Show Me The Money: Grants & Funding - Coronation Special

Revised: May 2023

Hi people, 

In this months’ MASSIVE ROYAL issue, I want to feature the fantastic support available from universities.

Why? Because you don’t always need funding to move your project forward, you may just need brilliant interns! Talk to your local university! I have fantastic ties with Aston University (Thank you Sarah Collins & Warren Chugtai), Birmingham City University (Thank you David Bond & Nouh) & University of Birmingham (Thank you Liam Gover, Emma Lardner, Kate Jermey). Receiving £100,000’s worth of quality support at a micro-micro fraction of its real price! Some of the graduates even come with bursaries (Thank you Santander & Virgin Startup), so you may not even have to pay anything! 

hibretOne soft platform launch interns - October 2022

BCU graduate presentation interns - February 2023

Here’s a small list of the work the universities and the graduates have helped me with: free accelerator programmes, social media campaign, event launch, UI/UX design, ChatGPT training, SQL database design, Bubble No Code platform build, pharmaceutical formulations, project management, financial analyst, business plan creation, graphic design, ChatBot creation, grant writing, grant checking & much more! See below for contact details.

Also, I will be doing a Show Me The Money event for BCU STEAMhouse on 7th June in Birmingham. Sharing my tips & tricks on getting that ‘Free Money! & Free Money (but quality). Registration details below. Hope to see some of you there.

Stay amazing, stay courageous

Drew

Drew Currie

Founder, hibretOne CIC

www.hibretone.org

Top Tips for New Subscribers:

●       If a grant or programme is not shown in your region, many funds listed are for the W Midlands, where I am based. Google search using the keywords within the grant. Programme may be in your area, running under a different name.

LATEST:

Do you have the perfect project for an Aston University graduate?

Funding to provide small businesses and organisations a graduate to work on a project for 5 weeks this summer. By offering a graduate project, you can provide graduates with an opportunity to develop transferable skills, gain knowledge, and build confidence in a real-world setting.

Not only will this help graduates secure future graduate-level employment, but it will also benefit your business with talented individuals with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.

www.aston.ac.uk/business

Birmingham City University graduate scheme

A number of Masters programmes with 20 week placements available. Students from September 2023 across a range of disciplines including business, IT, engineering and the creative sector. Their employer engagement team can assess what you are looking for and advise if they have potential courses that match your needs. Our students can provide fresh insights, solid technical and creative skills and bring new ideas into your business.

Email employment@bcu.ac.uk with a brief outline of your organisation and potential interest, and a member of the team will follow up.

www.bcu.ac.uk/business

£500,000 Green Spaces initiative

Latest phase of the Community Matters Fund run by National Grid Electricity Distribution.

Eligibility:

●    Registered charities or non-profit limited by guarantee can apply for up to £10,000

●    Constituted charitable organisations with no charity number up to £2000.

Deadline: 12 May 2023

www.nationalgrid.co.uk/community-matters-fund

Need a Break from Entrepreneurship!

Loads of jobs within the Digital and Technology Service, part of Birmingham City Council

Lots of opportunity from entry level (great stepping stone to learn a new capability) right through to lead senior level across a range of functions. All details on their microsite.

jobs.digitalbirmingham.org/

British Academy/ Leverhulme Small Research Grants

The British Academy is accepting applications for their Grants scheme to support primary research in the humanities and social sciences. Awards, up to £10,000 in value and tenable for up to 24 months, to cover the cost of the expenses arising from a defined research project.

Eligibility:

●    Postdoctoral scholars (or equivalent) resident in the UK.

●    Approval of applicant's employing institution but are not limited to those of any particular status (eg Lecturer, Professor etc).

●    Applications may be made by independent scholars.   

●    Co-applicants may be from anywhere in the world, but the Principal Applicant must be ordinarily resident in the UK for the duration of the award period.

Deadline: 31 May 2023

www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/funding/ba-leverhulme-small-research-grants/

Barclays Black Founder Accelerator

In partnership with Foundervine & Barclays Eagle Labs. The Accelerator will take ambitious growth-stage founders through expert-led masterclasses and deep-dive business support over the course of 12 weeks. Industry experts will cover raising capital, operational excellence, marketing for growth, leadership and more.

Deadline: 12 June 2023

labs.uk.barclays/what-we-offer/our-programmes/barclays-black-founder-accelerator/black-founder-accelerator-4-application-2023/

NFU Mutual Charitable Trust

The Trust focuses on providing funding to larger initiatives, which would have a significant impact on the rural community. The Trustees are particularly interested in initiatives in the areas of education of young people in rural areas and relief of poverty within rural areas.

