Here at the Heart of the South West Growth Hub we look to keep you updated on the latest Government and local business support. Want some free help with digital? Get in touch with the Growth Hub team to find what you need to support your business
New 'Find a Grant' service for accessing government support
The government’s new ‘Find a Grant’ service will make it easier for organisations to find grants and cut time spent on grant applications.
Each year the government awards over £50 billion in general grant funding. The service offers a free central place for businesses, individuals and organisations to find and apply for government grants.
Businesses can access the ‘Find a Grant’ service here: Home – Find a grant (find-government-grants.service.gov.uk)
Mid Devon Prosperity Programme just launched
Mid Devon District Council (MDDC) has launched a portfolio of new grant schemes to support businesses and other local organisations. There are five new grant schemes:
- Field to Fork
- Business Growth and Innovation
- Visitor Economy (Sustainable Tourism)
- Work Hub Development Scheme
- Investment in the Social Economy (2024/25)
Find out more: Mid Devon Prosperity Programme – MIDDEVON.GOV.UK
Grant scheme for town centre North Devon businesses
Independent town centre businesses in North Devon can apply for small grants to upgrade, repair and refurbish shopfronts. The Town Centre Enhancement Scheme is a capital grants scheme based on the award to North Devon Council within the UK Shared Prosperity fund investment plan for 2022/2024.
Commercial Buildings in Barnstaple, Braunton, Ilfracombe, Lynton & Lynmouth, Combe Martin and South Molton are eligible. Find out more: Grants for town centre businesses to enhance premises (northdevon.gov.uk)
Rural England Prosperity Fund - Somerset
Businesses and organisations in Somerset could be eligible for capital funding grants aimed at supporting businesses and community infrastructure in rural areas. The Rural England Prosperity Fund provides capital funding to:
- support new and existing rural businesses to develop new products and facilities that will be of wider benefit to the local economy. This includes farm businesses looking to diversify income streams, but not into food and drink.
- support new and improved community infrastructure, providing essential community services and assets for local people and businesses to benefit the local economy. Projects must be in a rural area.
50% match funding is required. Check eligibility and find out more: Funding and grants for business (somerset.gov.uk)
Cost of living Resources. Looking for ways to save money in 2023? Visit our cost of living resources page to view information, top tips and links to schemes and further support, including renewable options. |
Barclays Eagle Labs support for start-ups and scale-ups
Businesses can join this community of top innovators and entrepreneurs and access dedicated growth programmes, 1-2-1 mentoring, events and online learning designed to help you scale and succeed. Find out more and join: Become a Barclays Eagle Labs member | (uk.barclays)
There’s also the opportunity to benefit from a range of mentoring and coaching options. Whether you want to talk about your product, have a question about expanding your business or just need to talk to someone who’s been in your shoes, your mentor will share their knowledge and insights to support you. Find out more: Mentors and coaches | (uk.barclays)
Sustainable Farming Incentives Workshops
Wondering if SFI is suitable for your farm business? Come along to one of the specialist workshops where we discuss how SFI can fit in with food production and contribute to your farm’s finances. As well as outlining what each SFI Option entails, we’ll discuss what you need to do for each option, and how the scheme combines with other environmental schemes. Book upcoming ‘SFI options for your farm’ Workshops here:
19 July | Online
16 August | Online
6 September | Online
10 October | Online
16 November | Online
DEFRA have also published a new 150-page SFI handbook via the DEFRA farming blog, which you can access via this link: SFI: more ways to enhance your income, productivity and the environment – Farming (blog.gov.uk).
British Business Bank launches £200m South West Investment Fund
The British Business Bank has recently launched a £200m South West Investment Fund aimed at fostering growth and prosperity for small businesses in the region. SWIG Finance will manage the smaller loans part of the fund, from £25,000 to £100,000, for the whole South West. Applications for funding can be made directly to the relevant fund managers via the SWIG website: www.southwestinvestmentfund.co.uk
Find out more: British Business Bank launches £200m South West Investment Fund
Mentoring for Somerset Businesses
Could you benefit from fresh, experienced insight and a sounding board as you run and grow your business? The Somerset Business Mentoring Scheme offers businesses over 1 year old, up to 6 hrs of free mentoring over a 6-month period.
Growing businesses need to evolve, change and sometimes renew, often in ways that are outside the experience of the founder. Our mentors, from executive and senior management level business leaders or successful entrepreneurs, understand the challenges associated with running and growing a business. They offer sector experience or a specialist in areas such as growth strategy, finance, marketing, product or service development, bid writing, acquisition, exit strategy, HR or e-commerce and much more!
The Somerset Mentoring Programme is funded by the Business Rates Retention Scheme. Please email: somersetbusinesssupport@somerset.gov.uk for a mentee application form and more information.
Grab a copy of our free Digital Guides!
Our free digital guides help small business owners seeking to improve their online digital presence and business marketing:
- Small Business Guide to Instagram
- Small Business Guide to Facebook
- Business Guide to Social Media
- Small Business Owners Guide to using Chat GPT for your Marketing
- Digital Information Pack
Get in Touch today stating which free guides you’d like to receive and do let us know what guides you’d like to see next.
UK Export Academy for selling overseas
Do you want to find out how to sell overseas? The UK Export Academy, has a free training programme designed to give you the confidence and know-how to sell overseas, in your own time. Find out more: great.gov.uk
Events and Workshops
The Growth Hub has a dedicated page listing all the latest business events taking place across the South West. Plug those skills gaps and revisit that business plan; these upcoming workshops have everything you need to be ready and focussed in 2023. Below are just a few of the many funded (or free) events coming up:
Thrive Business Resilience & Networking – 20th July at Exeter Science Park https://thrive-business-resilience-event-exeter.eventbrite.co.uk (4 places remaining)
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/market-strategy-tickets-634014613777 20th July, Online (Somerset Businesses Only)
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/improving-your-linkedin-seo-website-presence-tickets-636416437697 27th July, Online (Somerset Businesses Only)
Join Future Farming Resilience at the Mid Devon Show 22nd July at Knightshayes, Tiverton The Mid Devon Show – One of Devon’s Best Days Out
For more free events aimed at SME’s, see our events and workshop page
What Growth Hub workshops would you like to see next?
Let us know (by 31st July) in this 30s survey: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/V9WT5ZB
