Show Me The Money: Grants & Funding Advice - July 2024
Jul 05, 2024 10:23 am
Show Me The Money! Grants & Funding - Practical Tips & Support
Revised: July 2024
Hello wonderful people,
A Labour Win, or Conservative Loss? Either way it’s an opportunity for beautiful change.
Featured this week is a programme from Jof Walters. A fantastic person who has also honoured hibretOne by agreeing to have a scholarship in his name. I was rejected from a programme where Jof was a delivery partner, but liked what we were doing & agreed to train our developers in Bubble as a workaround.
We’ve also sourced a bunch of grants to support entrepreneurs with disabilities & a great report, the Lilac Review from Small Business Britain.
Our next placement showing off his coding skills is Aman Garu, an international student from Birmingham City University. Aman is demoing another one of our features requested by entrepreneurs, the Ecosystem Connector. Built using Large Language Models & generative AI technology so you can access the best support at all times. Isn’t it cool!
Aman (Ecosystem Connector) - https://youtu.be/G-kk3IuKVbk
To secure interns of your own, connect with the university contacts I’ve personally worked with below.
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:
The Lilac Review
An independent review, aiming to tackle the inequality faced by disabled-led businesses and level-up entrepreneurial opportunity across the UK.
Spearheaded by Small Business Britain, the Lilac Review will seek to identify the barriers faced by disabled-led businesses in the UK, and develop and action plan to remove them.
Thanks for sharing Dr Mark Esho MBE & all the work you’ve put into this disability’s initiative Michelle Ovens CBE.
https://lilacreview.com/
Launching a Tech Business for Non-Tech Founders (Jof Walters’ latest initiative)
Jof will be launching a new investment programme in partnership with SuperTech WM and Birmingham City University. Funding will be made available to build and launch tech startups in the West Midlands region. Founders need to be 18 years or older and should be seeking funding to develop software.
Come along to the event to learn more and about this great funding initiative:
When: 18 July 2024, 5:30 - 7:30pm
Where: STEAMhouse, Birmingham, B4 7RQ
https://lnkd.in/eWKaKGBq
IGNITE…The competition designed for the Social Entrepreneur
Catalyse your social enterprise with an impact accelerator grant of up to £20,000
Ignite helps scale the impact of ambitious social enterprises emerging from UK universities with funding, expert mentoring and connections, as well as providing founders with the opportunity to pitch at the iconic Shard, London.
Eligibility:
· At least one team member must have graduated from a UK university in the past 3 years.
· Applicants must be from an organisation.
· Be able to provide demonstrable evidence of impact and commitment to social and environmental goals.
· Have a turnover and/or previous funding of under £100,000.
· A plan to generate 50% or more of income through trading within 3 years.
Deadline: Struggled to find the deadline on their website, but I think its around 22-24 July 2024.
https://ignitecomp.co.uk/
Aston Centre for Growth,
Learn about their business support programmes they provide to enhance the region's business community. An opportunity to make new connections, hear from our guest speakers, meet the team at Aston Centre for Growth and find out how we can support businesses with our programmes commencing in September.
When: Wednesday 10 July, Time: 09:30 to 11:00
Where: Aston Centre for Growth, John Cadbury House, Corporation Street, Birmingham
https://www.aston.ac.uk/research/bss/abs/centres-hubs/aston-centre-for-growth
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 – 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>
● 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
Inclusive Talent Research & Evaluation Manager
Somerset House is embarking on an exciting journey to better understand the impact of our work by building a strong evidence base to learn where and how we can continue to strengthen our efforts.
This new role will play a crucial part in this journey, delivering a large-scale talent development evaluation project which will connect all the different strands of Somerset House!
If you're passionate about driving positive change through research and evaluation and want to play a key role in delivering this work, this could be the perfect role for you!
Location: London (with flexible hybrid working)
Deadline: 15th July 2024
Department: Inclusive Talent Engagement
Salary: £32,000 pro rata (4 days/week, full-time equivalent £40,000)
Thanks for sharing Akil Benjamin.
https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/3955856730
Funding for Work with Ex-Offenders, Young Offenders, Young People at Risk of Offending
UK registered charities and charitable incorporated organisations based and working in the UK that can demonstrate impact with ex-offenders, young offenders or young people at risk of offending, either within a local area or nationally may apply for small grants of up to £5,000 or larger grants with no set limit.
Grants are normally awarded for one year only, though exceptions can be made.
Funding can be used for:
· Pump-priming – particularly where the grant would support a project piloting new approaches and where that grant would form a major element of the funding or where it would be matched by other funders.
· Project funding – preference is to support projects where the grant is used for an identified purpose.
· Associated project costs – applicants should include the cost of any overheads associated with the work, such as office/secretarial support, so that the project is not under-funded.
· Core costs for new projects – including staff salaries, training and overheads that enable an organisation to develop and maintain expertise..
· Innovative or pioneering work – new ideas are encouraged and projects that could inspire similar work in other areas of the country.
There are usually three funding rounds per year.
Deadline: 14 November 2024
https://www.weavers.org.uk/
IZCWG Meeting - Adapting to Climate Change
Learn how to deal with climate change and its effects in your daily life at our event "Adapting to Climate Change"! This meeting of the IZCWG will explore climate adaptation. It will look at the key area of innovation in this space of nature finance. It will explore how climate change adaptation is being considered for major infrastructure, and we will hear how this issue is being addressed through regional policy.
Organised by Innovation Alliance for the West Midlands.
When: 24 July 2024 14:00 - 16:00
Where: Arup, One Centenary Way, Birmingham B3 3AY
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/adapting-to-climate-change-tickets-928382144987
Under-Represented Groups within the LGBT+ Community
Fund offers grants of up to £25,000 to support user-led LGBT+ organisations based in England, who are working with targeted under-represented and under-resourced communities in England.
