Show Me The Money! Grants & Funding - Practical Advice

Revised: July 2023

Hi people,

Featured this month is a whole stream of programmes from Barclays. Must admit I was disappointed when Tech Nation lost the government contract, especially as I had worked with some great people there & I was a Judge for Tech Nation. A Tech focussed company being replaced by a bank! C’mon!

However, having completed the Barclays Funding Readiness Programme, I am kind of impressed! Barclays are delivering good content. I also like that a lot more entrepreneurs can get on their programmes. I was one of around 200 in the online cohort.

Here’s a key stat on why attending Accelerators, Incubators & Programmes are critical to business success. NatWest reports 82% of entrepreneurs attending their Accelerators are still trading 3 years on, many with new ideas after pivoting whilst on the Programme.

Last tip before the 'Free Money' info, many regions are launching grants and initiatives funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). Cornwall has got a load, but so will your region! Use my tip below to see if an equivalent grant is available in your area.

Stay amazing, stay courageous

Drew

Drew Currie

Founder, hibretOne CIC

Top Tips for New Subscribers:

·        If a grant or programme is not shown in your region, ie. W Midlands, where I am (or Cornwall in this case). Google search the keywords within the grant.

·        Programme may be running in your area, under a different name.

LATEST:

Barclays Entrepreneur Awards

Eight award categories to choose from, with helpful tips on preparing your nomination submissions.

events.barclays.com/website/57095/ea23-award-categories

Barclays Programmes

Lots & lots of programmes almost whatever stage your business is at. These are on a rolling basis and they are all free as well. Subscribe to their newsletter for latest updates.

Funding Readiness Programme

Designed to help growing businesses navigate the funding landscape in order to fund their growth.

Product Builder Programme

A challenge-based programme for early-stage startups to learn about the fundamentals of designing and testing a minimum viable product in order to validate their market.

Black Venture Growth Programme

Dedicated 16-week programme that focuses on growth and removing barriers to fundraising through targeted support.

Scaleup Programme Plexal

Delivered by expert partners to provide rapidly growing businesses with the support they need to tackle their specific growth challenges.

Industry Bridge Programmes

Bringing together larger businesses and startups to cross-share core strategic thinking and best practices and co-create solutions to help transform the wider industry.

Scaleup Programme CJBS

Barclays Eagle Labs, in collaboration with Cambridge Judge Business School is keen to work with ambitious founding teams.

Ecosystem Partnership Programme

Designed to provide the infrastructure and programmatic activity within the regions that will further increase the value of the UK tech sector.

Barclays Eagle Labs Global Connect

Helps high-growth UK businesses and large corporates access and increase their exposure to international markets.

Barclays Black Founder Accelerator

Register your interest for the next 12-week accelerator programme designed to accelerate, scale and showcase early-stage Black Founder-led businesses.

Carbon13 Venture Launchpad

To help early-stage businesses launch high-potential, global impact ClimateTech ventures.

Ethnically Diverse Founders

We’re helping to transform the experiences of ethnically diverse business founders.

Female Founders

Championing and supporting female founders and entrepreneurs.

LGBT+ Founders

Connecting and helping founders from the LGBT+ communities grow.

Veteran Founders

Supporting veterans succeed in business after a career in the armed forces.

Cost: All programmes are free

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

Help to Grow scheme

The UK Government launched the Help to Grow initiative to help set small and medium-sized businesses on a path to performance, resilience and long-term growth.

Online sessions cover: Grant funding, Crowdfunding, Equity investment, Alternative ways of funding your business

helptogrow.campaign.gov.uk

Community Levelling Up Programme (CLUP)

Supports community-level investment plans for Good Growth across. Primary goals of the programmes are to put communities at the heart of delivery, to tackle deprivation and level up communities. Grants from £5,000 to £200,000. Total amount available £7.6m (open for applications)

Eligibility:

·        Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

·        Organisations including community groups, community interest companies, businesses and town or parish councils.

Deadline: 01 December 2024

www.cornwall.gov.uk/business-trading-and-licences/economic-development/community-levelling-up-programme/

Good Growth Youth Engagement

Funding available for employment and skills support for people aged 16-24. Particular emphasis is on Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) young people, and those who are NEET or at risk of NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) or requiring in-work progression.

