Show Me The Money: Grants & Funding - September 2023
Aug 31, 2023 3:20 pm
Show Me The Money! Grants & Funding - Practical Tips & Support
Revised: September 2023
Hello beautiful people,
Featured this month are a whole raft of services delivered by the Department for Business & Trade, DBT. In old money the DBT were the Department for International Trade. Thank you Tash Pennant for sharing.
Featured grant is from the DHSS who have launched the Suicide Prevention Grant Fund. Funding for organisations based in England, to deliver innovative solutions, with from £200 to £750,000 available.
Nearly a third of councils in poor areas considering bankruptcy. A survey has found 14 of 47 councils in the North, the Midlands and on the south coast may declare effective bankruptcy this year or next. So if you’re looking to secure payment in a region where potholes have not been fixed for a while, or they are having to resolve equal pay claims, get your invoices in quickly.
Here's some Woman Power! Greta Gerwig's Barbie has earned nearly $1.3B at the box office since its release in July. Beyoncé's Renaissance tour impacted inflation rates in the U.K. and Sweden and is expected to bring in over $2B, the highest generated by a female act….ever!
For the Dragons’ Den fans amongst us, it’s making a return in early 2024, with two new additions to the Den: footballing legend Gary Neville and international fashion tycoon, Emma Grede. They’ll be joining Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman, Sara Davies and Steven Bartlett.
Sending a little early as I'll be on-leave.
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, many funds listed are for the W Midlands, where I am. Google search the keywords within the grant.
● Programme may be running in your area, under a different name.
LATEST:
Lunch & Learn with Fiona Latter: Discover Your Networking Potential
The WMCA Employer Partnerships Manager. An engaging and transformative networking event which will support you in discovering your networking potential for your business.
This networking event will support you in connecting and collaborating with like-minded professionals, potential clients, and partners from diverse industries to expand your network and open doors to endless possibilities for growth.
I’m a massive fan of Fiona, as she makes things happen! She’s also an ILM Qualified Business Coach and Mentor with a focus on supporting the Creative Sector.
Date: 07 September 2023
Location: STEAMhouse, Cardigan St, Birmingham B4 7RQ
https://steamhouse.org.uk/event/lunch-learn-with-fiona-latter-discover-your-networking-potential/
UK Innovation Hub
Public funding and support for innovation in one place, summarised and easy to find, to save you time and effort.
A really good new hub shared with me from the folks at Innovate UK.
https://ukinnovationhub.ukri.org/
HLSM presents: Masterclass in winning Grants.
Understand the basic principles of grant funding. Learn how to apply the seven-step grant writing process. Understand how and where to spot grant opportunities. Avoid common mistakes and pitfalls. Create a grant-ready action plan.
Date: 27th Sept 2023
Location: BCU, Millennium Point, Birmingham, B4 7XG
Cost: Free
https://bcuevents.evolutive.co.uk/event/details/265061/HLSM-Presents-Masterclass-in-winning-Grants
CREME (Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship)
Making Diversity and Enterprise Everyone's Business
Prof Monder Ram who founded CRÈME & is an advisor for the hibretOne initiative, is another of my hero’s. Signup to this newsletter which highlights impactful initiatives cultivating inclusion and empowering underrepresented talents. Uplifting Diverse Voices in Business - The Latest from CREME
This CREME
https://sway.office.com/BVw6dpXQg4Og3WYi?ref=Link&loc=play
Increase in personal guarantee insurance
More start-up founders are facing demands to sign a personal guarantee as security when applying for business loans. As a result, the number of start-ups taking out personal guarantee insurance increased year-on-year by 46% in 2022. Lenders will request a personal guarantee when there are not enough assets to repay the loan if a business fails.
https://p2pfinancenews.co.uk/2023/08/17/start-up-founders-increasingly-asked-to-sign-pg-for-business-loan/
Exporters don't expect to benefit from free trade deals
Around half of UK exporters believe that post-Brexit free trade deals will have no impact on their business. This is according to a survey of 3,000 firms by the Department for Business and Trade, which also revealed that the number of exporters facing significant supply chain disruption due to the impact of leaving the EU has increased.
https://www.tradeandbusiness.uk/news/new-polling-shows-british-companies-losing-faith-in-brexit-benefits
West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator
Led by some great people at the University of Birmingham, bringing together key stakeholders (universities, hospitals, industry and government-funded 'Catapults' for manufacturing innovation) to supercharge the region's ability to accelerate new health and medical technologies.