Aim of the fund to:
· Support intersectional LGBT+ organisations to grow and influence the LGBT+ voluntary sector in more equitable ways.
· Ensure intersectional LGBT+ organisations are better equipped to work with their beneficiaries as a result of receiving funding and support.
· Enable intersectional LGBT+ organisations to gain more confidence to develop relationships with and/or apply for grants through other funders.
Eligibility:
· Applicants must be an England based non-profit group or organisation that is led by and for LGBT+ people and specifically working with one or more of the following communities of focus:
· D/deaf, Disabled, Neurodivergent LGBT+ People.
· LGBTQIA+ Women.
· LGBT+ People of the Global Majority.
· Older LGBT+ People.
· Trans and Non-Binary People.
Applications on a rolling basis until 21 November 2024
https://www.consortium.lgbt/grantgiving/equityfund/
Levelling up undermined by policy decisions
A report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has found that action to level up the UK has been undermined by an inconsistent and short-range approach. According to the IFS, policy to address levelling up has been patchy, inconsistent and short-lived, with a large number of small pots of money rather than stable, long-term funding.
https://www.publicfinance.co.uk/news/2024/06/levelling-progress-glacial-and-uk-has-declined-many-areas-ifs-finds
Black Food Fund
Local work centring Black African and Caribbean knowledge, research, education and advocacy to advance health equity in the local food system.
Up to £20k available to enhance the local food system for Black families in Lambeth and Southwark.
The Black Food Fund aims to support projects that centre Black African and Caribbean research, knowledge, education, and advocacy to promote health equity in the local food system.
Deadline: 10 July 2024
https://blackfood.fund/open-funding
Midlands Women in Tech Awards
An opportunity to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary women making waves in the tech industry. Despite significant advancements, women remain underrepresented in the tech industry. According to recent studies, women make up just 28% of the tech workforce globally. In leadership roles, this figure drops even further. These statistics highlight a crucial need to inspire and support more women to pursue and excel in tech careers.
The Midlands Women in Tech Awards aim to address this imbalance by celebrating the achievements of women who are leading the way in technology. By showcasing these role models, we hope to inspire the next generation of women in tech and demonstrate that gender should never be a barrier to success.
Organised by the fabulous Debbie Assinder (sneak a pic of her in Aman’s video). If you’re not connected with Debbie on LinkedIn you absolutely need to be! She’s amazing.
Nominations close 4th August 2024.
www.womenintechawards.co.uk
The Lifted Project
A nationwide initiative creating regional growth boards in five cities across the UK, in a bid to make high-growth entrepreneurship more accessible to women outside of London and the South East.
The project has created five Regional Growth Boards in Birmingham, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Leeds and Newcastle with the aim of increasing the number of female-founded high-growth enterprises by 50% within three years. The initiative is backed and supported by Lloyds Bank and is being led by Lifted Ventures.
https://www.uknewsgroup.co.uk/birmingham-launches-regional-growth-board-initiative-to-make-funding-more-accessible-to-female-founders/
Niyo Big Break Bootcamp
Ready to take your side hustle to the next level? Join Niyo’s 12-week online bootcamp designed for West Midlands entrepreneurs!
Why Join?
Expert Guidance* from industry leaders, Comprehensive Curriculum on USP, Sales, Growth, Finance, Branding, Tech, and more
Flexible Learning online, Community Support* and networking, Practical Skills* and personalized feedback, Resource Library* and ongoing support
Who Should Join?
Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Business Owners
Freelancers
Anyone with a business idea
Cost: Free
Deadline: 30 August 2024
https://bootcamps.niyo.co/entrepreneur/Big%20Break%20Bootcamp
Funding, where are we now as a sector?
Workshop on funding.
Cost: Free
When: 16th July 2024 10.00-13.00 (followed by lunch)
Where: Simply Business Offices at 99 Gresham St, London EC2V 7NG
https://forms.gle/Q7FjNCXDGz2jjk9N9?mc_cid=e8c1c71f1a&mc_eid=21c1692e8d
TBAT Innovation Challenge
Discover more about the 2024 prize package (worth £65K) for the Innovation Challenge.
https://tbat.co.uk/the-innovation-challenge/prize-package/
The Pitch
Pitch for business support advice for founders looking to learn about funding, pitching and angel investors. The Pitch 2024 is an event they're running - a fantastic pitching workshop, including a networking session with investors.
https://thepitch.uk/about-the-pitch-competition/enter-pitching-competition/
F100 Growth Fund programme
Black Equity Organisation in partnership with Sky programme is now accepting applications. If you are a Black business owner ready to scale?:
✔ Pitch for up to £15,000 in equity free funding
✔ Gain access to supply chains, connections and insights from world class operators
✔ Participate in a bespoke 10-week programme of workshops
✔ Present your business to investors and VCs
✔ Receive mentorship and coaching from renowned business leaders
Deadline: 21 July 2024
https://blackequityorg.com/future-100-growth-fund/
Grants of up to £10,000 to Support Grassroots Charities (UK)
Available to support small, grassroots and local charities currently delivering services to the young, vulnerable, elderly, disadvantaged or the general community across the UK. The funding, which is being made available through Foyle Foundation's Small Grants Scheme, can be used to cover projects, core costs, building projects, or essential equipment to enable ongoing service provision for charities with a turnover of less than £150,000 per annum that can show financial stability and a clear need for their services.
The Foyle Foundation will complete its grant-giving programme in 2025, and the closing date for applications is the 31st of January 2025.
https://foylefoundation.org.uk/how-to-apply/small-grants-scheme-guidelines/
Spotlight on Financial Inclusion with UKFin+
UKFin+ is an EPSRC funded £2.5M programme of funding, whose aim is to bridge the gap that currently exists between the research in universities and the needs of the financial services industry, consumers, and regulators. Based on an inclusive, diverse and responsible research culture it will harmonise technological know-how across regions.