Grants from £500,000 to £2m

EOI by: 31 July /2023

Deadline: 09 October 2023.

ciosgoodgrowth.com/funding-opportunity/youth-engagement/

Race in the UK workplace: The intersectional experience

Despite meaningful progress, achieving workplace equity has proved challenging. Addressing intersectional communities—such as Black, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani women according to this report by the internationally respected McKinsey—could yield far-reaching benefits.

www.mckinsey.com/bem/our-insights/race-in-the-uk-workplace-the-intersectional-experience?cid=eml-web

Fund to tackle food waste

Hubbub has launched a £200,000 fund to support innovative ideas to tackle food waste. Supported by Starbucks. Offering grants of up to £40,000.

EOI: 21st July 2023

www.eatitupfund.org.uk/

Paid Mentorship Opportunity

REFRAME is an ambitious new programme produced by the Southbank Centre, in partnership with Factory International in Manchester and Birmingham City University’s STEAMhouse and Midlands Arts Centre in Birmingham, and supported by Apple.

Supporting the skills and ambitions of emerging Black creatives, from low-income backgrounds, to develop their creative practice using the latest digital tools.

As part of this commitment Southbank and Apple are aiming to offer all 80 participants 121 mentoring support after they complete their time on the programme.

Mentors advising on the following areas:

·        Planning your business and setting goals (business/ creative)

·        Marketing and branding your work

·        Resilience, confidence and reflective practice

·        Networking and public speaking

·        Developing areas of technical practice and knowledge of industry-standard software

·        Navigating sector supply chains

Eligibility:

·        Provide a minimum of 4x 30-minute sessions with each mentee over a 6 month

Fully appreciating your support, a fee will be paid!

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdHWwdSjgzgOy68FUtgZoJmMAN33fXb9VHRr8m2AR_b1ZVhVw/viewform

Million Hours Fund

Funding to support youth services to engage young people at risk of antisocial behaviour by offering a variety of positive activities. Up to £3 million available through The National Lottery Community Fund’s (TNLCF). Awards for All England programme this summer thanks to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and National Lottery players.

Eligibility:

·        Benefit primarily aged 11-18 during the 2023 school summer holidays.

·        Up to 25 for young people with special educational needs/ disabilities.

Deadline: 14 August 2023

www.gov.uk/guidance/applying-to-the-million-hours-fund

Develop research for BBC platforms: New Generation Thinkers 2024

Gives early career researchers the opportunity to develop programmes for the BBC. You’ll workshop ideas with BBC producers, get media and public engagement training, and a platform for informing and influencing public opinion, policy and practice.

Deadline: 03 October 2023

www.ukri.org/opportunity/develop-research-for-bbc-platforms-new-generation-thinkers-2024/

Birmingham Tech Week

16 - 20th October 2023 - get it in the diary!

TechWM (formerly Birmingham Tech) is now accepting enquiries for the UK's largest regional tech week! If you want to host an event, sponsor, or partner, or like to know more about getting involved.

My favourite Tech event, because it is about collaboration!

Email events@birmingham.tech for more info.

Talent Development Awards Scheme 2023-24 Competition    

British Academy funded by the UK government's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT, formerly BEIS) continues support for the Talent Development Awards scheme.            

Eligibility:

·        Lead Applicants ordinarily resident in UK with a current long-term appointment continuing as long as the period of the award at a UK-based institution (HEI or IRO).

·        Apply online on the Flexi-Grant® application system

Deadline: 13 September 2023

www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/funding/talent-development-awards

INSPIRE Social Enterprise Course

Bridging Social Challenges in Ireland

The Rethink Ireland is accepting applications for the INSPIRE Social Enterprise Course, a business that works primarily to improve the lives of people. course will provide specialist training in ideation, business skills and social impact to achieve the following:

Deadline: 14 July 2023

rethinkireland.ie/current_fund/inspire-social-enterprise-course-2023/

Innovation partnerships to help local growth

UK Research and Innovation has announced a £23 million programme to help local and national policymakers tackle levelling-up challenges. Local Policy Innovation Partnerships (LPIPs) will help drive economic growth and reduce regional disparities across the UK. The partnerships will work with an LPIP hub which will help them create solutions to local challenges.

www.ukri.org/news/ukri-invests-in-policy-innovation-partnerships-for-local-growth/

Assessment of UK trade

The UK Trade and Business Commission has published a comprehensive assessment of the state of UK trade. 'Trading Our Way to Prosperity: A Blueprint for Policymakers' contains 114 recommendations to remove barriers to growth and prepare the UK economy for the challenges and opportunities of the next decade. The recommendations include creating a UK Board of Trade to ensure trade policy is independently assessed and maintaining regulatory alignment with the EU where beneficial.

