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Funding and useful resources

CODE Cumbria: Skills Bootcamps supporting coding digital recruitment shortages

An exciting new Skills Bootcamp in Coding is launching in September with up to 20 funded places available. CODE Cumbria is a flexible programme delivered by Scale-Ability that creates opportunities in digital employment and addresses the skills shortages within the tech sector through the delivery of a Digital Skills Bootcamp.

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Grant scheme launched to support growth of town centre businesses

A GRANT scheme has been launched to support businesses to improve their shop fronts in Ulverston.

The business front improvement grant scheme aims to boost shop fronts in selected areas to support the growth of local businesses, enhance the local environment and raise the town’s image amongst locals and visitors.

The grant scheme is funded through Ulverston Business Improvement District (BID) and the council.

The total amount available through this scheme is £10,000 with up to £500 per business.

To apply click here

Agreement to direct pension funds to start-ups

The Government has secured an agreement with nine UK pension funds to invest at least 5% of their default funds into start-ups and fast-growing companies by 2030. The agreement, known as the Mansion House Compact, could unlock up to £50 billion in assets from private defined contribution pension schemes.

Read more about the agreement click here

Hub to support limited company directors

The Insolvency Service has launched an online information hub to support directors of micro, small and medium-sized limited companies. The hub includes guidance on a range of business themes commonly faced by company directors.

Read more about the hub here

Industrial Decarbonisation: Local Industrial Decarbonisation Plans

The Local Industrial Decarbonisation Plans Competition (LIDP) provides support for industrial manufacturers, not located within the UK’s existing industrial clusters, to develop plans to reduce their emissions and avoid carbon leakage.

The competitive grant funding will support the advancement of place-based industrial decarbonisation plans. This will involve collaboration between closely located industrial businesses and other stakeholders, as well as upskilling their capabilities ahead of introducing low-emission technologies.

Your project’s total grant funding request must be between £75,000 and £800,000.

To find out more click here

Smart meter and energy tips for small businesses

Smart Energy GB has published an online small business hub to help businesses make the most of smart meters and save on energy costs.

The free online hub also has money and energy saving tips, as well as a ‘Costs, Energy & Going Green’ guide for businesses. The platform can also connect you with your energy supplier to request a smart meter.

Smart meters for small businesses | Smart Energy GB

APC24: industrialising net zero automotive technology

UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £20 million for late stage research and development projects that help accelerate the UK towards a net zero automotive future.

This competition is open to collaborations only. To lead a project your organisation must be a UK registered business.

You must involve at least one grant claiming micro, small or medium-sized enterprise and have evidence of a clear route to market.

APC24: industrialising net zero automotive technology – UKRI

Climate Champions in Copeland

Cumbria Action for Sustainability are again looking for Climate Champions in the Copeland area. This is a great volunteer opportunity if you’re looking for more climate know-how to let you make a positive impact in your community. They are especially looking for parish councillors, who will be able to access special training to enable them to cascade information out within their own area, within the council itself, and influence further parish-level climate action.

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New Town Centre Facelift Scheme Launches in Aspatria

Aspatria is to get a spruce up from Cumberland Council’s Facelift Grant Scheme.

Business and homeowners which have a frontage facing the street within the defined town centre area of Aspatria can apply for funding to help pay for improvements to the look of their property.

For more information and to get an application form contact Toni Magean, at Toni.Magean@Cumberland.gov.uk.

The deadline for applications is 31 July 2023. Completion of all works and invoices submitted by no later than 29 September 2023.