Join the University of Birmingham Business Club for invited talks and panel discussions on financial inclusion in the West Midlands, its key challenges, and how advancements in technology have a role to play in supporting businesses.
When: 18th September 2024, 09:00 – 10:00
Where: Online – Zoom link to be circulated ahead of the event
https://forms.office.com/e/JKjBaaicaH
Ignite your potential with Northern Data Group’s AI Accelerator
Apply to the AI Accelerator and bring your best ideas to life with supercomputers. Application process:
Step 1: check your eligibility below
Step 2: submit your application by 28 July 2024 23:59 CEST
Step 3: your application will be reviewed by our expert panel from Northern Data Group and our partners HPE, Supermicro and Deloitte.
All applicants will be notified of the status of their applications – unsuccessful, shortlisted, or successful – by 12th August 2024.
https://northerndata.de/ai-accelerator/application?
HMRC accused of stifling R&D
HMRC is being blamed for stifling enterprise by denying genuine claims for tax breaks on research and development (R&D) from innovative small firms. It has been accused of rejecting valid submissions, delaying payments and claiming back tax credits as part of a wider attempt to crack down on fraud. HMRC has adopted a much tougher approach to claims and now checks one in five applications, compared with one in a hundred previously.
https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/markets/article-13582831/Small-company-bosses-lash-HMRC-thwarting-legitimate-research-development-claims.html
Increase in Trojan attacks
Small and medium-sized businesses are increasingly being hit by cyberattacks, with Microsoft Excel the number one channel of attack. Analysis from Kaspersky has revealed that the most common type of attack is from Trojans, with the number of attacks increasing year-on-year by 7% in Q1 2024.
https://www.itpro.com/security/small-businesses-face-continued-security-threats-as-trojan-attacks-surge
School Holiday Activity Fund Opens for Applications (London)
Registered charities and mainstream state schools can apply for grants of up to £5,000 to deliver fun and accessible activities for children and young people during the school holidays. The funding is available through the John Lyon's Charity's School Holiday Activity Fund (SHAF). It will cover the running costs of holiday programmes which provide activities per current government guidelines for young people in the boroughs of Barnet, Brent, Camden, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Kensington & Chelsea, Westminster, City of London.
Costs can include sessional staffing costs, transport for children with special needs and/or disabilities, digital delivery, equipment, and food during activities. Application forms may be submitted at any time but no later than the
Deadline: 21st September 2024 for activities taking place during the October half-term.
https://www.jlc.london/grants/schools/school-holiday-activity-fund-shaf/
Express your interest for Global Insights: Taiwan's Health Technology Market Landscape and Innovation Opportunities
Global Expert Missions (GEMs) are funded by Innovate UK and designed to build international collaborations with governments, societies, enterprises, institutions, and people from every corner of the globe. The primary goal of the Global Expert Mission to Taiwan was to gather valuable insights and explore potential opportunities for collaborative innovation in civil security between businesses in the UK and Taiwan.
When: 11/07/2024, 09.30 - 12.30 BST
Where: In-person, London
Express your interest for an in-person Global Insight event that will provide unique perspectives on Taiwan's health and innovation landscape. The event will focus on:
Healthcare Data Management and Processing:
Regulations around AI and Medical Devices:
Procurement of Innovations in Taiwanese Healthcare:
Opportunities for UK-Taiwan Partnerships:
This event is essential for stakeholders in healthcare innovation, including policymakers, healthcare providers, technology developers, and anyone interested in the future of healthcare delivery.
https://web-eur.cvent.com/event/6798dba6-6f04-4a63-bd27-7bb2fa50189e/regPage:c4ca121b-746d-42a3-a728-fd20db4471b0
GBCC Black Business Collective
a subscriber network offering Black business owners and professionals a platform to meet, learn, keep connected and find opportunities.
What are the benefits of subscribing?
· It’s free
· Access a dedicated GBCC Black Business Collective quarterly event
· Invitations to wider free GBCC events
· A quarterly digital bulletin sharing the latest insight, events and opportunities for the Black business community from across the region
For more information & to subscribe
https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/services-and-support/black-business-collective.html
Barclays Eagle Labs Mentors
Are there to discuss business support:
Business growth programmes - From helping you understand the funding landscape to providing the foundations for scaleups to succeed we have a programme for every stage of your business journey. https://labs.uk.barclays/what-we-offer/our-programmes/
Mentoring - Connect with our specialist mentors to help you navigate challenges and grow your business.
https://labs.uk.barclays/what-we-offer/mentors-and-coaches/
Barclays Eagle Labs Academy
Free online learning resource to help you gain the skills to start or grow your business
https://academy.uk.barclays/
Barclays Events Directory
Events focused across the Technology sector -
https://labs.uk.barclays/business-health-hub/technology-events/#general
City of London Corporation launches first SME strategy
Launched first SME Strategy to help support start-up and growing businesses. Initiatives included in the strategy are help for firms to locate in the City, support with access to finance, free mentoring and an enhanced events programme.
https://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/city-of-london-unveils-first-sme-strategy-strengthening-its-position-as-premier-destination-for-business-growth/
NI grant scheme open for applications
In Northern Ireland, the Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme 2024/25 has opened for applications. Under the scheme, grants of between £500 and £2,000 are available for projects run by rural community and voluntary organisations, along with social economy enterprises. Projects eligible for funding must tackle local issues of poverty and / or social isolation.
https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/news/rural-micro-capital-grant-scheme-20242025-open-applications
Trading for Good: Community Business Funded Programme
Each year, School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) provides this free development learning programme with a match trading grant to support locally rooted community businesses in England to become stronger and more sustainable. Aims to support early stage community businesses across England by helping them to develop skills to:
· Generate income to be invested in their community through trading.
· Create a resilient, growing community business.
· Adapt to changes in external environments.
· Develop emotional resourcefulness.
· Build and benefit from new networks.
· Positively impact their community.
Eligibility:
· Be based in England.
· Plan on starting or growing the income it makes from trading.