www.tradeandbusiness.uk/news/jz39ck1vyrb5bgkb3diwyjsrjwnusq

Measures to support rural communities

Government has outlined how it will support rural communities to help grow the economy and create better-paid jobs. Measures include encouraging the provision of fixed wireless internet access, improving local transport networks and publishing a new public libraries strategy for England. A consultation on planning changes will also be carried out to make agricultural development more flexible for farmers.

www.gov.uk/government/news/government-launches-new-drive-to-support-rural-communities

Advertising compliance resource for small businesses

The Advertising Standards Authority has created a new resource especially for small businesses. The resource is made up of a collection of materials to help businesses understand ad rules and how best to follow them. Topics include how to avoid misleading consumers, details on pricing claims and how to responsibly market promotions and competitions.

www.asa.org.uk/news/asa-creates-resource-especially-tailored-for-small-businesses-2023.html

Consultation on employee share schemes

The Government has launched a consultation on the effectiveness of its employee share schemes. The consultation is seeking views on improvements to Save As You Earn and the Share Incentive Plan to make it easier for businesses to set them up.

www.gov.uk/government/news/employee-share-scheme-shake-up-to-help-boost-growth

Measures for businesses in Scotland to install renewables

The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on measures that will save businesses time and money by making it easier to install renewable energy equipment.

www.gov.scot/news/new-proposals-to-enable-renewables-for-business/

Scheme to provide access to well-being support

The Welsh Government has announced a new scheme to enable small and medium-sized enterprises to access health and well-being support. The scheme will provide free access to therapeutic support for employees and the self-employed in Wales.

www.gov.wales/new-scheme-help-staff-small-businesses-access-well-being-support

Community Foundation Wales

Fund the following organisations:

·        Constituted Groups/Unincorporated Association

·        Registered Charities & Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIO)

·        Companies Limited by Guarantee (not for private profit)

·        Community Interest Companies

·        Social Enterprises

communityfoundationwales.org.uk/grants-overview/

European Prize for Women Innovators 2023

For female entrepreneurs with an innovative idea that will bring positive change to the society

Funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT).

Three prize categories:

·        Women Innovators prize: winner EUR 100k, runners-ups EUR 70k and EUR 50k;

·        Rising Innovators prize: under age 35. Winner EUR 50k, runners-ups EUR 30k and EUR 20k

·        EIT Women Leadership Award: winner EUR 5k, two runners-ups EUR 30k and EUR 20k.

Eligibility:

·        Women

·        Established in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country

·        Company registered at least 2 years before the call year

Deadline: 27 Sept 2023

eit.europa.eu/our-activities/opportunities/european-prize-women-innovators-2023-call-applications-now-open

Seven steps for setting your business up for success

How ethnic minority business leaders can build confidence, find support and transform their businesses.

bethebusiness.turtl.co/story/seven-steps-for-setting-your-business-up-for-success/page/1

How to build a pitch deck investors love

Virgin StartUp are a not-for-profit helping founders in the UK start and scale the businesses.

Webinar to find out how to build a pitch deck investors love, and how Virgin StartUp can help you thrive in 2023. Virgin StartUp have funded over 4,500 startups with a Start Up Loan, and helped thousands of other scale-ups grow successfully. There'll be a chance for a Q&A

Dates for the next events, every 2 weeks.

·        Jul 21, 2023 01:00 PM

·        Aug 4, 2023 01:00 PM

·        Aug 18, 2023 01:00 PM

·        Sep 1, 2023 01:00 PM

·        Sep 15, 2023 01:00 PM

Cost: Free

Location: Online

virginstartup.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_X82h_Nx-S_a7TgCZoe8TXA#/registration

Faraday Battery Challenge: round six innovation feasibility studies

UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £10 million for innovation in battery technologies for electrification. This funding is from the Faraday Battery Challenge.

Eligibility:

·        SME

·        total costs between £100,000 and £750,000

·        collaborate with other UK registered organisations

Deadline: 12 July 2023

apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/1576/overview/ff59d377-4ea9-46bf-800c-12674f9b1a56

Innovate UK SMART Grants

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. Funding is from Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation. Very competitive, but if you can write a Smart Grant any other grant is easy.

