barchester Healthcare Foundation is offering grants of up to £2,500 for small community groups and local charities across England, Scotland, and Wales for projects that help reduce isolation and loneliness, promote group activities, and generally improve mobility and quality of life for older people and adults with physical, learning, or mental disabilities.

Funding is intended to help with:

●      Activities.

●      Equipment and materials for use by members.

●      Member transport.

●      Day trips, outings, and group holidays in the UK.

Priority will be given to innovative projects that help older people and those with a disability to get active, meet people, and reduce isolation.

Funding is for small and local groups, and groups with financial reserves of over £150,000 are unlikely to receive support.

Deadline: Applications submitted at any time.

https://www.bhcfoundation.org.uk/

Innovation Awards Open for Nominations

Nominations are open for the Technology Supply Chain Innovation Awards 2025 until 16th May.

●      Innovative Companies

●      Individual Innovators

●      Innovation Champions

●      Innovation Thought Leaders

https://innovation-awards.co.uk/

AXA Startup Angel competition

Runs in partnership with The Standard and offers two aspiring startups a chance to make their business dreams a reality with a £25,000 prize, a year of business insurance, and first-class mentoring from four business experts – aka 'Angels'.

Four additional startups will win runners up prizes, each worth more than £18,000, including a profile article on their business in The London Standard, and mentoring with a member of The Standard team.

Deadline: 6th July 2025

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

Amazon launch West Midlands’ first Multibank

A new charity initiative launched in Birmingham today to donate more than 750,000 surplus goods to 75,000 families in need over the next 12 months. The region’s first Multibank is led by BVSC with support from former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Amazon, and the Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker.

The West Midlands Multibank takes surplus products donated by businesses and gives them to families in need across the region. From clothing, crockery, and cleaning products, to toiletries, towels and toys, Multibanks put business surplus in the hands of those who need it most.

This is the sixth Multibank, an initiative which launched in 2022 and has donated more than 7 million goods to help over 600,000 families from Multibanks in Scotland, Greater Manchester, Wales, London, Tees Valley, and now the West Midlands. This year, families will receive more than a million orders from the Multibanks across the UK.

https://www.bvsc.org/News/gordon-brown-and-amazon-launch-west-midlands-first-multibank

The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation

Creating a new future for 100+ talented, disadvantaged Black British students through university scholarships.

Provides full scholarships for talented, disadvantaged, Black British undergraduate students at our UK partner universities.

https://cowriescholarshipfoundation.org

Enterprise education must be taught in schools

FSB has called for enterprise education to be embedded into the National Curriculum. This follows research carried out by the FSB, which found that just 35% of young people in England have enterprise education at secondary school.

The research also revealed that while nearly 60% of young people express an interest in owning a business, only 16% manage to start one up.

https://www.fsb.org.uk/resources-page/entrepreneurial-goldmine-enterprise-education-must-beacome-a-national-priority-to-unleash-the-potential-of-young-talent-in-the-uk.html

UKRI publishes annual report on investment by region and nation

Half of UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) investment in research projects last year was made to organisations outside London and the south-east. This is the highest proportion of our funding ever provided to projects outside the greater south-east. It represents a cumulative additional £1.4 billion invested outside the greater south-east since 2021 to 2022.

All regions and nations received an increase in UKRI investment between 2021 to 2022 and 2023 to 2024. The greatest absolute increases in investment were in the north-west, the West Midlands and the East Midlands. The greatest proportional increases were in Northern Ireland, the East Midlands and the north-west.

https://www.ukri.org/news/ukri-publishes-annual-report-on-investment-by-region-and-nation/

SMEs to benefit from increased defence spending

Thousands of small businesses in the UK will receive government support to ensure they benefit from the increase in defence spending. A new hub will be launched to provide small and medium enterprises with guidance on accessing the defence supply chain. By June 2025, the Ministry of Defence will have a direct SME spending target.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-measures-to-boost-small-businesses-benefitting-from-uks-defence-investment

Newable Inclusive Growth programme

Designed to help women and/or disabled business owners in Camden, Hackney, Tower Hamlets or to scale.

Participants receive 1-2-1 advice and support from experienced advisers, access to interactive webinars, peer networking sessions and visits to industry leaders.

https://go.newable.co.uk/InclusiveGrowthLondon

Grazie OTB Foundation

Funding innovative projects that break barriers, empower people, and create real opportunities for women, youth, and children. OTB Foundation’s 2024-2025 Brave Actions for a Better World grant supports nonprofit organizations based in Italy, the USA, and the UK working to promote social inclusion, empower people, and equal opportunities globally.