· Be established within the last 1-5 years.
· Have an income of less than £100,000 per year.
The programme runs for approximately 12 days over nine months (17 December 2024 to 1 August 2025) and combines six online sessions and six in-person days (Birmingham, London, or Manchester).
Organisations accepted onto the programme will receive a match trading grant of up to £4,000. The first £800 will be awarded up front. The remaining four instalments of up to £800 will be given over the year matched against the participant's increased trading.
Online information session: 17 July 2024
Deadline: 24 July 2024
https://www.the-sse.org/courses/trading-for-good-community-business/
CANVA FOR NONPROFITS
Designing real change. With over 500,000 nonprofits in our community, we at Canva want to continue to empower nonprofits to achieve their goals with free access to Canva's premium features.
https://www.canva.com/canva-for-nonprofits/
Knowledge transfer partnerships (KTP): 2024 to 2025 round three
UK registered academic institutions, research and technology organisations (RTOs) or Catapults can apply for a share of up to £9 million to fund innovation projects with businesses or not for profits.
Deadline: 25 September 2024
https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/knowledge-transfer-partnerships-ktp-2024-to-2025-round-three/
Youth Work and Leadership Training
This project is split into two parts the first will establish a new training pathway for responsible adults from across diverse faith communities to be trained in youth work principles and good practices, and so become volunteer mentors for young people. Funding from the West Midlands Office for Police and Crime Commissioner.
Upto £10,000 for each project. The second part will develop a young leadership training programme to equip emerging faith leaders and to enable them to be advocates of violence reduction in their respective communities. £25,000 has been allocated for this project.
Deadline: 08 July 2024
https://find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/grants/youth-work-and-leadership-training-1
European Prize for Women Innovators
For 2024, the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) are delivering prizes to the most inspiring women entrepreneurs whose groundbreaking innovation is creating a positive impact for people and planet. The Prize aims to demonstrate the central role women play in creating a new more sustainable Europe, and to inspire other women and girls to realise their full potential as the EU's future scientists, innovators, and tech leaders.
Nine awards will be made in three categories:
· Women Innovators: The winner is awarded €100,000, and two runners-up are awarded €70,000 and €50,000 respectively.
· Rising Innovators: The winner is awarded €50,000, and two runners-up are awarded €30,000 and €20,000 respectively.
· The EIT Women Leadership Award: The winner is awarded €50,000, and two runners-up are awarded €30,000 and €20,000 respectively.
Candidates must be women who have founded or co-founded a company or organisation in an EU Member State (including overseas countries and territories, OCTs) or a country associated to Horizon Europe. The company or organisation must have been registered at least two years before the application deadline.
Deadline: 25 September 2024
https://eic.ec.europa.eu/eic-prizes/european-prize-women-innovators-powered-eic-eit_en
Iceland Foods offering £100k investments to support new brand launches
Launched its first accelerator scheme aimed at enabling food & drink brands, including bakeries, to develop new products for listings at its stores.
The ‘Brands on Ice’ scheme will see its first quarterly showcase event hosted on 11 July 2024. Selected applicants will be invited to pitch their innovations or ideas to a panel of decision makers at the retailer including its CEO, group buying director, and other executives.
https://bakeryinfo.co.uk/retail/iceland-foods-offering-100k-investments-for-new-brand-listings/692002.article
UK-Canada quantum for science research collaborations (Grant)
This funding opportunity is open to researchers from the UK and Canada to collaborate on the following topics:
- quantum sensors and detectors
- quantum communications.
Project leads must be based at research organisations eligible to receive STFC and NSERC funding respectively. Upto to £500,000 from a total scheme of £4 million.
Deadline: 29 August 2024
https://find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/grants/uk-canada-quantum-for-science-research-collaborations-grant-1
Competitive bidding is holding back growth
A report by the Institute for Government (IfG) claims that local growth is being held back by an 'over-reliance' on competitive bidding for local authority funding. Competitive bids typically cost local authorities between £20,000 and £30,000 and are used to award a quarter of funding streams.
According to the IfG, most local growth funding should be streamlined into a smaller number of multi-year funds that cover spending review periods.
https://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/articles/improving-local-government-funding
Creative Catalyst Challenge Fund Seeks Innovative Decarbonisation Proposals in the Creative Industries
Accepting proposals for funding, targeting innovative R&D projects that aim to decarbonise or reduce waste within the Creative Industries. With a total grant pot of £250,000, the fund is designed to support creative entrepreneurs and companies in the UK working towards reducing their environmental impact and contributing to net-zero goals.
What is Creative Catalyst Challenge Fund?
A bespoke fund offering a total grant pot of £250,000 for creative entrepreneurs and companies working within the Creative industries in the UK. The fund will finance research and development of an innovative new product/system or process that decarbonises or reduces waste within the Creative Industries, reducing impact on our climate and/or leading us towards net zero.
The proposed new product/system or process will enable companies to build upon their creative and commercial ideas, creating opportunity for business growth.
For Round 2 – we will allocate the £250,000 funding pot as follows:
1 award of up to £100,000 for more established businesses with market traction and customers of a product, ideally with co-investment in place 2 awards of up to £50,000 each for businesses 2+ years old looking to develop a new product or idea 2 awards of up to £25,000 each – very early-stage/new businesses and R&D ideas.
Deadline: July 22nd 2024.
https://www.wearecreative.uk/support/creative-catalyst-challenge-fund/
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust
Makes grants to support the Armed Forces Community. It offers two grant programmes:
· Armed Forces Covenant
· Local Grants Programme
This makes grants of up to £20,000 for local projects that support community integration or local delivery of services such as financial advice, housing or other support. Applications may be made at any time.
The Serious Stress in Veterans, Carers and Families Programme
This programme will make provide approximately 5 grants to Single Lead Organisations (one at least for each region of the UK). The aim is to help veterans with severe mental health needs who do not meet the usual criteria of hospitalisation and impatient treatment.
www.covenantfund.org.uk
The Elifar Foundation
Funds a wide range of specialised equipment and respite for children and adults with any form of physical or learning disability.