Decisions made twice a year. Applications for the June meeting must be submitted by 26th May 2023 and for the November meeting they must be submitted by 27th October 2023

www.nfumutual.co.uk/about-us/charitable-trust/applications-for-funding/

A bunch of funding & other opportunities

Thanks for sharing Esme Verity:

●    Impact Shakers | pitch for a €50,000 investment for European impact startups with diverse founding teams

●    The RSA (The royal society for arts, manufactures and commerce) | £2,000 Seed and £10,000 Scaling grants for RSA Fellows

●    Elemental Excelerator | funding and in-depth support for promising climate tech startups around the world with social impact potential

●    Future Forest Initiative | programme of support for pre-seed and seed startups working on innovations for the development of climate-resilient forests

●    West of England Combined Authority | a £2500 grant and a programme of support for creative businesses in the West of England (The Create Growth Programme)

●    Donor Impact Invest Fund | uses donations to fund Steward Owned Dutch impact-first companies and social enterprises

●    Calm Company Fund| is launching the Calm Company Catalyst, a platform to catalyze even more investment in calm companies

Google for the URL

P&G Alumni Foundation 2023 Grant Program

For charitable organisations whose mission aligns with the Foundation’s focus on economic empowerment, building sustainable futures through job skills, vocational training, and business start-ups.

Eligibility:

●    Charitable equivalents outside the U.S.

●    Strongly aligned with the Foundation’s mission of economically empowering those in need.

●    Demonstrate how it contributes toward sustainable employment opportunities

●    Trading for 2 years.

●    One or more P&G Alums must be actively involved

Deadline: 13 May 2023

pgalumnifoundation.org/2023-grant-process/

British Business Awards 2023

Showcase your talent, gain positive media coverage, increase brand recognition, boost your profile, and gain recognition within the industry.

Nominate yourself or someone else in any of the 19 categories, they welcome submissions from ALL industries.

Deadline: 26th May 2023

britishsmallbusinessawards.co.uk/

Side hustles leading to employment compliance risks report

Data from Talent.com has revealed 18% of workers plan to develop a side hustle and 4% plan to freelance to counter the rising cost of living. This could expose employers to greater risks and more sophisticated recruitment fraud.

londonlovesbusiness.com/side-hustles-and-freelancing-exposing-employers-to-more-employment-compliance-risks/

Laid-off workers turn to entrepreneurship

A survey carried out by Fiverr has revealed that 57% of workers who have been laid off are exploring alternatives to full-time work. Almost half (47%) no longer trust full-time employment, with 35% planning to keep a side hustle running even when they go back to full-time work.

www.freelanceinformer.com/news/majority-of-people-laid-off-no-longer-trust-full-time-work/

Pilot accelerators launched support early-stage health and life science innovation

Biomedical Catalyst is Innovate UK’s flagship grant funding mechanism, enabling small and medium sized businesses to test and develop innovative health and care solutions across life sciences, including therapeutics, medical devices, and digital health. The focus is on four key themes: Children’s health, FemTech, Microbials and Neurotech.

Pilot accelerators, in collaboration with the Medical Research Council, will allow spinouts, start-ups, and entrepreneurial minded academics to test their ideas and develop concepts with support from key stakeholders from the innovation ecosystem.

iuk.ktn-uk.org/news/biomedical-catalyst-pilot-accelerators/

Baltic Ventures

Each successful company joining the programme will receive an initial £50,000 in equity backing, alongside a tailored four-month programme that includes mentoring, masterclasses and networking with investors who have the potential to provide follow-on funding.

June 2023, with Accelerator 2023 starting in September. For more information on the application guidelines and Baltic Ventures, log onto

www.balticventures.uk

Innovate UK Smart grants: January 2023

UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £25 million for game-changing and commercially viable R&D innovations that can significantly impact the UK economy. This funding is from Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation.Ideas need to be genuinely new and novel, not just disruptive within their sector.

Grant award size:

Projects 6-18 months: £100,000 and £500,000 - can be single or collaborative

Projects 19-36 months: £100,000 and £2 million - and must be collaborative

Closing date for this round has now been extended from 26th April.