Aim is to deliver a streamlined programme to help companies navigate "pinch-points" in the process of medical translation.
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2023/west-midlands-innovation-accelerator-to-spark-growth-and-innovation
Department for Business and Trade, British Business Bank, UK Export Finance
Offers businesses in the UK and if they want to further grow their business internationally and trade overseas.
· DBT Midlands Newsletter
Sign up for regular updates on events, networking, information-rich webinars, peer to peer networking events, trade missions and more information from the Department for Business and Trade in the Midlands, register details here
https://eu.eventscloud.com/ehome/index.php?eventid=200248140&
Information to access finance
Funding may be available to support your business.
· UK/Domestic Support
Information on start-up loans
https://www.gov.uk/apply-start-up-loan
Finance-support sort by location, loan, grant or business stage and more
https://www.gov.uk/business
· Help to Grow
A place to find out how to start a business, grow a business and sell internationally
https://helptogrow.campaign.gov.uk/funding-and-financial-support/
More information on business support
https://www.gov.uk/business-support-helpline
· Events
All Department for Business and Trade events (including trade missions) both online and in person, in the UK and abroad can be found on this page.
https://www.events.great.gov.uk/ehome/trade-events-calendar/home/
· British Business Bank
One stop shop for information and signposting on British Business Bank finance support
https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/finance-hub/
· Women in Business Support
Women’s International Mentoring Programme. To support women and to address specific challenges they may face in business
https://eu.eventscloud.com/website/10992/
· International Support
Contact the Export Support Team if your business has an export question.
https://www.gov.uk/ask-export-support-team
Learn how to sell products or services to the world and get your business on your exporting journey or grow your exports. This in-person and online academy has masterclasses, specific overseas training information and much more.
https://www.great.gov.uk/export-academy/
For businesses that have established robust systems, structure and are trading at a specific financial level, the International
Trade Advisor service may be able to help businesses on their export journey.
https://www.great.gov.uk/contact/office-finder/
· UK Export Finance
If your business requires particular overseas financial support in partnership with your existing banking facility and is trading at seven figures, UK Export Finance may be able to help. They also partner with Newable to provide financial support as well for companies trading at six figures (circa £300k) and more
https://www.gov.uk/export-finance-insurance
· Business support delivered by partners funded by Department for Business and Trade
Where do I find business support in my local area?
Enter your postcode on this page to find your local Business Growth Hub (will be changing at some point)
https://www.lepnetwork.net/local-growth-hub-contacts/
Manufacturers' Breakfast and Tour of the MTC
Do you need grant support to build or invest in your business, to reduce energy consumption, automate, improve performance or pivot into new markets?
Do you want to cut costs, increase productivity and grow?
Would you like to supply parts and components into the growing HealthTech and MedTech industries?
Date: 12th September followed by a tour of the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry.
Organised in conjunction with the great guys at The Technology Supply Chain.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/manufacturers-breakfast-grants-funded-support-and-tour-of-the-mtc-tickets-687943887687
AI investment forecast to approach $200 billion globally by 2025
https://www.goldmansachs.com/intelligence/pages/ai-investment-forecast-to-approach-200-billion-globally-by-2025.html
£25m funding boost for research into long term health conditions
EPSRC and NIHR are funding ambitious new research to improve the lives of people with multiple long-term conditions.
Evidence shows that older people are more likely to live with multiple long-term conditions (MLTC) than younger populations.
Details to follow
The Key to Improving the Economy? Marketing to Women
It’s been a summer for the girls, at least from an economic perspective. Content that drew predominantly female audiences has ruled the box office and live events space. Greta Gerwig's Barbie has earned nearly $1.3B at the box office since its release in July. Beyoncé's Renaissance tour impacted inflation rates in the U.K. and Sweden and is expected to bring in over $2B, the highest generated by a female act..ever! Taylor Swift’s Eras tour has already earned $1B and is expected to help circulate $5B across the global economy
https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/women-consumer-spending
Innovate UK Analysis for Innovators Round 11 – stage 1
UK businesses can apply for a share of up to £2.2m to resolve productivity and competitiveness issues by working with top scientists and research facilities.