Items funded in the past include: Wheelchairs, beds, specialised seating, trikes, communication aids, sensory equipment and specialised holidays for the disabled.
Open up to 28 years and younger.
www.elifarfoundation.org.uk
Fashion & Textile Children's Trust (FTCT)
If you are a parent raising a child with a disability or additional needs, an FTCT grant could help to fund specialist equipment, therapies, sensory toys and more. Grants help the children of UK fashion and textile families who are struggling financially. It's why our charity was founded back in 1853.
If you are a parent or carer who works, or has previously worked in the UK fashion and textile industry, for at least one year, within the last nine years, you might be able to apply for a grant.
If you are no longer in work, but you or your partner has worked in the fashion and textile industry for more than one year, (within the last 9 years) you can still apply for a grant.
A few examples of what they have funded:
· Mobility equipment
· Seating aids
· Sensory toys
· Specialist clothes
· Educational support
· Essential items, e.g. clothing, for all children in the family
www.ftct.org.uk
High Growth AI Accelerator
Accelerate AI in Creative Industries: An acceleration programme that helps businesses access the computation power and expertise they need to validate or develop scalable machine learning and artificial intelligence solutions in the creative sector. Delivered by Digital Catapult and part of BridgeAI, an Innovate UK.
Applicants are encouraged to choose a challenge aligned with their expertise, as each presents a distinct opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the landscape of AI and ML solutions in the creative sector:
· Digital Media Challenges, in collaboration with the LADbible Group
· Leisure Industry Challenges, in collaboration with Merlin Entertainments
· Radio Media Challenges, in collaboration with Bauer Media Group
· Music Industry Challenges, in collaboration with Music Technology UK
Deadline: 21 July 2024
https://iuk.ktn-uk.org/opportunities/high-growth-ai-accelerator/
Be the Boss
A Government funded scheme run by the British Legion to help UK service leavers plan, fund and grow their own small business.
It is open to all former members of the armed services regardless of discharge date. It welcomes applications from service leavers with an injury, disability, or long-term health condition.
The scheme can provide funding up to £7,500 to start up a business or funding up to £30,000 to devleop an existing business that has been trading for between 12 and 24 months. The money is a mixture of grants and loans provided in £500 increments.
A one-off feasibility grant of £250 is also available to applicants to market test their idea.
Advice, guidance and mentoring is provided as part of the scheme.
www.civvystreet.org
Access Report
To accelerate the push for a more inclusive economy, Dechomai, Firstport and Social Investment Scotland collaborated on research on barriers for Ethnic Minority social entrepreneurs accessing finance.
The ACCESS Report has proudly been supported by Scottish Enterprise and The Scottish Government Ecosystem Fund 2023 – 2024.
Read an Insight by Social Investment Scotland, our partners on the Access Project. Well done Bayile for delivering this initiative.
https://dechomai.co.uk/resources/
Zalando’s Black-owned Brands Accelerator
Zalando is launching a six-month Accelerator programme for small Black-owned brands to foster diversity and innovation within the fashion industry, in collaboration with ADAN Impact.
This programme aims to upskill small, Black-owned fashion brands that want to expand their business to major e-commerce platforms such as Zalando.
During a six-month programme, Zalando tutors will equip the brands with knowledge distributed over six modules that will cover brand building, onboarding requirements, building marketing presence, product assurance as well as safety, logistics, and finance operations. The content of all modules applies to any multi-brand platform, not only Zalando.
We want to spread this message far and wide to reach Black-owned Brands all over Europe. Deadline: 14 July 2024
https://www.bob-accelerator.zalando.com/
Blind Veterans UK (St Dunstans)
Helps blind ex service men and women lead independent and fulfilling lives. This includes older veterans who may have served National Service and suffered sight loss through old age.
It provides a range of services to support blind veterans including grants towards specialist equipment, computers and access equipment.
www.blindveterans.org.uk
Connecting Health Communities, 2024
Expressions of interest for the next phase of their Connecting Health Communities programme, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, are now being accepted.
Inviting expressions of interest for a 2.5 year facilitation support package to enable cross-sector partnerships to address health inequalities in Integrated Care Systems and Primary Care Networks.
hear from communities, NHS organisations and local authorities who have established partnerships – but need support with designing and implementing improved health outcomes for vulnerable groups.
Deadline: 19 July 2024
https://www.ivar.org.uk/blog/express-your-interest-in-connecting-health-communities-2024/
Independent Human Rights Fund for Scotland
Up to £150,000 over three years for third sector organisations with an established track record of human rights-focussed work. For projects that will realise and defend rights, particularly for immediate issues affecting daily lives. provide grants of up to £150,000 to third sector organisations whose work is explicitly focussed on human rights.
There is no limit on annual income to apply, but organisations with an income of under £25,000 or over £250,000 per year need to apply in partnership with other organisations; please see the Criteria document for specific eligibility requirements.
There is just over £900,000 available to distribute, and we anticipate making 6 to 10 grants.
Organisations with an income of under £25,000 or over £250,000 per year need to apply in partnership with other organisations.
Deadline: 04 September 2024.
https://www.corra.scot/grants/independent-human-rights-fund-for-scotland/
New Innovative Health Initiative (IHI)
A public-private partnership (PPP) with a total budget of €2.4 billion funded jointly by the European Union and industry associations representing Europe’s life science industries.
Call 8 has a maximum financial contribution from IHI JU of €47.55 million and consists of the following topics:
· A City-Based Approach to Reducing Cardiovascular Mortality in Europe.
· Novel Endpoints for Osteoarthritis (OA) by Applying Big Data Analytics.
· Modelling Regulatory Sandbox Mechanisms and Enabling Their Deployment to Support Breakthrough Innovation.