The program funds brave and impactful initiatives that improve the lives of women, youth, and children in disadvantaged situations, fostering long-term, sustainable change. Foundation of the OTB group, the international fashion hub, which includes brands such as Diesel.

Grant offers a total of €200,000 to support social inclusion, empowerment, and equal opportunities for initiatives aimed at women, young people, and migrants.

Deadlines 14 May and 15 September 2025

https://braveactions.italianonprofit.it/

Barclays Black Founder Accelerator

In partnership with Barclays Eagle Labs. This bespoke 12-week programme is designed to help Black-led businesses in the UK become investment-ready and scale successfully. With expert-led funding growth workshops, business audits, investor office hours, and tailored investor introductions, founders will gain the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to secure funding and drive sustainable growth.

Deadline: 22 May 2025

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

Future Leaders Fellowships: round 10, business and non-academic

UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £110 million for ambitious research and innovation projects in any sector, and tailored support to develop careers for future leaders.

Eligibility:

Your project must:

●      have a grant funding request of between £100,000 and £3 million last for a minimum of four years, with the option to extend for a further three years

●      carry out all its project work in the UK

●      intend to exploit results from or in UK

●      be based at, or have the support of, an eligible non-academic host organisation

Deadline: 18 June 2025

https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/future-leaders-fellowships-round-10/

Urgent need for enterprise support plan

The National Enterprise Network has warned that local business support is under severe threat. With no funding plans beyond the end of March 2025, many enterprise agencies are already laying off staff and closing services.

According to the National Enterprise Network, the short-termism of funding contracts, which often go to private sector firms with no established advisory quality assurance, is undermining the provision of high-quality business support from experts delivered locally.

https://www.business-money.com/announcements/kier-starmer-warned-support-for-uk-businesses-risks-collapse-with-stalling-economic-growth-funding-delays-and/

Innovate UK Investor Showcase

Are you an innovative business in the Smarter Manufacturing: AI, Robotics & Digitisation sector looking to raise funding? Innovate UK is holding a day long face-to-face investment pitch event.

Where: London

When: 16th May 2025

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc3nSK5GL9WptkRp35ZFoQz_pPouWY7jZvUVrloqLM-vb81aQ/viewform

ASDA Young Futures Fund

Supporting grassroots groups to improve mental health and wellbeing for teens and young people (13-21 years) to help build better futures.

https://asdafoundation.org/our-grants/young-futures-fund/

Corra boost grants

Boost Small Grants programme 2025 is for local community organisations across Scotland supporting children and families affected by poverty.

Boost Small Grants provides grants of £500-£3,000 to constituted groups and charities with an annual income of £50,000 or less. Unconstituted groups can apply for grants of between £250-£1,500.

Boost 2025 is delivered by Corra Foundation and is a partnership between the STV Children’s Appeal, Comic Relief, and Corra Foundation.

Deadline: 4 times a year

https://www.corra.scot/grants/boost-fund/

ARTCRY

Funds fast response political artworks in public space. Looking for artists to startle some sense into the world with radical and inspiring ideas.

Turnaround decisions on applications in 7 days so you can get to work faster. Grants of up to £2.5k.

www.artcry.co.uk/apply

Robertson Trust Funding

Community Spaces aims to support local communities experiencing poverty and trauma in Scotland, and is for registered charities with an annual income of between £30,000 and £500,000.

Through our Community Spaces Grant, we want to support local community centres, hubs or anchor organisations that are delivering and/ or hosting a range of services and activities in places with higher rates of poverty and trauma. Applicants should show how the various services they deliver and/or host relate to preventing or reducing poverty and trauma for local people.

https://www.therobertsontrust.org.uk/news-and-blogs/introducing-our-new-community-spaces-fund/

Migration Exchange

Shaping the Future: A Fund to Support Leadership in the Migration Sector. This fund has been co-created with sector experts to address the growing need for leadership capacity and capability in the refugee and migration sector. It provides resources for individuals, organisations, and networks to foster holistic, sustainable leadership development. Designed to bolster leadership in the refugee and migration sector. It offers targeted support to:

●      Grassroots organisations

●      Individuals with lived experience of migration

The fund promotes leadership development that is:

●      Anti-oppressive: Challenging systemic inequities and power dynamics.