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, will invest up to £2.2 million in small collaborative innovation projects working with Analysis for Innovators partners:
· the National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
· the National Measurement Laboratory (NML) at Laboratory of the Government Chemist Group (LGC)
· the National Engineering Laboratory (NEL)
· the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
· Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
· National Gear Metrology Lab (GEARS)
· Newton Gateway to Mathematics
· Advanced Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies (ASTUTE 2020+)
· Henry Royce Institute (HRI)
If successful at stage 1, your stage 2 project’s total project costs must be between £15,000 and £120,000.
Eligibility:
· UK registered business of any size
Deadline: 06 September 2023
https://www.ukri.org/news/25m-funding-boost-for-research-into-long-term-health-conditions/
Access thousands of tenders worth billions of pounds in minutes
For business owned by Women, LGBTQ+, Minorities, Disabled, Veterans, and those who are Neurodivergent finding new business is tough. Just found out about this great organisation founded by Jason Roberts.
With a strategic focus on providing firms committed to D&I and ESG with a global repository of Supplier Diversity data, supporting innovation discovery for Buyers, and powering revenue generation for Suppliers, Kaleida is a fully-inclusive B2B marketplace connecting Buyers to Suppliers, and Diverse Suppliers.
https://www.kaleida.co/
Nearly a third of councils in poor areas considering bankruptcy
A survey has found 14 of 47 councils in the North, the Midlands and on the south coast may go bust this year or next. At least 30% of councils in some of the poorest areas of the country are considering declaring effective bankruptcy.
A survey of 47 local authorities in the North, the Midlands and on the South Coast revealed the severe strain on finances meant five are currently in the process of deciding whether to issue a section 114 notice of their inability to balance their annual budget in 2023-24.
https://www.thelondoneconomic.com/politics/nearly-a-third-of-councils-in-poor-areas-considering-bankruptcy-355509/
Autumn Business Worcestershire Conference - Public Procurement
A unique opportunity for suppliers to meet and gain insight from Worcestershire County Council’s (WCC) Procurement Team, representatives from the University of Worcester, and current suppliers.
Eligibility:
· Worcestershire businesses (or those considering moving there).
Date: 03 October 2023
Location: Worcestershire County Council, New Rd, Worcester, WR2-4QQ
https://businesseventsworcestershire.com/events-search/details/?id=259
Digital Access
A group of volunteers delivering tech for the needy. With a background in refurbishing and distributing tech, digital inclusion, education and community development.
https://accesswy.org/
Foundervine Ascend programme
Focuses on investment readiness support, business and funding advice and investment relationship brokerage. Aims to identify businesses that are at a fast-growth stage and require funding to scale, to move these businesses to the next level by introducing them to networks and opportunities. It specifically targets disruptors and innovators in the tech space.
35 spaces available on this unique 12-week programme, delivered through a combination of virtual and in-person events from October 2023 through to December 2023.
Eligibility:
· Diverse founders
Deadline: 11 September 2023
https://www.foundervine.com/ascend
Foundation for Future London Small Grant Scheme – UK
Scheme to support local organisations and individuals to create new jobs, learning, training, and educational programmes through the means of arts, culture, innovation, public realm and creative place making.
Up to £15,000 per project: 6-12 month duration.
Eligibility:
· Individuals; Schools; not for profit organisations with less than £1.5 million turnover
· Supporting Hackney, Newham, Waltham Forest and Tower Hamlets
Deadline: 22 Sept 2023
https://future.london/grant/westfield-east-bank-creative-futures-fund-small-grant-scheme/
Suicide Prevention Grant Fund
Upto £750,000 grant to support suicide prevention activities delivered in England by non-profit organisations. Funding period 2023 to 2024.
Eligibility:
· Non-profit organisations providing suicide prevention services, activities or interventions.
