Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.

This week we're focusing on the availability of our Winter Support Grants, with updated information on the types of businesses that can apply for a sector hardship grant detailed below.

We're also looking ahead to next week's Networking In... event that takes place at 10.30am on Wednesday 8 December. We'll hope to see many of you there! 

Remember, if you have business news, an event, or opportunity or you would like us to feature, please get in touch.


- Team SVBS

Until midday on 16 December 2021, South and Vale based businesses can apply for our new Winter Support Grants.


Since last week's launch, we have updated the FAQs for the Sector Hardship element of the Winter Support Grants. This includes highlighting the availability of grants to those operating Visitor Attractions and as Transport Providers, and addressing some of the questions received by the team during week one. 

You can find a summary of the grants below. We recommend reviewing the FAQs before beginning an application.


Start-up Grant


Applications are invited from businesses operating in any sector, where the business is based in South or Vale.

To be eligible to apply for the start-up grant, applicants must be able to evidence that their business started-up between 1 April 2021 and 1 November 2021.

Sector Hardship Grant

Applications are invited from businesses operating in the following sectors:

Those operating:

• Breweries, Wineries, Distilleries
• Cinemas
• Concert Halls
• English Language Schools
• Nightclubs
• Theatres
• Wholesalers

Events sector

• Event Caterer
• Event Hire
• Event Logistics
• Event Organiser
• Event Security
• Event Technical Services (including audio visual, sound engineers etc)
• Event Technology
• Event Venues
• Exhibitions Supplier
• Wholesaler within industry
• Freelance Professional within sector

Travel and Tourism sector

• Accommodation Provider / Operator
• Holiday Park
• Travel Agent
• Travel Consultant
• Transport Provider
• Tour Operator
• Tour Guide
• Ticketing Services
• Wholesaler within sector
• Freelance Professional within sector
• Visitor Attractions

Wedding sector

• Bridal Shops

• Wedding Caterer
• Wedding Florist
• Wedding Hair and Beauty Services
• Wedding Hire Company (inc. marquee companies)
• Wedding Organiser
• Wedding Performer (including wedding bands, DJs etc)
• Wedding Technician (photographer, audio-visual etc)
• Freelance Professional within sector
• Wedding venue


Before beginning an application, or contacting the SVBS team for assistance, we encourage applicants to review the updated FAQs.
A note from Peter Mols, Founder of Outside Ideas and host of our Networking in... events
'In 2005, at the age of 24, I started a business on the other side of the world. In the early days, fuelled by a heady mix of passion, youthful enthusiasm and Redbull, the world felt at my feet. Being the “Branson Style” entrepreneur was something I'd dreamt about since the age of 10, and having a business based in tourism provided about as much fun as could be had.

Growing a business is hard; In fact, for the 80% who call it quits within a few years, it’s impossible. What I've learnt about success and failure is that it never happens in isolation. The saying that your network is your net worth is so true. Having a fun, friendly and growth focused bunch of people around you can make all the difference.

Next week at Networking in… with South & Vale, I’m

delighted to welcome Richard Kennell to the stage to talk about taking his business SOFEA from a seed of an idea to a £2.5 million business. Thanks to SVBS, you can secure your place for just £5 using the code SVBS at checkout. 

We look forward to seeing you on 8 December!'

- Pete
'Growing Pains' - the opportunities and challenges of growing an organisation from scratch

Join us at Networking in... South & Vale as we welcome Richard Kennell, CEO of Oxfordshire-based enterprise SOFEA.

Wednesday 8 December   |   10:30 - 12:00

Richard will be talking about the growing pains associated with running a growing business. SOFEA provides education, employability and wellbeing programmes for vulnerable youngsters. The team tackle food insecurity and the disadvantage it causes, while having a positive impact on the environment by reducing food waste.

The first 40 businesses to register for this event can claim a half-price ticket for just £5, using the code 'SVBS'. Register on the Networking in... website.

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