●      Wellbeing-focused: Prioritising mental health and sustainable leadership practices.

●      Grounded in lived experience: Building on the strengths and insights gained through lived experience of migration

https://global-dialogue.org/shaping-the-future-a-fund-to-support-leadership-in-the-migration-sector/

Wesleyan Community Grants

For organisations with income under £500k based in the West Midlands, their 2025 Community Grants are open until 7 Mar. Grants from £2,000 to 10,000 for: Climate Action, Quality Education, Reducing Inequalities, and Gender Equality and Good Health and Wellbeing. When you read the guidelines, these are wide ranging, including autism, disability, mental health, older people, dementia, domestic abuse, employment, and non binary and transgender.

For Wales, South West, South East, London, applications open 10 Mar to 21 Apr.

For North West, North East, Scotland and Northern Ireland, applications open 1 Sep to 4 Oct.

https://www.wesleyan.co.uk/foundation/apply-for-a-grant

Internet Freedom Fund

Provided by the US-based Open Technology Fund, offers financial awards to individuals and organisations to support innovative internet freedom projects, including technology development, research, digital security projects, and convenings.

The funding is intended to support projects that develop, research or implement tools enabling users - such as journalists, human rights defenders, activists and the general public - to bypass internet censorship, communicate securely, or access blocked information. It also aims to back applied research efforts that investigate the causes and locations of censorship, improve internet freedom tools, analyse targeted content, or assess threats to internet freedom in specific regions.

Eligibility:

●      Individuals or organisations (for-profit or nonprofit) of all ages irrespective of nationality, creed or sex are eligible to apply.

●      Worldwide

Deadline: ongoing

https://www.opentech.fund/funds/internet-freedom-fund/

Tackling health inequalities: the West Yorkshire Mayor’s big ideas challenge

A £1 million challenge funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to accelerate innovative solutions, products, or services to overcome health inequalities among local communities. It's for West Yorkshire SMEs to accelerate their solutions by providing: Twenty £20,000 development grants for selected finalists and three £100,000 final awards for continued development and commercialisation of solutions.

Deadline: 07 May 2025

https://challengeworks.org/challenge-prizes/tackling-health-inequalities/

IT4Good Grants Programme

Grants of up to £15,000 are available or educational establishments and constituted not-for-profit organisations across the UK to support IT projects and activities.

The WCIT Charity will support activities within the themes of education, inclusion, IT for charities, and understanding of IT, such as the development and delivery of new services, solutions, training, apps, analytics, AI, robotics, or accessibility features/hardware. 

Projects that are more likely to be funded include:

●      Projects where WCIT is a material or sole funder.

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

●      Organisations that could benefit from pro-bono support.

Proposals should demonstrate an innovative use of IT, be scalable for wider replication, and be sustainable over time. Grants of over £15,000 may be considered in exceptional circumstances.

Applications are typically considered four committee meetings per year.

Deadline: 07 May 2025

https://wcitcharity.org.uk/

Product Development & Protection

Online workshop, sponsored by Forresters IP, is designed to help innovators and businesses navigate the complexities of product development and intellectual property protection. With a focus on practical solutions, it will delve into topics like regulatory compliance, licensing strategies, and digital innovation—empowering attendees to refine their concepts and bring them to market with confidence.

When: 21st May 2025, 1:00PM – 4:00PM

Where: Online

https://tbat.co.uk/the-innovation-challenge/workshop-3/

Birmingham Black Business Show

Keynote from former Olympic gold medal-winning athlete, President of Commonwealth Games England and President of UK Athletics, Dame Denise Lewis MBE.

Psst! Here’s a link for free standard tickets the code is BBBYET25 MUST book by 15.5.25

https://www.birminghamblackbusinessshow.co.uk/book-tickets

Get ready for the electrifying return of Birmingham Black Business Show in 2025! With an exclusive lineup of killer speakers, 100 sessions to sit in on from panel discussions, to workshops, to 1-on-1 free career/business advice as well as an unparalleled shopping extravaganza featuring the finest Black-owned businesses in the Midlands to sink your teeth into.

When: Saturday 14th June 2025.

https://www.birminghamblackbusinessshow.co.uk/

UKRI Creating opportunities: rethinking economic (in)activity (Grant)

Apply for funding to identify ways of supporting economic activity in places experiencing high rates of ill-health, disability, and informal care in the UK. You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for UKRI funding.