· Activities must be delivered to service users free of charge.
Deadline: 01 October 2023
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/suicide-prevention-grant-fund-2023-to-2025
Levelling up funding system not fit for purpose
The Government's levelling up plans for England are being undermined by a funding system that is not fit for purpose, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS).
The thinktank has warned that the method for allocating local government funding is outdated and uses inadequate data that is skewed in favour of wealthy local authority areas in the south east of England. According to the IFS, the most deprived 20% of areas received a smaller share of local government funding than they required.
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/aug/15/funding-of-public-services-in-england-skewed-against-poor-areas-ifs-levelling-up
Government misses small business procurement target
Departments have missed the Cabinet Office target for small and medium-sized suppliers to account for a third of total central government procurement spending by 2022. Overall spending on SME procurement was worth £21 billion in 2021/22, which was only 26.5% of total spending. Smaller suppliers accounted for 26% of central government procurement spending when the target was initially announced in 2015.
https://www.ft.com/content/2cb5afa5-6ed2-4141-a028-4c327704fc7e
Dragons’ Den is making a return in early 2024
Filming for Series 21 currently underway. This time, there are two major additions to the Den: footballing legend Gary Neville and international fashion tycoon, Emma Grede.
They’ll be joining Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman, Sara Davies and Steven Bartlett.
https://smallbusiness.co.uk/who-are-the-dragons-on-dragons-den-2570737/
BridgeAI Residential Innovation Labs
Co-create game-changing AI-powered solutions and increase business productivity in Agri-food, Construction, Creative Industries, and Transport sectors. Express your interest to secure your spot.
A unique opportunity for UK organisations to collaborate on research and development proposals that will shape cutting-edge AI-powered products and services.
The 4-day residential lab experience, funded by Innovate UK, includes accommodation, and meals.
Secure your spot in one of four 4-day Innovation Labs:
· Creative Industries: 5th to 8th September 2023
· Agri-food: 12th to 15th September 2023
· Construction: 19th to 22nd September 2023
· Transport: 26th to 29th September 2023
Location TBC
Eligibility:
· UK SMEs, large organisations, academic institutions, charities, and research and technology organisations.
https://iuk.ktn-uk.org/events/bridgeai-residential-innovation-labs
Deep Tech Innovation Centre
Equips entrepreneurs and start-ups with the tools needed to solve global challenges through our Deep Tech Incubator, at the University of Warwick.
The incubator is open for applications from entrepreneurs – or aspiring entrepreneurs – who want to create a sustainable business offering innovative solutions to global problems.
http://www.deeptechinnovation.org.uk/
LEPs will be transferred to local authorities
The Government has confirmed that it is likely to transfer the economic growth and business representation functions of LEPs to local authorities in England. It is expected that only upper-tier local authorities will be responsible for economic growth in their local area. Guidance issued by the Department for Levelling Up confirmed plans to end LEP funding in April 2024.
https://www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk/projects-and-regeneration/403-projects-news/54695-government-confirms-it-is-minded-to-to-transfer-local-enterprise-partnerships-functions-to-local-authorities
UK Global Screen Fund's International Co-production
Reopened for applications. This round is open for application until the.
2 categories up to £300,000 towards a 'minority' feature film co-productions & television co-productions (whether 'minority' or 'majority' in nature).
A further round is set to open in 2024.
Eligibility:
· Co-productions where the contribution of at least one of the other co-producing partners is greater than the overall contribution of the UK
Deadline: 28 September 2023
https://www.bfi.org.uk/get-funding-support/funding-support-international-activity/uk-global-screen-fund/uk-global-screen-fund-international-co-production/making-application-uk-global-screen-fund-international-co-production-strand
20/20 Levels
Guidance. Inspiration. Community. Purpose. Ever feel like these things are out of reach? 20/20 will help change your mind. Change Starts with a Mindset.
Eligibility:
· Aged between 17 - 30?
Duration: 10 Weeks
Location: Holborn, Hammersmith & Canary Wharf
Commitment: 2 Sessions a week
Time: 6pm to 8pm
Next Programme Starts 12th September 2023
https://2020levels.aidaform.com/I-Am-Change-Programme-Application-Form
Tour of the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC)
A talk on available grants & funded support. Followed by a tour of the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry, includes Breakfast.