Deadline extended to: 14 June 2023

Very, very competitive!

apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/1448/overview/304e6f31-0117-44d1-8c2c-4852876a7928

Be The Business Programmes

Get Your Own Board

www.bethebusiness.com/programmes/boards/get-your-own-board/

Mentoring programme

www.bethebusiness.com/programmes/find-business-mentor/

BetDen Cohort 7.0

Runs for 9 months, September 2023 to May 2024 , 2 days per week. Offering innovative businesses a unique package to accelerate their route to market.

●     £10,000 Proof Of Concept Grant

●     £2,000 marketing funding

●     No equity or joining fees

●     Access to specialist mentors offering dedicated 1-to-1 advice and guidance specific to your growth strategy

●     Ongoing support for your personal development as an entrepreneur including coaching, training & workshops

●     Dedicated free office space at the Malvern Hills Science Park with 24/7 access

●     Access to BetaDen's extensive technology network

Eligibility:

●    I believe you may have to be based in Worcs, but check online.

Deadline: 16 June 2023

www.beta-den.com/cohort/cohort-recruitment/

The Shott Scale Up Accelerator

12-month programme that empowers senior leaders of high-growth engineering and tech SMEs with the leadership skills and insight they need to scale successfully.

●       35-hour growth training programme with your cohort of tech leaders

●       1:1 leadership coaching and mentoring from network of the UK's leading engineers in industry, who have founded, scaled and sold successful enterprises many times over

●       £10k training grant to pay for leadership courses anywhere in the world

●       Access to 100+ investor network with opportunities to pitch at Showcase events

●       Travel and accommodation expenses covered

●       Lifetime membership of the Enterprise Hub to continue using our co-working spaces, connections and mentoring opportunities.

Eligibility:

●    senior leaders (e.g., CEO, CTO, CFO, head of department)

●    UK-based engineering or technology SME

●    High-growth company that has raised at least £1m in equity investment, or turnover in the last financial year (or a combination of both).

●    If operating in MedTech, grants will also count towards total investment raised.

Cost: FREE

Apply by 25 May 2023

enterprisehub.raeng.org.uk/programmes/shott-scale-up-accelerator

Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) changes

Startup companies can now raise £250k of equity investment under the scheme, up from £150k. They can also be a bit older and have more assets. Another change to the scheme is that individual investors can also now invest twice as much: £200k up from £100k.

www.gov.uk/guidance/venture-capital-schemes-apply-to-use-the-seed-enterprise-investment-scheme

GIRL GRIND UK - SHE DON DID IT!

Award Winning Music Business programme, fully funded by Youth Music Charity delivered in partnership with BIMM Birmingham and B:Music and Symphony Hall. SDDI is designed to empower creatives with a six-week incubator programme .

Five courses in Songwriting and Performance, Dance in Music, Radio & DJ, Music Production, Music Business.

Eligibility:

●    Black and Asian Minority Ethnic Women and Non-Binary Emerging Music Creators from across the West Midlands region. 

●    Aged 18 to 25 (up to 30 if you have experienced deeper learning challenges) 

fu738ngp575.typeform.com/to/aFF9vJ7K

VCSE Contract Readiness Programme

I’m a big fan of this one! School for Social Entrepreneurs, SEUK and Voice4Change England launch a new programme to help charities and social enterprises bid for and win public sector contracts. 

Funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) the VCSE Contract Readiness Programme is a free series of webinars, workshops and longer programmes for voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations in England. Courses are pitched for organisations at different stages of contract readiness. 

www.the-sse.org/vcse-contract-readiness-programme

Black women founders in beauty programme

A 12-week learning programme designed to support Black women founders in the beauty industry. Created by Black Girl Fest and powered by Glossier, this programme will support EXPERT ADVICE from industry professionals, CONNECT with experienced founders AND receive a £10k grant!

Eligibility:

●      UK-based Black women founders

Deadline: 9th May 2023

www.blackgirlfest.com/beauty-programme

Training & Education

Youtube is the largest academy in the world but sometimes the information overload can make it difficult to find the best materials from the lower quality ones. Thank you Christina B from Melanin Travels for this abbreviated list:

●     Introduction to Machine Learning https://lnkd.in/ecqatZBA

●     Stanford: Machine Learning https://lnkd.in/exNpHVgK

●     Making Friends with Machine Learning https://lnkd.in/ejM83n2B

●     Applied Machine Learning https://lnkd.in/eBPxJriR

●     Statistical Machine Learning https://lnkd.in/eszaHhnn

●     Neural Networks: Zero to Hero https://lnkd.in/eHyXfdMY

●     Introduction to Deep Learning (MIT) https://lnkd.in/eh7wTzbq

●     CMU Introduction to Deep Learning https://lnkd.in/eCF92CDW

●     MIT: Deep Learning for Art, Aesthetics, and Creativity https://lnkd.in/eURJKHUS

Barclays Eagle Lab Programmes

Barclays are providing a whole range of business programmes and initiatives. I’m on the Funding Readiness Programme. Very, very impressed with the experts & the programme content. Highly recommend enrolling. Programmes open for applications:

●      Funding Readiness Programme

●      Helping demystify the process of finding funding for business growth.