Total size of grant scheme £1.2 million

Deadline: 06 May 2025

https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/ukri-creating-opportunities-rethinking-economic-inactivity/

Suez Communities Fund

Suez Communities Trust offering grants of between £3,000 and £50,000 for constituted not-for-profit groups across England to deliver projects that make improvements to local facilities, historic buildings and structures, sport and recreation facilities communities in qualifying SUEZ Recycling and Recovery sites.

Fund will support capital improvement works to public amenity projects for community use, such as:

●      Village hall improvements.

●      Nature reserves and conservation.

●      Village greens.

●      Community centres.

●      Public playgrounds.

●      Cycle paths.

●      Sports fields and facilities.

●      Country parks.

●      Historic buildings, structures, or sites.

Public amenities must be open to the public for a minimum of four evenings a week, two days a week, or 104 days a year. Improvements to places of religious worship will only be considered if they are Grade I designated. Projects to improve other historic buildings, structures, or sites must be Grade I, II, or II*, or have another significant heritage designation such as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

There is a two-stage application process. Groups must first submit an online Expression of Interest before being invited to submit a full application. There are typically four funding rounds each year.

Deadline: 14 May 2025

https://www.suez.co.uk/en-gb/our-offering/communities-and-individuals/giving-something-back/suez-communities-fund

Funding for Activities to Improve the Lives of the Elderly

Small grants are available to fund projects to improve the lives of the elderly across the UK. Home Instead Charities awards grants of up to £1,500 to small, local registered charities and up to £500 to grassroots organisations for well-being events, activities or pastimes that prevent social isolation and loneliness amongst adults over 55.

Eligible projects may include regular events such as a cinema club, knitting group, or lunch club; one-off activities like a day trip or Christmas lunch; or other initiatives such as yoga classes or guest speaker sessions.

Deadline: Applications can be submitted four times per year in January, April, July and October.

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

Stobart Sustainability Fund

Grants are available to UK non-profit organisations, community groups and educational institutions for projects that address climate change, reduce carbon emissions or protect the environment.

Funding is intended to support community-led sustainability projects and initiatives by non-profit organisations, community groups and educational facilities. The Stobart Sustainability Fund aims to help these groups transform their local communities by tackling climate change, reducing carbon emissions or protecting and enhancing the environment.

https://eddiestobart.com/the-stobart-sustainability-fund/

London Tech Week 2025

Where industries connect, partnerships thrive, and groundbreaking ideas come to life. At London Tech Week you will hear visionary insights, and see innovation in action:

●      Unmatched scale and impact – from global leaders to disruptive startups, to trailblazing enterprises

●      Visionary speakers – the brightest minds, sharing insights that spark real change

●      The place to do business – from investment deals to strategic partnerships, London Tech Week is where industries connect

●      Immersive activations – tech playground that brings innovation to life

When: 9–13 June 2025

Where: Olympia and across London

https://londontechweek.com/

Future Leaders Fellowships: round 10

Funding to support ambitious research and innovation across UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)’s remit. There is no minimum or maximum project cost. UKRI funds 80% of full economic cost (FEC).

Your project can last for up to four years, with the option to apply to renew for a further three years.

Eligibility:

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

●      looking to establish or transition to independence

●      developing their own original and ambitious plans within a commercial setting

●      You must be based at, and have the support of, an eligible academic or non-academic institution eligible for UKRI funding.

Deadline: 18 June 2025

https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/future-leaders-fellowships-round-10/

Student Interns

Contact these wonderful people for interns, a very few students are fully-funded by the institution. Put the effort in & they will absolutely repay that extra effort:

Your local university has the same support facilities as these W Mids based. Top Tip: Remember to ask if your uni has bursaries for students & when does their financial year end!

James Mileson – HLSM+ represents 4 universities across Birmingham <j.mileson1@aston.ac.uk>

Aston University – Sarah Collins s.collins3@aston.ac.uk Careers <careers_postgrad@aston.ac.uk>

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

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

Helen Hobson - University of Birmingham <internships@contacts.bham.ac.uk>

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

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

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

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

Marika Beckford <Marika.Beckford@bmet.ac.uk>

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

University of Warwick - employerconnect@warwick.ac.uk

Coventry University - talentteam@coventry.ac.uk

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E&OE

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