Funding and useful resources - Cumbria Growth Hub

The Training Well grant

Five residents who live in Mirehouse, Snebro or Corkickle in Whitehaven will benefit from £1,500 each to kickstart their career.

The Training Well grant provided by Well Whitehaven, will help with the cost of training programmes.

Residents aged 16-30 can apply. From hair and beauty, to plumbing, childcare and personal training, the money can be used to fund a range of career training routes.

Grant applications will be assessed based on financial need and funds must act as a contribution towards costs, commuting and accommodation.

To apply contact the Well Whitehaven team at wellwhitehaven@copeland.gov.uk for an application form.

The Community Hardship Fund

Community groups and organisations across Cumbria are being offered support to help relieve the hardship for people who are experiencing financial struggles which have been caused by the cost-of-living crisis.

Working in partnership with Cumbria County Council, Cumbria Community Foundation is offering funding to charitable organisations that support interventions to help people who are struggling financially. The Community Hardship Fund is providing grants of up to £10,000 to support activities that help people in financial hardship.

DMC and Inbound Tour Operators’ Amplification and Distribution Fund

Following a successful pilot earlier in the year, a second round of the DMC and Inbound Tour Operators’ Amplification and Distribution Fund is open for applications.

Eligible DMCs and tour operators who develop and market tourism to Britain and work with international tour operators can apply for up to £40,000 to dial-up promotion of their 2023 programme to drive seasonal and regional spread across Britain.

To find out more click here – applications close at 5pm on 15^th December.

Technology Developer Accelerator Programme (TDAP) is now open for Expressions of Interest (EOI)

Up to £170,000 of grant funding and support for ambitious micro, small and medium-sized businesses developing innovative net-zero enabling automotive technology, products and services.

TDAP is a unique, early-stage accelerator programme that offers a combination of grant funding, invaluable technical support, business mentoring, and networking opportunities
Over a 17-month period, companies will benefit from expert advice to accelerate ideas from concept through to viable market proposition
TDAP enables participants to drive forward strategy, market-readiness and technology development so they can take real meaningful steps towards commercialisation
Backed by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, TDAP is delivered by the Advanced Propulsion Centre

EOIs must be accepted before you can formally apply. Closing date for full applications is 1 February 2023 at 12 noon. To find out more click here

Cumbria Coastal Community Forest

Cumbria Coastal Community Forest is an exciting new project aiming to introduce more trees into the landscape along the western coast of Cumbria, from Barrow in the south to Carlisle in the north.

Grant funding is available from Cumbria County Council for tree planting schemes which can range in size and include different types of tree planting – from single trees or hedgerows to large-scale woodland. There is also funding available to support communities in accessing these green spaces e.g. footpaths, benches and interpretation boards.

Project partners, Cumbria Woodlands, will help you to develop a woodland creation plan and be able to support you through the application process.

They are now actively seeking sites to plant this winter so please get in touch with Cumbria Woodlands via their Advisory Service if you wish to propose a site: Contact | Cumbria Woodlands.

You do not need to be the landowner to propose a site but it is advised that you discuss with the landowner before making contact.

You can find more information about our project by visiting the below websites:

Cumbria Coastal Community Forest | Cumbria County Council

Cumbria Coastal Community Forest | Woodland Creation | Working with Partners | Cumbria Woodlands

Any other questions please email communityforest@cumbria.gov.uk

Kendal College Apprenticeship Guide

The College’s Apprenticeship Guide for 23/24 is now available to download

Apprenticeships are a great way to earn and learn, with competitive wages and the opportunity to study up to level 7 (master’s degree), there has never been a better tome to become an apprentice!

CITB drop in clinic

An advice session for construction based industries about apprenticeship grants, funding, training and more is taking place at Carlisle College on Tuesday 17^th January from 4pm to 5.30pm. You don’t need an appointment, just pop in anytime between 4pm to 5.30pm.

Business rates revaluation tool

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has updated the rateable values of all business and other non-domestic property in England and Wales. The Find a Business Rates Valuation Service allows businesses to find the rateable value of a property in England or Wales and get an estimate of their 2023/24 business rates bill.

To read more about the service click here

Support for retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors

Business rates relief for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses will be extended and increased from 50% to 75% in 2023/24. The Government has also confirmed that an online sales tax will not be introduced.