●      Carbon13 Venture Launchpad

●      Helping early stage businesses launch high-potential ClimateTech ventures which have global impact

●      Global Connect - learn from Silicon Valley veterans, on raising early stage funding in the US

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

Kickstart a career in UX Design

Break into the world of UX with a fully funded scholarship, designed to equip you with the skills needed for an entry-level position in UX/UI design in 6 months.

Eligibility:

●      Age 16+ and are from a diverse background

●     An interest in UX Design

●     Committed to attending both online and in-person events

Deadline: 18 May 2023

Course starts: 31 May 2023

www.thisisysys.com/ysystechscholarship

Developing innovative approaches to gender-based violence

Collaborate with international partners to explore ways in which social violence, specifically sex and gender-based violence (GBV) manifests and can be addressed using arts and humanities-led approaches. Maximum award: £400,000 from a £4.2 million pot.

Eligibility:

●      Research organisation.

●      UK higher education institution

●      UKRI-recognised research institute or organisation

Deadline: 27 June 2023

www.ukri.org/opportunity/developing-innovative-approaches-to-gender-based-violence/

UKRI Competitions

Thank you Iain Mansell, of WMCA for sharing:

●      Analysis for Innovators (A4I) Round 10

●      Net Zero Heat: Design Engineering Innovation Lab

●      SBRI: Reducing pollution resulting from domestic burning or agricultural practices: Phase 1.

●      Net Zero Hydrogen Fund: Strand 2 Capital Expenditure Round 2

●      Net Zero Hydrogen Fund: Strand 1 Development Expenditure Round 2

●      Critical materials for magnets: Strand 2, mid- and late-stage R&D -

●      Automotive Transformation Fund Scale up Readiness Validation 2

●      Resource efficiency for materials and manufacturing: CR&D

●      Feasibility studies for Artificial Intelligence solutions

●      Knowledge transfer partnerships (KTP): 2023 to 2024 Round 2

●      Hydrogen storage and distribution supply chain Collaborative R&D

Register for updates:

https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/

2023 Digital Leaders 100 Awards

Categories

●      Digital Leader of the Year

●      Young Digital Leader of the Year

●      Digital SME of the Year

●      AI Innovation of the Year

●      Digital Skills or Talent Initiative of the Year

●      Big Data Innovation of the Year

●      Digital Public Service Innovation of the Year

●      Geospatial Innovation of the Year

●      GreenTech Innovation of the Year

●      HealthTech Innovation of the Year

●      Craig Macdonald Memorial Prize

●      DL Local Champion

Deadline: 12 May 2023

digileaders100.com/enter-or-nominate

Pre-announcement: Design Exchange Partnerships: green transition round 2

Develop design-led solutions to address specific challenges facing biodiversity in the UK. Following areas: following areas: natural resources, materials, land or marine use, health and wellbeing, regeneration and planning

£62,500 - £125,000.

Eligibility:

●      Based at a UK research organisation

Deadline: 14 September 2023

www.ukri.org/opportunity/design-exchange-partnerships-design-the-green-transition-round-two/

Birmingham Black Business Show Launchpad competition

Pitch your business to a panel of judges, to win a range of support benefits including a free exhibition stand at next year's show, plus tools, advice and mentorship from Lloyds Bank.

Competition only takes a few minutes to enter and is free to apply.

https://bit.ly/3oG0hwY

Ireland: Capacity Building Support Scheme 2023

Arts Council is inviting applications to support arts organisations to gain skills and expertise to review, strengthen and/or adapt their artistic business models.

Single applications up to a €20,000, Group/Consortia upto €30,000.

Eligibility:

●      Arts organisations & Groups of arts organisations funded by the Arts Council previously

●       Ireland based

Deadline: 18 May 2023

www.artscouncil.ie/Funds/Capacity-Building-Support-Scheme/

Show Me The Money: Lunch and Learn with Drew Currie 

If you’re stuck for time, this one’s over an hour of me pointing out grant funding & how to access free-at-point-of-need business programmes. Hidden sources of grant funding available to entrepreneurs, small businesses, start-ups, academics, social enterprises, and even side-hustlers!