· Establishing novel approaches to improve clinical trials for rare and ultra-rare diseases.
Any organisation established in the EU or a country associated to Horizon Europe is eligible to receive IHI funding. In practice, IHI funding primarily supports the participation in its projects of organisations like universities, research organisations, patient organisations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and mid-sized companies. Depending on the type of call for proposals, larger companies may also be eligible to receive IHI funding.
Deadline: 10 October 2024
https://www.ihi.europa.eu/
Big Dream Trust
Provides grants to improve the lives of vulnerable children, young people and adults in the UK.
It accepts applications from individuals, charities, services or projects. It gives away a total of £10,000 a month.
The charity has previously funded Makaton lessons, respite for parents and carers, sensory toys and one to one football training. It has recently extended it's support to food vouchers and book bundles.
www.dreambigtrust.org
High Weald Nature and Community Fund
The new name for the Sussex Lund grant programme. Supports work that benefits nature and people across the High Weald National Landscape, including the villages and towns in and around it - Kent, Sussex and Surrey.
The Fund offers:
· Small grants - for up to £20,000, with larger amounts for multi-year projects.
· Large grants – for up to £100,000 for larger-scale work that could achieve greater change.
Environment, habitat, green spaces, and connecting individuals to nature who may be disconnected from it, including young people, those with physical or mental health challenges, disabled individuals, and other underrepresented groups.
Deadline 15 July 2024
https://highweald.org/grants/high-weald-fund/
Social Economy Research & Development Grant Fund
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Social Enterprise Growth Strategy Grant awarding and managed by the Barrow Cadbury Trust. Grant is to enable organisations to develop new products or services that will generate additional trading income. It cannot be used retrospectively on an existing product or service. A maximum of 8 grants of between £5,000 & £10,000 each will be awarded.
The final successful applications will be by a panel made up of people from WMCA and the Social Economy Task Force.
Eligibility:
● Organisation must have a 'social economy' legal structure
● Must be based in the WMCA area
Initial applications deadline: 14th June 2024
If shortlisted provide more information between 24th June and 1st July 2024, with final decisions 10th July 2024.
https://www.tfaforms.com/5125442
The Hinrichsen Foundation
Offering grants to charities and other organisations across the United Kingdom to support the performance of contemporary music, including the commissioning of new work, non-commercial recording, or publication.
There are two levels of funding available:
● One-off small grants typically between £500 and £2,500 (for new applicants and former beneficiaries).
● Larger projects or concert series generally £2,000 and over.
The Trustees will occasionally provide funds for research projects that are not being conducted under the remit of an academic institution. Multi-year partnerships may also be considered.
There are typically three application deadlines per year.
Deadline: 31 August 2024.
https://www.hinrichsenfoundation.org.uk/
Women in Innovation Award 2024/25
Women within UK registered micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can apply for a share of up to £4 million to develop their exciting and innovative ideas. The £75,000 grant also includes bespoke business support.
Innovate UK is offering up to 50 Women in Innovation Awards to women entrepreneurs within SMEs across the UK. The winners will receive a £75,000 grant and bespoke business support.
The aim of this competition is to fund and support a diverse portfolio of Women in Innovation Award winners who will be relatable role models for women from all backgrounds from regions across the UK who are solving a range of pressing societal, environmental and economic challenges in a variety of innovation areas.
Deadline: 10 July 2024
https://iuk.ktn-uk.org/events/innovate-uk-women-in-innovation-awards-2024-25-briefing-event/
Innovate UK Investor Partnerships: SME round eight
UK registered SMEs can apply for grant funding alongside private investment from selected investor partners.
Eligibility:
This competition is open to single applicants only.
To apply your organisation must:
■ be a UK registered SME
■ carry out its project work in the UK
■ intend to exploit the results from or in the UK
Deadline: 14 August 2024
https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/innovate-uk-investor-partnerships-sme-round-eight/
Not Your Average Entrepreneur
Developed by THE DIVERSE CREATIVE CIC PRESENTS a Business Bootcamp Masterclass
Build your business acumen
Learn How to Fail-Proof Your Business Idea in Under 5 Hours and gain the confidence to pursue your entrepreneurial ambitions.
Business Bootcamp is designed exclusively for black or brown neurodivergent and disabled entrepreneurs. It doesn't matter if you know nothing about entrepreneurship. By the end of this free entrepreneurship training programme, you’ll understand how to apply the basics of business to your unique vision and circumstances.
PLUS receive expert guidance tailored to your needs.
Whether you're trying to overcoming challenges like dyslexia, ADHD, or other disabilities, supportive curriculum guides you to confidently pursue your entrepreneurial dreams. From generating business ideas to running and growing your venture.
When: 17th August 2024
Where: Online
https://notyouraverageentrepreneur.com/bootcamp-programme/
Election migration pledges
Representatives of businesses that employ millions of people in tourism, hospitality, construction and manufacturing have warned that politicians are failing to understand the UK's need for migrant labour. They warn that an arbitrary crackdown on migration could exacerbate skills shortages, constrain output and even force factories to move more rapidly towards automating some roles.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/04/arbitrary-election-pledges-to-cut-uk-migration-will-worsen-worker-shortages
Bread & Jam Festival
Pitching applications are open to get your food & beverage product in fron of leading UK retailers.
Thanks to sponsor NielsenIQ, you’re able to apply to 25+ food halls, national and international super markets, foodservice buyers and speciality retailers below.
Deadline: Monday 8th July 2024
All applicants will be contacted by 5pm on Thursday 11th July.
https://www.breadandjamfest.com/events/get-listed-in-retailers-pitching-breadandjamfest2024
Technology Grants to enable independence for people living with dementia
Apply for funding to develop a NetworkPlus focused on the use and development of novel tools and technologies to enable people with dementia to live independently. Networks should be multidisciplinary and embed people with lived experiences of dementia. You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for EPSRC funding
Deadline: 10 September 2024
https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/technologies-to-enable-independence-for-people-living-with-dementia/
Youth Music Trailblazer fund
Offers grants of £2,000 to £30,000 to organisations in England to run projects for children and young people (25 or under) to make, learn and earn in music. The project should trial work for the first time, test a new way of working, or disrupt the status quo (or all three!).
