The Mitie Business Boost
Are you a local catering start-up or entrepreneur in West Cumbria with a great idea but just need the financial boost to make it happen? Or are you looking to grow an existing catering business but need help to do so?
Working with local SME’s and experts in the catering industry, The Mitie Business Boost will provide you with a £10k financial boost to launch or grow your business.
To apply please click here – the closing date is 29th September.
Grants opening for community-led projects
The Royal Countryside Fund remains one of very few funders focused on rural communities across the UK. Our experience shows that by working with local organisations, such as those we recently visited in Norfolk and Suffolk, we can help to address the challenges faced by those who live and work in rural areas.
Supporting Rural Communities, our flagship grant programme, awards over £500,000 each year to power community-led solutions that enhance the viability and sustainability of rural communities and will be open for applications on Friday 8th September.
To apply and find out more click here
Climate hub to help small firms cut emissions
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has launched an online hub to help smaller businesses reduce their energy bills and cut carbon emissions. The UK Business Climate Hub includes a suite of tools to help firms measure, track and reduce their emissions. It also provides advice on topics such as sourcing products from green suppliers, cutting emissions from logistics, switching to renewable energy, and installing electric vehicle charging points. Reacting to the new hub, blue-chip companies on the government-backed Net Zero Council have urged trade groups to develop sector-specific emission reduction plans.
Click here to read more about the hub
Grants to develop innovative farming solutions
Defra has announced that farmers, growers, researchers and business organisations can apply for a share of £14 million in grant funding to collaborate on novel ideas. Funding is available for innovative solutions with the potential to improve productivity, sustainability and resilience in the farming sector, as well as accelerate the transition to net zero.
Read more about the funding here
Research Ventures Catalyst Fund
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has recently announces the opening of the Research Ventures Catalyst Fund.
DSIT is seeking lead applicants with a clear vision to grow a new venture from the ground up and deliver high impact research in a new way.
Employers guidance on sickness absence
ACAS has published updated guidance on sickness absence covering:
- Checking holiday entitlement and sick pay
- Fit notes and proof of sickness
- Time off for dependants/parents
- Returning to work after absence
- Creating absence policies
- Recording and reducing sickness absence
- Absence trigger points
The Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund
The Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund is now open for applications via the National Lottery Community Fund.
The fund will support charities and community organisations in England which provide critical cost of living services for those struggling with rising costs and increased demand. It is focused on small and medium sized organisations, but national organisations can apply where they can demonstrate local impact.
The deadline for applications is 16th October 2023 – to find out more click here. The above fund is now open for applications via the National Lottery Community Fund.
The fund will support charities and community organisations in England which provide critical cost of living services for those struggling with rising costs and increased demand. If is focused on small and medium sized organisations, but national organisations can apply where they can demonstrate local impact.
The deadline for applications is 16th October – further details can be found here
Funding to support suicide prevention activities
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) had made available a £10 million grant fund to support suicide prevention activities delivered in England by voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in 2023 to 2025.
Applications are open until 1st Oct – click here to find out more
Calling construction employers or tradespeople
Are you a construction employer or tradesperson who wants to influence your occupation?
All individuals working on construction sites must demonstrate that they are competent to undertake their role.
This is your chance to influence your occupation’s standards, training, qualifications, and careers pathways.
This year CITB are looking for the following occupations to join their Training Pathway review and share your knowledge:
- Wall & Floor Tiling
- Trowel Occupations
- Painting & Decorating
- Plastering
- Wood Occupations
- Insultation & Building Treatments
- Construction Site Supervision
- Construction Site Management
- Roofing Occupations
To find out how you can become involved click here
16 to 19 education travel bursary fund
Westmorland & Furness Council have launched a grant scheme to help any 16 to 19 years old worrying about how you will pay to travel for education, learning or training.
For more details and to apply click here
Intellectual Property Office
The Intellectual Property Office UK’s IP for business tools, training and guidance can help you create value from your ideas, turning inspiration into sustainable business success.
The tools are designed for businesses and business advisers, although they will be helpful for anyone learning how to manage or use IP.
They are free to use, and once registered you will have access to a range of resources.
For more information click here