Guaranteed sources of Free Money you never even knew was out there!

Location: In-person Birmingham City University, BCU STEAMhouse, Birmingham

Date: 07 June 2023

Cost: Free

Eligibility:

●      Greater Birmingham & Solihull LEP regions.

steamhouse.org.uk/event/lunch-and-learn-with-drew-currie/

Help to Grow website launched

Department for Business and Trade (formerly the DIT) has launched a new website, targeted at helping the UK's 5.4 million small businesses. The Help to Grow website will make it simpler for small businesses to find, access and use the information and support they need.

www.gov.uk/government/news/dbt-unveils-new-help-to-grow-site-to-support-businesses-and-grow-the-economy

Funding for solar energy

Electron Green, the commercial solar electricity firm, is investing up to £1 billion to fit free-of-charge solar PV systems on commercial roofs. The investment will pay for the installation and maintenance of 3.4 million solar panel systems across 14,000 commercial buildings in the UK.

londonlovesbusiness.com/business-energy-crisis-up-to-1-bn-to-be-invested-in-solar-by-uk-entrepreneur-to-rescue-smes/

Amazon launches European Expansion Accelerator

A new initiative which will allow sellers to expand their business to nine European stores with just a few clicks. The European Expansion Accelerator will make it easier for all active sellers on Amazon to list their products in all of Amazon's European and UK stores.

www.aboutamazon.co.uk/news/small-businesses/amazon-launches-european-expansion-accelerator-allowing-uk-store-sellers-to-sell-across-european-marketplaces-with-just-two-clicks

Get Started Grant in Ireland

Oakfield Trust is seeking applications to assist social entrepreneurs. Grants up to €5,000.

Eligibility:

●      Located in Ireland

●      aged 16 or over.

●      Address a social issue.

Deadline: 12-May-23

www.oakfieldtrust.ie/Oakfield-Trust-Get-Started-Grant.html

Building Improvement Grants

Under Building Improvement Grants, receive direct capital costs relating to the following types of work:

●      Essential, one-off repairs or capital works to ensure the continued use or viability of a building (capital work must be considered urgent or necessary within 12 months)

●      Minor capital works or equipment purchases to meet operational or accessibility requirements (e.g. essential operational equipment, AV equipment, etc)

benefacttrust.co.uk/which-grant-is-for-me/building-improvement-grants/

Ethnicity Awards

Celebrates individuals and organisations that support Black, Asian and diverse Ethnic communities. We recognise those who work tirelessly –within the public eye, in politics and in the workplace – to make a positive impact on diversity, equity and inclusion.

Nominate your public and business categories before the deadline May 10th

Event: 02 November 2023

www.ethnicityawards.com/

Breathable Cities Accelerator

Dedicated to reducing air pollution in cities by helping early-stage startups get investment and scale their businesses.

Breathable Cities accelerator, is free to join, but you'll also receive a £10k grant to cover your expenses while on the programme. Plus, with a small cohort of only 8-10 businesses, they provide a personalised approach to the programme tailored to your needs and goals.

Eligibility:

●      Solution improves air quality

●      Early-stage, UK-registered startup

●      Have initial market/traction

●      Raising between £250k and £1m

www.growthstudio.com/breathablecities/

Youth Investment Fund

Developed to create, expand and improve local youth facilities and their services in the out of school youth sector, to drive positive outcomes for young people, including improved mental and physical wellbeing, and skills for life and work.

The Youth Investment Team launched the Refurbishment Grant application stream alongside our larger capital grants for organisations seeking funding for any refurbishment work costing £150,000 or below, to help youth services sustain and/or expand their services.

Deadline: 12th May 2023

youthinvestmentfund.org.uk/refurbishment-grants/

10 VCs that invest in consumer startups

Food, clothing and retail. Thank you Andy Ayim for putting the list together.

www.linkedin.com/posts/andyayim_retail-food-investments-activity-7047550274072104960-wa2e/

FREE Sustainability courses from the United Nations.

Courses also come in different languages.

●      Digital4Sustainability Learning Path: https://lnkd.in/e3Vu_842

●      My Sustainable Living Challenge in different languages. English: https://lnkd.in/exai6_yU

●      The Paris Agreement on Climate Change as a Development Agenda: https://lnkd.in/eFsr2TwM

●      Sustainable Lifestyles: https://lnkd.in/es_ksmNU

●      Transforming Economies for Sustainable Development: https://lnkd.in/eWH-rmwK

●      The Youth, Peace and Security Primer in different languages: English: https://lnkd.in/ek4sK4bj

●      Human Security: From Principles to Practice in different languages.