Your work must meet one of our themes:
● Early years
● Disabled, d/Deaf and neurodivergent young people
● Youth justice system
● Young people facing barriers
● Young adults
● Organisations and the workforce.
Trailblazer Round 7
Deadline: 30 August 2024
Notification: 13 December 2024
For projects starting between January and March 2025
Trailblazer Round 8
Deadline: 22 November 2024
Notification: 21 March 2025
For projects starting between: April and June 2025
https://youthmusic.org.uk/trailblazer-fund
Funding for community radio stations
The first round of the Community Radio Fund 2024-25 is open for applications. Grants can be used to cover the core costs of running Ofcom-licensed community radio stations in the UK. Core costs include management, administration, community outreach, volunteer support and fundraising costs.
https://www.ofcom.org.uk/news-centre/2024/community-radio-fund-2024-25-open-for-applications
Biffa Award
Since 1997, Biffa Award has awarded grants of more than £180 million to projects across the UK for community projects near landfill sites for biodiversity, community buildings, recreation and cultural facilities. Biffa operates 8 open landfill sites and also manage 62 closed landfill sites. Main Grants Scheme, for grants of between £10,000 and £75,000. Each of the 4 themes has its own criteria.
Apply at any time. The Board meet 4 times a year.
https://www.biffa-award.org/
Food Cardiff
Grants of up to £200 to enable not-for-profit groups to host events or activities as part of the Cardiff food festival. Total funding £10k.
Deadline: 19 July 2024
https://foodcardiff.com/grants-offered-to-bring-communities-together-for-good-food-cardiff-autumn-festival/
Free space for charities and community members
The PPL Hub is a free space for charities and community members to come together, collaborate and take action together in central London. Goal is to encourage the power of in-person connection by providing a workspace for the voluntary and public sector to use, free of charge.
Located in Southwark, The Hub has 120 square meters of open office and meeting space available. The main space is an ideal for meetings, presentations, and collaborative working.
https://ppl.org.uk/our-impact/the-ppl-hub/
NatWest Entrepreneur Accelerator
Fully funded Accelerator is now OPEN for applications for the September 2024 cohort. NatWest understand that every business owner is different and that the motivations for scaling a business can vary greatly. We also recognise the power of being surrounded by a network of likeminded individuals and specialists. Developed over the past nine years, these programmes have revolutionised the way we support entrepreneurs, and has proven to really work.
Even if you don’t get on the Accelerator, the Natwest Hub also hosts regular brilliant networking & informational events.
If you have questions, want to better understand what’s on offer and meet the team, so we have created some face to face Application Discovery Events hosted at your local Accelerator Hub.
To attend physical hub events register here.
Applications: Now open
https://www.natwest.com/business/business-services/entrepreneur-accelerator.html?furl=w_/accelerator
Pro-Bono Cybersecurity
CybAid CIC connecting pro-bono cyber pros with charities and small businesses, including cybersecurity training and awareness, configuration management, governance, risk and compliance, and security testing.
https://cybaid.co.uk/
Funding for Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisations
Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales invites Deaf and Disabled People's Organisations to apply for unrestricted grants of up to £75,000 over a three-year period.
Programme offers organisational development support alongside a three-year grant of £75,000 (£25,000 per year). The grant will be unrestricted, so organisations awarded funding will be able to use the grant to support any costs that further their organisation’s social purpose.
Eligibility:
· Be based and working in England and Wales or the Isle of Man.
· Annual income between £25,000 and £500,000 in last published accounts.
· Have a track record of delivering support, activity or services, for at least one year.
· Be led by and working for Deaf and Disabled people. This means a majority (at least 51%) of Directors/Trustees and half (at least 50%) of staff, at all levels of the organisation, self-identify as Deaf and/or Disabled people.
Priority will be given to organisations where at least 75% of their Directors/Trustees and 50% of staff self-identify as Deaf and/or Disabled people.
Registered charities, Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs) and Community Interest Companies (CICs)
Deadline: 28 August 2024
https://www.lloydsbankfoundation.org.uk/about-us/archive/deaf-and-disabled-people-s-organisations-programme-june-2024-webinar
The Apex Project
Traineeships for 18-25 year olds in South London. Are you 18- 25 unemployed & not in college/training from Croydon, Merton, Sutton, Kingston upon Thames or Richmond upon Thames? Apex SLP have paid traineeships in catering, construction, warehousing, sports coaching, media and tech.
https://www.theapexproject.co.uk
NatWest SE100 Social Business Awards
The SE100 Social Business Awards are part of an annual programme to celebrate, connect and share learning among the UK's 100 most impressive social businesses. The initiative was created by Pioneers Post, and run in partnership with NatWest Social & Community Capital.
In addition to NatWest S&CC, this year's awards are supported by a range of partners working to help build and strengthen the social impact market, who this year include Buzzacott, Hogan Lovells, the Social Investment Business, Impact Reporting and Good Finance.
On the evening they'll be presenting awards to winners from 7 categories for their achievements across social impact. take place on Tuesday in London and will also be streamed live, online.
Cost: Free
When: 16 July 2024
Where: in-person AND online
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/natwest-se100-social-business-awards-2024-registration-909789363477
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
Deadline: 31 July 2024
https://theradcliffetrust.org/
BT Sustainability programme
Delivered by Small Business Britain in partnership with BT, is a free six-week CPD Accredited programme offering vital sustainability training to small businesses.
The programme starts on will help entrepreneurs understand and make the most of the incredible opportunities that sustainability can bring.