Deadline: 27 September 2023

apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/1539/overview/c1be09e2-f448-4559-8a56-2ab5c5c5d090

UK-South Korea Digital Health CRD

£3 million is available for UK registered SMEs and eligible partners from Innovate UK and Medical Research Council for business led R&D projects, delivering industrial innovation through academic collaboration in Digital Health, for the UK and South Korea

Deadline: 02 August 2023

apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/1600/overview/ad5b553f-499b-4171-bf83-ea7b9632ae43

Help to Grow: Management Course

Boost the performance and resilience of your company with the Government backed

Course. 90% funded by the Government and offers peer learning sessions and help in developing a business growth plan. All sectors can apply, including social enterprises.

Recent satisfaction surveys indicate that 91% of those who have completed the course say that they would recommend it to other business leaders.

Upcoming courses in West Midlands include:

·        Coventry University Business School starting on 13th September 2023,

·        Aston University Business School starting on 21st September 2023,

·        Worcester University Business School starting on 27th September 2023

·        Keele University Business School starting on 28th September 2023.

smallbusinesscharter.org/help-to-grow-management

Supporting black & brown disabled entrepreneurs

We equip you with the skills you need to thrive as a solopreneur, start-up & scale up

Are you a motivated individual with a disability, neurodivergent traits, or a long-term health condition dreaming of starting your own business? We have an incredible opportunity just for you!

During this programme, expert speakers will cover essential topics for aspiring entrepreneurs like you. Here's a sneak peek:

Our programme provides valuable insights, practical tips, and actionable strategies for your business venture.

Cost: Free

notyouraverageentrepreneur.com/programmes/

Design Foundations Round 2: Responsive

Innovate UK will invest up to £4m in innovation projects that use people-centred and system-aware design methods.

The aim of this competition is to help businesses use people-centred and system-aware design methods to lay the foundations for innovative ideas with the potential to deliver significant benefits. These can be ideas for new or significantly improved products, services, places or business models.

Deadline: 30 August 2023

iuk.ktn-uk.org/programme/design-foundations/

CyberASAP

Year 7: Expert support to commercialise academic cyber security innovation.

Now in its seventh year, CyberASAP provides academics with the expertise, knowledge and training needed to convert their research into technologies, products and services in this key sector of the global economy.

The programme creates a pipeline to move great cyber security ideas out of the university lab and into the commercial market.

iuk.ktn-uk.org/programme/cyberasap

Visa’s She’s Next Grant Programme in Ireland

The IFundWomen is accepting applications for the Visa’s She’s Next Grant Programme in partnership with IFundWomen to support women entrepreneurs in Ireland.

Back for a third consecutive year to bring funding, resources, coaching and inspiration to Ireland’s women-owned businesses.

Applications are invited under five categories:

Visa is empowering women across the Republic of Ireland to grow their businesses by offering five €10,000 grants as well as professional coaching for a year from established business leaders through IFundWomen.

Deadline: 21 July 2023

www.ifundwomen.com/visaireland

Plan to boost creative industries

New plans to maximise the potential of the UK creative industries and grow the economy have been set out by the Government. The plans include £50 million to grow clusters of creative businesses in locations all over the country, and funding to help creative start-ups.

www.gov.uk/government/news/ambitious-plans-to-grow-the-economy-and-boost-creative-industries

WM5G Inaugural EXPO

What's next in connectivity & the benefits to the West Midlands.

Hear from and see live demonstrations of how tech companies are using advanced connectivity, the internet of things and data/AI.

Date: Friday 14 July 2023

Location: STEAMhouse, Birmingham

Cost: Free

https://lnkd.in/enmFuMbE

West Midlands Innovation Accelerator Launch

Launching the West Midlands Innovation Accelerator and showcasing to regional businesses how this £33m programme can support business growth across health and med tech, clean tech and a range of other sector specialisms that will benefit from the range of projects available.

Date: 12th July, 9am -12pm

Cost: Free (Last tickets remaining)

Location: STEAMhouse, Birmingham City Centre

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/west-midlands-innovation-accelerator-launch-event-tickets-658311075147?

Barclays Black Venture Growth Programme in partnership with Barclays Eagle Labs!

The Accelerator is a 16-week programme for UK's most promising scaleups in the technology and innovation sectors. By providing tailored business and investment-readiness support, the accelerator aims to remove fundraising barriers and accelerate these businesses' growth trajectories. This accelerator assists growth-stage founders in securing funding, provides practical training, and supports long-term sustainability efforts for their businesses.

Only 20 spaces available on this accelerator, and it will be delivered through a combination of virtual and in-person events from 10 August 2023 through to January 2024.