●      English: https://lnkd.in/eyJ2RHQd

●      The UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework in different languages.

●      English: https://lnkd.in/eNfNKzY5

●      Policy Coherence and Systems Thinking for Sustainable Development: https://lnkd.in/e3JaMNsK

●      The SDG Primer: https://lnkd.in/eASE3fHT

●      UN Summer Academy (with available scholarships): https://lnkd.in/easVcz8F

Learn more about this initiative at the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC). www.unssc.org

Tree Production Innovation Fund

Grants from £20,000 to £400,000 to support innovative projects that will enhance the quantity, quality and diversity of tree planting stock available for planting in England. Funding from The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs via the Forestry Commission - Nature for Climate Fund.

Eligibility:

●      Must demonstrate how their project will overcome one or more barriers to tree nursery production.

Deadline: 09 May 2023

www.gov.uk/guidance/tree-production-innovation-fund

The Kaleidoscope foundation

Business support and grants to enable individuals to achieve sustainable and livelihoods. Provides support to disabled entrepreneurs through an Incubation Programme to create businesses that are non-commercial, ie. charities, voluntary organisation or community enterprises. Grants up to £1,000 for individuals looking to start social enterprises or small life-style businesses. 

Eligibility:

●      Based in the UK,

●      Either you or a member of your team must be disabled.

thekaleidoscopefoundation.org/

Business Growth West Midlands (replaces the W Midlands LEPs)

As most of you are aware the LEP’s are being replaced & being assimilated into local government (Councils & Combined Authorities). Provides support with pushing existing business to the next level. Free guidance to business leaders and entrepreneurs.

Link below is the W Midlands URL. Hopefully, next month I’ll have the URL for some more regions, in the meantime reach out to your local council or authority.

businessgrowthwestmidlands.org.uk

W Midlands £25m SME fund launched

Provide investment to innovative businesses with equity up to £1m. WMCA match funds the West Midlands Pension Fund. Will be managed by Midven, part of Future Planet Capital.

West Midlands Co-Investment Fund will build on the collaboration across the region and apply globally recognised sustainable investment practices to deliver both commercial return and social benefits.

W Midlands is really hot for funding right now!

www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/2072839-25m-sme-fund-launched

Funding in Wales to support EU links

The Welsh Government has launched a new programme to help Welsh businesses maintain and develop new partnerships, networks and collaborations with Europe. The Agile Cymru programme will award grants of up to £40,000 over the next 12 months to help fund travel, engagement, consultancy, forming networks, feasibility studies and pilot projects. Grants of up to £25,000 are also available to help create economic opportunities with EU regions.

www.gov.wales/new-funding-support-wales-business-economic-and-research-links-eu-regions

Treasury announces review into university spinouts

Founders say average 24% stake universities take in spinouts impedes growth. A Treasury review into university spinouts questions the amount of equity universities take at seed stage, say founders (Beauhurst 2023). By comparison, Ivy League universities Stanford, MIT and Harvard hold between 7-10% equity in their spinouts.

Some entrepreneurs also complain that universities also impose excessive bureaucratic demands, said the newspaper.

growthbusiness.co.uk/do-universities-take-too-big-a-stake-in-spinouts-2562529/

Southwark Scholarship Scheme 2023

Since 2011, the scheme has helped 127 young people pursue higher education. The scholarship award covers the full cost of tuition fees for their chosen undergraduate university course.

Eligibility:

●      under 25 years old

●      household combined income of less than £28,000 per annum

●      record of being a Southwark resident

●      legal status in the UK with indefinite leave to remain

●      must be entering higher education for the first time in autumn 2023

●      record of positively contributing to the Southwark community 

Deadline: 07 May 2023

www.southwark.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/help-you-to-find-a-job-or-training/southwark-scholarship-scheme-2023

AXA Startup Angels Competition

Two top business prizes of £25,000 of funding each to start or build a new venture, plus business insurance for a year thanks to AXA and mentoring and support from the AXA Startup Angels.

Four further businesses will receive a runners up prize of a digital campaign to the value of £10,000 with the Evening Standard, plus mentoring from an Evening Standard representative. Three runners up will be selected by the judges, with a fourth awarded to the People’s Choice winner.