The weekly workshops will be recorded and uploaded to a private page of the Small Business Britain website, to ensure the programme is accessible to all.
The interactive course will cover the following topics:
● Making an Action Plan
● Technology to Boost Your Sustainability Goals (Including Using AI!)
● Dealing with Overwhelm in the Sustainability Space
● Sustainable Branding and Building Your Social Media Content
● Sustainable Business Operations and the Circular Economy
● Green Grants and Pitching for Finance
When: 09 September 2024
Where: Online
Cost: Free
https://smallbusinessbritain.uk/sustainability-for-small-business
NFU Mutual Charitable Trust
Offering grants for organisations working in agriculture, rural development, and insurance across the UK to deliver projects and activities across one or more of the Trust’s main objectives:
● To advance the education of the public using research and dissemination of information concerning agriculture.
● To advance the education of young people within rural areas.
● To relieve poverty within rural areas.
● To promote the benefit and social welfare of inhabitants of rural communities by associating together with the inhabitants and local authorities, voluntary and other organisations to advance education and leisure.
● To promote research into agricultural-associated activities.
● To advance the education of the public using research and dissemination of information concerning insurance.
Priority will be given to larger initiatives that would have a significant impact on rural communities, as well as initiatives in the areas of education of young people in rural areas and relief of poverty within rural areas.
Trustees meet twice a year to consider applications, typically in June and November.
Deadline: 04 October 2024
https://www.nfumutual.co.uk/about-us/charitable-trust/
Santander X Global Challenge | Innovation in Healthcare
A challenge for startups or scale-ups targeting one of these areas:
● Efficiency in medical practice
● Public digital technologies
● Patient care
The winners will receive 120,000 euros in prizes, access to the Santander X 100 global community and a connection to the Fintech Station, Banco Santander's open innovation area.
Deadline: 11 July 2024
https://app.santanderx.com/calls/santander-x-global-challenge-innovation-in-healthcare
Increase in funding provided by CDFIs
In 2023, community development finance institutions (CDFIs) lent £102 million to over 4,500 start-ups and established small businesses across the UK. This was a 26% increase on 2022 and helped create 3,829 new enterprises and 662 businesses to scale up. Around £119 million was also lent to 371 social enterprises.
https://responsiblefinance.org.uk/2024/05/record-year-of-community-development-finance-to-people-and-enterprises-across-uk/
JLR Innovation Challenge
JLR’s experts, gain access to cutting-edge facilities, and potentially secure investment and strategic partnerships to accelerate their growth. A £90,000 prize pot will be awarded to successful innovations - divided across 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: 31 July 2024
https://jlr-innovationchallenge.com/
Fairer Futures Fund – Citywide Small Grants
The Fund is set to improve outcomes and tackle inequalities by funding community organisations and projects across Birmingham to address health inequalities.
The creation of this Fund is due to Birmingham and Solihull’s Integrated Care System’s ambition; to transform how health and care services are delivered in the region. The Fund is intended to support targeted interventions to:
Reduce inequalities in health and wellbeing outcomes for communities of place, identity, and experience.
Deadline: 12 July 2024
https://www.heartofenglandcf.co.uk/ffcw-small-grants/
Innowwide - Explore the world
A new Innowwide call is opening with funding for another 70 market feasibility projects!
You can apply to receive a grant of 60,000 euro to explore new markets in Africa, the Americas, Asia or Oceania. Funding is available for innovative SMEs based in European Union Member States, Iceland, Israel, Norway, Türkiye and the United Kingdom.
If you would like to learn more about Innowwide with the view of applying, attend a webinar on 16 July at 12:00 Brussels time.
Dates: Opens 23 July until 15 October 2024
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/227302478979140437
Birmingham Tech Week '24 Launch Party
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to network and have some fun. A warm up for the biggest regional tech event in the UK. See you there.
When: Thursday 11th July 2024, 4:00 PM
Where: Enterprise Wharf, Birmingham
https://lnkd.in/dnqreXtJ
SageXI
Win one of ten £5k business grants and be a part of the Sage XI. Sage are giving away £50,000 to small businesses.
So, are you ready to take your business to the next level? All you need to do is share a smart decision you made for your business, and how the £5,000 would aid your future decision making, and you will be in the chance to win the following prizes:
· A £5,000 business grant
· 12-months free Sage software
· Tickets to The Hundred final at Lord's, including a £400 travel allowance
Don't wait around, the prize is only available for a few weeks. Enter by 12 July to be in with a chance to win!
https://www.sage.com/en-gb/company/corporate-partnerships/the-hundred/competition/
Yolanda Moore Foundation
Supports individuals aged 15 to 24 years living in London, Dorset, Hampshire.
It funds Personal Development grants to help pay for short courses, internships and voluntary work. It also offers Personal Support grants to help towards interview costs such as clothes, travel for a specific event, equipment and materials.
The Foundation also provides mentoring, advice and networking opportunities with friends of the charity.
It will not fund subsistence, university fees, laptops or iPads or other living expenses.
Maximum grant is £1,000.
www.tymf.co.uk
VC Funding List
I understand how much founders appreciate funding lists, so here’s a great one for you. Comprehensive collection of hundreds of investors who fund various stages of startup growth. Can’t even remember who shared this list with me, but please get in touch, or comment in a feed so I can thank you.
https://airtable.com/appXJdMe8st7T8K7q/shrSPNzYoSRhJBCbv/tbl216CjzNssfsDpB?backgroundColor=gray&viewControls=on
Sign-up to this Show Me The Money newsletter, or share with anyone needing support in these times of opportunity & change:
www.hibretone.org
Big Thank You to these supporters….
E&OE
Disclaimer:
• Information is produced for entertainment purposes only and is for the sole use of the recipients.
• The author assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this site. The information contained is provided on an "as is" basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness.
• All supporters expressly disclaim all representations, warranties, assurance of any kind, expressed or implied.
• Items added in the order I found out about them, not importance.