Deadline: 31 July 2023

www.foundervine.com/barclays-black-venture-growth

Innovation Loans Future Economy Competition: Round 9

UK registered businesses can apply for loans for innovative projects with strong commercial potential to significantly improve the UK economy. Innovate UK is offering up to £25 million in loans to micro, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

Loans between £100,000 and £2 million for highly innovative late-stage research and development (R&D) projects with the best potential for the future. There should be a clear route to commercialisation and economic impact.

Eligibility:

·        UK registered SME

·        carry out project from or in the UK

·        intend to exploit the results from or in the UK

·        give evidence that your business is suitable to take on a loan

Deadline: 12 July 2023

apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/1574/overview/927ec67e-225e-47f5-ae92-bc1a79a0ccc9

Fund to drive export growth

The Institute of Export & International Trade has launched a £5 million Export Support Programme to help UK businesses. The programme will provide exporters with a bespoke package of training and consultancy to reflect their circumstances and needs. Over the duration of the programme the institute intends to help up to 1,250 businesses.

www.themanufacturer.com/articles/institute-of-export-international-trade-unveils-5m-fund-to-drive-sme-export-growth/

Amazon to provide revenue-based financing

Amazon has teamed up with fintech YouLend to create a revenue-based lending programme for UK sellers. The funding will be linked to the seller's sales, so they can 'repay as they earn'. Businesses selling for at least three months on Amazon can apply for funding from £500 to £2 million through their existing Amazon UK business accounts.

www.altfi.com/article/amazon-teams-up-with-youlend-to-offer-sme-customers-revenue-based-financing

SMEs believe it's important to adapt

Research by PayPal has revealed that 77% of small and medium-sized businesses believe it is important to adapt to remain competitive during changing market conditions. Some of the most popular ways to remain competitive include selling through online marketplaces and via social media. However, 34% of smaller businesses do not have a website for their business and 28% don't have their own social media channels.

newsroom.uk.paypal-corp.com/BusinessofChange_2023

Interest rates could slow small business growth

The FSB believes that the Bank of England is risking economic slowdown across the small business community after increasing interest rates by 0.5%. The FSB warned that higher interest rates and escalating costs mean that consumers have less disposable income which could result in reduced sales for businesses.

www.fsb.org.uk/resources-page/interest-rates-are-a-straitjacket-on-business-investment-as-fsb-urges-government-to-raise-vat-threshold.html

Foundervine Changemaker Awards 2023 are now open!

An event that celebrates excellence in entrepreneurship and innovation. 10 Award categories for individuals, businesses and organisations.

The 2023 Changemaker Awards will honour exceptional achievements by both inspirational leaders and organisations who have made a significant impact in their industry and/or in the broader underserved entrepreneurial community.

Cost: Free to enter

Deadline: 14 July 2023

www.foundervine.com/changemakerawards

Fund to transform local skills

Local communities across the country are set to benefit from a share of £165 million to transform skills training in their area and help get more people into work.

Further education providers can apply for funding via the Local Skills Improvement Fund, which can be used to renovate facilities and deliver courses in key subjects that meet the needs of local employers, such as green construction, carbon capture and cyber security.

www.gov.uk/government/news/165-million-fund-launched-to-transform-local-skills

Review of legislation on co-operatives and friendly societies

The Law Commission will review the legal frameworks governing co-operatives and community benefit societies, and friendly societies. The review will consider whether the current law which governs these organisations is fitting to their nature and needs, and whether the regulation is proportionate.

www.lawcom.gov.uk/law-commission-invited-to-review-legislation-on-cooperatives-and-friendly-societies/

UKRI Centres for Doctoral Training in Artificial Intelligence

Funding focused on applications and implications of AI. Proposals welcomed within UKRI priority areas addressing UK training needs in novel and existing AI technologies.

CDTs will deliver high quality, cohort-based doctoral education. Up to £117 million available to support 10 to 15 CDTs. UKRI will fund 100% of the full economic cost. The first cohort will start in the 2024 to 2025 academic year.

Eligibility:

·        Based at a UK research organisation eligible for UKRI funding.

·        Principal investigator and co-investigators must be from an eligible UK organisation.

Deadline: 13 July 2023

www.ukri.org/opportunity/ukri-centres-for-doctoral-training-in-artificial-intelligence/

Empowering SMEs in International Trade programme

Support for new and experienced exporters and importers, to help trade internationally more confidently, successfully, and compliantly. The programme enables businesses to overcome barriers in global trade, rapidly grow their brands overseas establish more cost-effective, resilient, and sustainable supply chains

Eligibility:

·        SMEs based in the East Midlands either importing or exporting.