Cost: Free
Date: Tuesday 12th September, 7:30-10am
Location: The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), Ansty Park, Coventry, CV7 9JU
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/manufacturers-breakfast-grants-funded-support-and-tour-of-the-mtc-tickets-687943887687
Diatomic Accelerator
New technologies and ideas supported to improve housing, parks and waste management services in Birmingham.
Looking for new ideas around how to engage better with local people and improve training and knowledge sharing among service delivery teams.
Eligibility:
· UK-registered business, preferably based in the West Midlands
· Innovation solution at least TRL 4
· Must address one or more of the identified challenge areas
Deadline: 10 September 2023
https://cp.catapult.org.uk/opportunity/diatomic/
Climate Action Leeds Community Microgrants
A five-year £2.5 million scheme funded by The National Lottery. Project delivered by a partnership of Voluntary Action Leeds, Our Future Leeds, Together for Peace, Leeds Tidal, CAG Consultants and Leeds Community Foundation. The project aims to shape a ‘zero carbon, more nature friendly, more socially just Leeds by the 2030s’ through community-led climate action and networks of interest.
Eligibility:
· Small, constituted groups as well as registered community organisations
· Responding to the challenge of reducing carbon/ becoming nature friendly
· Applicants and activity must be based in Leeds Metropolitan District
· Organisations income under £50,000 in the latest financial year
Deadline: 22 September 2023
https://www.leedscf.org.uk/grants/climate-action-leeds-community-microgrants/
Lloyds Bank Foundation
Support collaborations led by small charities seeking to achieve local or regional change. Collaborations can apply for grants of £100,000 over two years.
Your influencing work will align with at least one of the following themes:
making the social security system work better for those facing the greatest challenges;
making sure people facing complex issues have access to suitable accommodation;
improving support and services for asylum seekers and refugees.
Eligibility:
· Charitable organisation
· 1 year of accounts
· Annual income over £25k
Expression of Interest by 22 September
www.lloydsbankfoundation.org.uk/funding/local-collaborations
Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) Launch Event
Official launch of the successor to the wider GBSLEP Growth Hub. Hear about the new support programmes and grants launching shortly for West Midlands businesses. Network with business support professionals and fellow business leaders; meet the people who can help overcome business challenges. Access free business support opportunities in the exhibition area.
Date: 12th September 2023, 9.30am to 4.30pm
Location: Coventry Building Society Arena Judds Lane Coventry CV6 6GE
Cost: Free
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/business-growth-west-midlands-launch-event-tickets-677967668547
Small & Mighty Enterprise Programme
Delivering a 6 week programme to support sole traders and micro businesses with expert guidance and mentoring in partnership with Xero & ARU Peterborough.
Programme includes:
· Weekly sessions recorded and available privately on the Small Business Britain website.
· Weekly worksheets to embed learning outcomes.
· Development of a 12 month Action Plan.
· Two hours of 1-2-1 and group mentoring over the six weeks
· Inclusion in an exclusive, supportive community.
Start dates: 18th September 2023
Location: Online
https://smallbusinessbritain.uk/small-and-mighty
THE POWER OF POP (POP) FUND
Along with thei co-funder organisations, they have together pooled an initial £1.16 million in funds for the PoP Fund, supporting the work of organisations working at the intersection of popular culture and social change in the UK, with a particular focus on migration and racial justice.
https://www.comicrelief.com/funding/pop-culture-for-social-change/the-power-of-pop-fund
Funding to Tackle Consumer Experiences Within Disadvantaged Communities
Consumer organisation Which? has launched a new £75,000 Fund, to support a few research projects that improve the understanding of consumer harms experienced by diverse and disadvantaged communities in the UK, and to develop solutions to tackle these harms. Target audience can include women, people living with disabilities or health conditions, low-income households or members of diverse ethnic communities.
Projects will need to address the following four impact areas: money, consumer rights and protections, digital life, and scams.