Deadline: 04 June 2023

www.standard.co.uk/business/axastartupangel/axa-startup-angel-competition-2023-enter-win-b1068049.html

Majority of lockdown start-ups still trading

Research by Barclays has revealed that 28% of people in the UK have started a new small business or found a way to supplement their income since March 2020. The majority (86%) of those who started a new venture are still running their small business, with 34% saying it has become their main source of income.

Popular start-ups included cleaning, online tutoring, translation services, baking, cat-sitting, jewellery making and online fitness classes. For more info read on:

home.barclays/news/press-releases/2023/03/lockdown-legacies-and-leave-behinds--the-lasting-impact-of-the-p/

Plan to help local businesses revitalise high streets

Businesses and local communities will be helped to take control of empty shops on high streets, as part of plans to revitalise high streets and tackle anti-social behaviour. Local authorities will receive new powers through High Street Rental Auctions to take control of empty buildings, giving communities and local businesses the opportunity to bid for the chance to rent shops. A new £2.5 million High Street Accelerator programme will also be introduced to incentivise local businesses and communities to develop a long-term vision for revitalising high streets.

www.gov.uk/government/news/anti-social-behaviour-action-plan-to-help-communities-take-back-control-of-high-streets

Businesses struggle to find skilled workers

Around 80% of UK businesses are struggling to fill roles because of a lack of skilled talent, according to research by ManpowerGroup. The reported shortages mark a 17-year high, while the number of businesses reporting skills shortages has more than doubled since 2019.

www2.staffingindustry.com/eng/Editorial/Daily-News/UK-Majority-of-businesses-struggle-to-find-the-right-talent-ManpowerGroup-65018

Help to Grow: Management

A 12-week course covering the critical components required to develop a resilient business strategy. It includes online and face-to-face sessions, 10 hours of 1-to-1 mentoring, peer networking, and support to develop a Growth Action Plan. This programme is 90% funded.

Eligibility:

• Work for a UK Small or Medium-sized Enterprise.
• Employ between 5 and 249 employees
• Be a member of the senior leadership team

smallbusinesscharter.org/help-to-grow-management/

Fredericks Foundation

The Frederick Foundation is a charity that helps disadvantaged people to set up or expand their own business. It is open to sole traders, partnerships and limited companies. Operates in the south of England covering Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Surrey, Sussex and Kent.

Loans vary from a maximum of £10,000 (average £5,000) for start-up businesses and a maximum of £20,000 for established businesses. Repayments are negotiated over 2 to 5 years depending on the amount borrowed.

To apply: complete the on-line form to request an application pack. The application form should then be forwarded with a business plan and supporting documentation.

www.fredericksfoundation.org

NBV Business Grant

NBV’s business programmes supports the start-up and growth or development of existing micro, small and medium-sized businesses through advice, training and grant funding. Match funded grants of between £1000 and £2500, for a maximum of 25% of eligible costs. financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Eligibility:

• Ready to start trading / Currently trading
• Sell business to business or business to consumer (service only NOT retail)
• Based in Nottingham City, Broxtowe and parts of Gedling, Rushcliffe and Ashfield
• Small to Medium Enterprise (SME)

nbv.co.uk/finance-your-business/nbv-business-grant/

Challenger bank lending reaches record high

Research from the British Business Bank has revealed £35.5 billion of bank lending came from challenger and specialist banks in 2022. This exceeded lending by major banks and gave challenger and specialist banks a 55% share of the market. Gross bank lending to smaller businesses in 2022 was £65.1 billion, a 12.8% increase on 2021.

www.british-business-bank.co.uk/press-release/challenger-and-specialist-bank-lending-reached-record-high-of-35-5bn-in-2022-finds-latest-british-business-bank-research/

Everyone Can

Formally the Aidis Trust offers help to the disabled with their assistive technology needs. Advice, assessment and training on how to use assistive technology and gaming equipment.

There is also a gaming centre in Manchester set up with the most up to date equipment. Although it does not provide any grants its work is free to the disabled.

www.everyonecan.org.uk

£100m R&D levelling up funding awarded to accelerate innovation

The Innovation Accelerators programme is investing £100 million in 26 projects to accelerate the growth of three high-potential innovation clusters in Glasgow, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands.

www.ukri.org/news/100m-rd-levelling-up-funding-awarded-to-accelerate-innovation/

SBRI: medicines and dementia phase one

Apply for a share of up to £240,000, to develop disruptive, innovative solutions supporting people at risk of dementia to manage their medications.