·        Up to 30 hours of training, strategic and operational advice from international trade specialists.

www.globaltradedept.com/empowering-smes-in-international-trade/

Design Foundations Round 2: Responsive

Grant funding between £40,000 and £80,000 for people-centred and system-aware design projects across a range of themes and innovation areas to influence their future R&D activity.

Eligibility:

·        UK registered business of any size, charity, not-for-profit, public-sector organisation

·        collaborate with other UK registered organisations

Deadline: 26 July 2023

apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/1605/overview/bbc45f00-b99b-4513-8a73-87ba8ad45db9#eligibility

The Community Ownership Fund

£150 million fund over 4 years to support community groups across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to take ownership of assets which are at risk of being lost to the community. Funding from The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. Upto £250,000 or 20% of the total capital funding.

Eligibility:

·        Incorporated voluntary and community organisation or a parish, town and community council

·        Able to buy the asset freehold, or the long-term leasehold of at least 15 years with reasonable break clauses

·        Same organisation to receive the funding and run the project

Deadline: 31 March 2025

mycommunity.org.uk/what-is-the-community-ownership-fund

Apply for Funding for Community Projects

Find out from your Local Authority about community-based funding and grants for projects like activities for young people, volunteer programmes and development of communal facilities. Total size of grant scheme varies per sector & use.

Eligibility:

·        Location England, Wales

·        Personal / Individual, Public Sector, Non-profit, Private Sector

Deadline: 31 December 2025

www.gov.uk/government/publications/community-ownership-fund-prospectus

The King's Awards for Enterprise

For outstanding achievement by UK businesses in the categories of:

·        Innovation, international trade, sustainable development, promoting opportunity through social mobility

If you win you’ll be:

·        invited to a Royal reception

·        presented with award at your company by a King’s representatives, a Lord-Lieutenant

·        able to fly The King’s Awards flag at your main office, and use the emblem on your marketing materials (ie, on packaging, advertisements, stationery and website)

·        a Grant of Appointment (an official certificate) and a commemorative crystal trophy

Awards are valid for 5 years.

www.gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise

Force for Change programme

The Trust will fund projects upto £15,000 which make a real difference to Armed Force communities locally. Can also include funding for pilot projects; or to try new ways of offering local support. It can also include projects that build on earlier work that you have done. Funding organisation The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

Eligibility:

·        Non-profit, Public Sector

Deadline: 13 December 2023

covenantfund.org.uk/programme/force-for-change/

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/

Family Engagement support for women leaving prison

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is inviting applications for grant funding to provide family engagement support for women leaving prison.

Deadline: 04 August 2023

www.find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/grants/family-engagement-support-for-women-leaving-prison-1

The Community Shares Booster Fund

Supports new and existing community businesses in England that are at all stages of a community share issue.

Funding available for:

·        Pre-grant support,

·        Development grants between £2,000 and £10,000.

·        Equity match investments from £10,000 to £100,000.

·        Subscription underwriting.

·        Finance.

www.uk.coop/support-your-co-op/community-shares/support/booster-fund/apply

Innovate UK and the Economic and Social Research Council

Investing £26.5 million in the Next Generation Professional and Financial Services programme.

Five activity strands around:

·        support for adoption in demand side firms

·        collaborative R&D support programme for lawtech, accountech, fintech and insurtech

·        data access in cross sectoral areas of professional and financial services

·        connecting, learning and building community through the AI for Services network

·        support to develop and expand into new domestic and international markets

www.ukri.org/news/new-programme-to-transform-uk-professional-and-financial-services/

Find training and employment schemes for your business

A range of government programmes, are available for employers who are considering hiring employees, offering work experience or upskilling existing staff, some of which offer financial incentives.

find-employer-schemes.education.gov.uk/

NatWest Entrepreneur Accelerator

Award winning FREE Accelerator. The largest in Europe right on your doorstep & largest in-person. A hybrid in-person and virtual offering this Accelerator is fantastic! Places are competitive.

However you can, make sure you get on this NatWest Programme. Great team at all the locations I’ve attended & they are always approachable.

Programme starts with the IGNITION event w/c September 11th 2023 and extends over six months. NatWest support includes:

·        one-to-one in-person coaching with experienced Acceleration Managers

·        a programme of thought leadership and events

·        access to a network of like-minded peers

·        focused support with access to experts from across your specialism

·        modern co-working spaces nationwide hubs

·        fantastic contacts

Deadline for applications: 18 August 2023

www.natwest.com/business/business-services/entrepreneur-accelerator.html

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