Eligibility:
· UK registered charities, universities, not-for-profit Community Interest Companies
Deadline: 18th September 2023.
https://www.which.co.uk/policy-and-insight/article/what-we-fund-aEGCe3B7B62s
Grants to Support Individuals & Families in Need
Upto £2,000 are available to charities, housing associations, schools and social services providing support for individuals and families across the UK who are in financial need. The Cosaraf Charitable Foundation's Hardship Grants will support individuals and families who have exhausted all other sources of funding and are struggling with everyday costs, such as basic living expenses, household items and utilities, work- or education-related expenses, or rent arrears.
Eligibility:
· Based in UK
· Priority will be given to the most financially excluded people, families over individuals, those with caring responsibilities, and to items that will make the most difference to the individual/family's long-term future.
Deadline: Applications can be made at any time and are assessed every six weeks.
https://www.cosaraf.org/apply-for-funding/hardship-grants/
Grants for Older People on Low Incomes
Upto £500 to support vulnerable older people living on low incomes. Funding through charity Friends of the Elderly assists individuals and couples over state pension age, have savings of less than £5,000, and do not meet the criteria for other funders.
Funding aims to assist with various needs such as purchasing a new fridge, paying unexpected bills, obtaining food and clothing, or covering gas and electricity costs. To apply for these grants, individuals must submit their applications through a third-party Referral Agent. Acceptable Referral Agents include charities, local authorities, housing associations, community organisations, Information, Advice and Guidance providers, as well as social services representatives.
Eligibility:
· England & Wales
Deadline: Applications can be submitted at any time.
https://www.fote.org.uk/our-charity-work/grants-2/
Innovation in Professional & Financial Services R2 Single
UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £5 million for projects that develop new products and services within Professional and Financial Services.
Eligibility
· This competition is open to single applicants only.
· Lead organisation must be a UK registered SME.
Deadline: 27 September 2023
https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/1666/overview/3416b899-982e-4250-adbe-02949cc039e9
Become an Innovate UK Assessor
To review applications in the Health and Life Sciences area. Training will be given. Assessors are sought from a range of backgrounds including, but not limited to:
· Neuroscience (neurodegeneration, neurotech)
· Infectious disease (including AMR and vaccines)
· Female health innovation
· Oncology
· Mental health
Eligibility:
· Senior positions in these areas and can demonstrate a track record of success in developing, commissioning or implementing health and life science innovations.
https://iuk.ktn-uk.org/news/health-and-life-sciences-assessor-recruitment/
Amazon launches new innovation accelerator
To help small manufacturers understand and overcome operational challenges by using digital technologies.
Programme includes free seminars and one-to-one mentoring from Amazon.
https://www.aboutamazon.co.uk/news/small-businesses/amazon-launches-new-innovation-accelerator-to-supercharge-the-growth-of-small-businesses
Resilience and Innovation Grant
Supporting businesses to invest in growth and resilience. 50% of eligible capital from £5,000 up to a maximum of £50,000. Fund allocation is £1.9million. SEMLEP’s Growth Hub advisers also host quarterly grant workshops to support applicants.
Eligibility:
· Submit Expression of Interest via online form.
· Trading businesses in South East Midlands.
Deadline: 15th September 2023
www.semlepgrowthhub.com/resilienceinnovationfund/
eBay for Change Introductory Webinar
A programme delivered in conjunction with Social Enterprise UK and the World Fair Trade Organization. Designed to support social and fair trade enterprises with a product to sell to grow on eBay.
Hear from the eBay for Change team who will give you an insight into the training and support package and from Andy from Green Heart Collective one of our successful social enterprises who have been part of the programme for a while.
Webinar to learn more: 04 September 2023, 6pm
Next cohort start the training on 27 September 2023.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ebay-for-change-introductory-webinar-tickets-680762939277?aff=oddtdtcreator
Community First Prime Opportunities Fund
Apply for £500 for up to 80% of the total project costs. Two Ridings Community Foundation.
Eligibility:
· Voluntary organisations, community groups, small charities and other not-for-profits serving communities in York, North Yorkshire, Hull and East Riding.
· Projects must address issues which create barriers to young people aged between 11 and 19 from disadvantaged backgrounds from reaching their full potential.