Eligibility

be an organisation, registered in the UK, EU and the European Economic Area

work alone or with any other organisations as subcontractors

Deadline: 24 May 2023

www.ukri.org/opportunity/sbri-medicines-and-dementia-phase-one/

Local Giving

Simple 20-minute application process for a £500 grant and an outcome within six weeks, the Magic Little Grants fund reduces the work required for grass-roots organisations to access the funding. Funded by the Peoples Postcode Lottery. 2,650 charitable organisations received grants in 2022. Funding can be used to launch new projects or, support existing ones.

Eligibility:

• Organisations in first year of operation
• Have an annual income under £250,000.
• Be located within England, Scotland, or Wales

Deadline: 31 October 2023

localgiving.org/magic-little-grants/

Funding to Encourage Disadvantaged Communities to Get Active

Grants up to £15,000 available to charities, voluntary and community groups, local authorities, clubs, schools, and other not-for-profit organisations delivering sports and physical activities to improve the health and wellbeing of disadvantaged communities in England. Schools are eligible to apply if their sports facilities are open for use by the wider community.

Funding is made available through Sport England’s Small Grants Programme which aims to encourage inactive and less active people, regardless of age, background, or level of ability, to become more active.

Sport England is also particularly keen to support projects seeking to reduce their impact on the environment through the goods and services they use to deliver the activity.

Eligibility:

• Based in England

Deadline: 30 June 2023.

www.sportengland.org/funds-and-campaigns/our-funds/small-grants-programme#whoandwhatwellfund-19454

Foundervine Founder Matching

Want to meet & network with like-minded individuals in Birmingham? Foundervine are hosting a Founder Matching event in Birmingham.

Date: 26 July 2023!

www.foundervine.com/immerse

Birmingham Black Business Show

Exhibits, deep-dive workshops, interactive panels, and seminars, delivered by industry pioneers, this event will enable personal, professional and corporate development.

Attendees will gain cutting-edge insight and advice in entrepreneurship, leadership, soft skills and cultural development from some of the UK’s leading Black business owners.

If you want to attend this show, send an email to info@hibretone.org, as I have a couple of tickets spare.

Date: 17 June 2023

Location: Birmingham NEC

www.birminghamblackbusinessshow.co.uk/

Innovate UK - Germany Bilateral: Collaborative R&D

UK organisations, working with at least one German SME, can apply for upto £400,000 of a £4 million fund. For collaborative research projects resulting in innovative solutions.

Eligibility:

• UK SME
• Collaborating with at least one German SME

Deadline: 07 June 2023

www.ukri.org/opportunity/uk-germany-bilateral-collaborative-research-and-development/

Government Funded ECO+ energy efficient scheme

To make homes more energy efficient and reduce energy bills by helping to insulate homes. The ECO+ scheme is designed to be complementary to the current ECO scheme. ECO+ is an obligation for larger energy suppliers across Great Britain to give their customers grants for insulation to reduce home heating costs. It has £1 billion in funding.

This scheme will help a wider group of people to insulate their homes than previous versions of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme.

Starts: April 2023 to March 2026.

energysavingtrust.org.uk/what-is-the-uk-governments-eco-scheme/

£1.8m Fund to Improve Support for People Facing Complex Issues

Lloyds Bank Foundation has launched a £1.8 million funding programme for charities and CICs seeking to influence and achieve change in national policy to improve support for people facing complex issues in England and Wales.

The National Influencing Programme will provide grants of between £30,000 and £150,000 for up to three years, to organisations working to influence those in power to tackle specific issues within accommodation, social security, and refugees and asylum seeker support in England and Wales. The funding will support a range of activities, including research, policy work, campaigns, and communications activity.

Eligibility:

• England & Wales

Deadline for expressions of interest: 19 May 2023.

www.lloydsbankfoundation.org.uk/funding/national-influencing-programme

Social Enterprise Boost Fund

Funded by the DCMS to kickstart and accelerate social enterprise activity. WMCA’s aim is to double the size of the social economy within the next 10 years.

SEB Fund will run from March 2023 - March 2025 across County Durham, South Tyneside, Sunderland, Thanet, Sandwell and Wolverhampton. The Fund aims to grow and sustain the social enterprise sector in local areas and to share evidence on the impact of the Fund on social enterprises, and their impact on local areas.

Send expressions of interest for programmes to run in West Midlands to:

sebfwestmids.com/

Sign-up to this Show Me The Money newsletter, or share with anyone needing support in these times of opportunity & change:

www.hibretone.org

Big Thank You to these supporters….

E&OE

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