· Priority is given to projects aimed at supporting people from the most deprived communities.
Deadline: Awards are made on an ongoing basis, with a 6 week response time.
https://www.tworidingscf.org.uk/fund/community-first-prime-opportunities-fund/
European Prize for Women Innovators
Female entrepreneurs with an innovative idea bringing positive change to society. The chance to be celebrated and rewarded for your hard work.
European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) are taking their partnership to the next level to organise the revamped European Prize for Women Innovators. This bigger and bolder competition will reward an even wider community of women innovators, celebrating their achievements and giving them more opportunities than ever!
Deadline: 27 September 2023
https://eic.ec.europa.eu/eic-prizes/european-prize-women-innovators-powered-eic-eit_en
WM SME Grant Programme
Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The WMGP is a support package designed to help small to medium sized enterprises across all sectors based in the Birmingham City Council and Shropshire Council local authority areas.
This programme is funded by the UKSPF and administered by Birmingham City Council.
www.birmingham.gov.uk/wmgp
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.
Cost: All programmes are free, most are remote.
Note: Subscribe to the Barclays newsletter, as they run many programmes.
labs.uk.barclays/what-we-offer/our-programmes
Race in the UK workplace
Addressing intersectional communities—such as Black, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani women according to this report by the internationally respected McKinsey—could yield far-reaching benefits, as despite meaningful progress, achieving workplace equity has proved challenging.
www.mckinsey.com/bem/our-insights/race-in-the-uk-workplace-the-intersectional-experience?cid=eml-web
Tendering & Procurement Opportunities
Instead of searching for grants, how about getting on a preferred list of suppliers to the government, local government, the council or other orgsanisations. FindItIn….promotes local opportunities to local businesses transparently, working with global organisations to engage with the local supply chain.
https://www.finditinbirmingham.com/opportunities
Venture capital needs to venture further
Treasury Committee criticises the venture capital industry’s unacceptable failure to invest in firms outside London and the South East or in businesses led by women and ethnic minorities as it calls for rapid change from Government and the sector.
20% of the startups are in London, however 50% of the funding goes there.
https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/158/treasury-committee/news/196644/venture-capital-needs-to-venture-further-says-treasury-committee/
Health FUSE programme
Supported by the West Midlands Academic Health Science Network (WMAHSN) The FUSE offers a 3-month programme of masterclasses and business mentoring plus access to early-stage funding to kick-start and ignite socially-driven businesses in health and social care in the West Midlands.
There is also the opportunity for participants to access for a small grant to develop their idea and pilot / test trade.
Eligibility:
· Based in West Midlands
· Health and social care social business or emerging (pre trading) social idea or business.
· Where do sessions take place?
· Participants must be available to attend the in-person sessions.
Location: Bi-weekly Tuesday evenings at the Women's Enterprise & Community Hub, Sparkbrook, Birmingham.
Deadline: 15 September 2023
https://www.i-se.co.uk/our-services/starting-a-social-enterprise-2/
New Generation Thinkers 2024
Develop research to give early career researchers the opportunity to develop programmes for the BBC. 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,
Email events@birmingham.tech for more info.
Be the Business and American Express
Launching a productivity partnership to empower small businesses across the UK. Activities include
Mentoring business leaders with 1-to-1 expertise and advice, helping them to drive tangible impact through in-depth support on productivity and resilience.
The Be the Business Mentoring programme matches senior executives from leading firms, including American Express, with SME leaders to help accelerate business growth and competitiveness. Over the course of 12 months, mentoring pairs build relationships, and mentors share their expertise and advice while further developing their own leadership capability.
Advisory boards offer business leaders the opportunity to experience trusted non-executive director style support to collectively tackle business-critical issues. Experienced business people will offer guidance on finance, marketing, operations, HR or other specialist areas over the course of 12 months.
A Workshop series will support business leaders to take practical steps to enhance the resilience of their businesses.
https://www.bethebusiness.com/newsroom/be-the-business-and-american-express-launch-productivity-partnership-to-empower-small-businesses-across-the-uk/
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
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/
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/
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
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