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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.

This week, we're focusing on the councils' share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the upcoming Abingdon Eco Fair and ShopAppy's Favourite Family Business campaign.

We're also highlighting the Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2023, OxLEP's Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Grant Scheme and Jennings Business Park's B Corp event.

There are lots more opportunities, events and resources to get stuck into this week, but as always, if you'd like to suggest content for the SVBS newsletter, please get in touch with us.

- Team SVBS
We recently secured £2 million from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) which supports investment in communities to increase life chances, support organisations and increase people’s skills.

The funding is split equally between South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils, with £1 million available per district. 
We are using this money to work towards tackling the climate emergency and to improve community and economic wellbeing.
With most of the funding available from 2024/25, we are now inviting organisations to pitch project ideas that could help to support our plans.
To complete this form, you will need to provide: 
  • a brief outline of what your project will involve, how it will deliver the project requirements, and what experience your organisation has in doing such work 

  • details of how your project will address our UKSPF priority areas and interventions 

  • details of any anticipated outputs and outcomes that your project will achieve 

  • an outline budget for your project 
Please note - by submitting your ideas, you are not committing to undertake the project, and we are not committed to funding it or to offer funding in this area.
Register your interest in exhibiting at the Abingdon Eco Fair

We're supporting One Planet Abingdon to host the Abingdon Eco Fair, a one-day event to bring together residents and businesses to celebrate eco-friendly solutions and resources.

Saturday 13 May 2023    |   9am - 3pm

The Eco Fair will take place in the Market Place and the Guildhall. One Planet Abingdon are inviting companies and organisations who offer eco-friendly products or services to register their interest in exhibiting. The event will give you the opportunity to sell your products and services while gaining exposure for your business, and inspiring visitors to kick-start their journey to a lifestyle that's healthier for us and the planet.

Register your interest in exhibiting via the Abingdon Events Partnership website.
Nominate your favourite family business

The last few years have been tough for local businesses, and we want them to know how much we appreciate them.

ShopAppy's Favourite Family Business campaign encourages local communities to show their appreciation by nominating their most loved family-run businesses.

Nominations are open until Sunday 18 June 2023. The winner will be announced on Thursday 22 June 2023 and will receive ShopAppy’s Favourite Family Business award.

Additionally, one lucky nominator will receive a £50 voucher to spend on the ShopAppy website.

Help us to make a family business smile and feel valued!

Nominate your favourite family business today via the ShopAppy website.
Could you be crowned the next Great British Entrepreneur?

The Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2023 are now open for entries. Categories included are:
  • Creative Entrepreneur of the Year
  • Equity Backed Entrepreneur of the Year
  • Family Business Entrepreneur of the Year
  • Innovation Entrepreneur of the Year
  • Purpose Entrepreneur of the Year
  • Retail Entrepreneur of the year
  • Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year
  • Service Industries Entrepreneur of the year
  • Start-Up Entrepreneur of the Year
  • Sustainability Entrepreneur of the Year
  • Technology Entrepreneur of the year
  • The Global Entrepreneur of the year
  • The Investor of the year award
  • The John Caudwell Blaze Your Own Trail Award
  • The Maker & Creator of the year
  • The Unretirement Entrepreneur of the Year
  • Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Entries close on Wednesday 31 May 2023 at 11:59pm. Shortlisted organisations will be announced week commencing Monday 12 June 2023.

Enter now via the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.
Apply for Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Grant Scheme funding

There are at least 400 Apprenticeship vacancies in Oxfordshire, providing opportunities to develop skills and a future in a wide range of careers. However, many Oxfordshire businesses struggle to fill their Apprenticeship opportunities.

OxLEP's Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Grant scheme supports SMEs with Apprentices. The grants will range from £500 - £3,000 and funding can be used to support apprentices with costs such as travel, childcare and non-statutory equipment.

The scheme is currently open for applications on a first come, first served basis. An apprentice should be secured before applying for the funding.

Apply for the scheme via OxLEP's website.
Jennings Presents: 'What is B Corp & how can it help my business?'

The Jennings Business Park team are hosting an in person event on what B Corp means and the benefits it brings.

Thursday 27 Apr   |   09:30am - 11am

This event is aimed at those who are already on their B Corp journey, or have heard about it and are curious to know more. It's also aimed at those who want their business to do better, even if you're not planning to certify.

Hear from B Corp certified guest speakers, including:
  • Sophie Brooks, CEO of Fit for Purpose consultancy
  • Sarah Jordan, founder of the ethical fashion brand Y.O.U Underwear
  • Chris Williams, Eco Ambassador for Jennings
At the end of the session, attendees will have an understanding of what the mantra 'People, Planet, Profit' really means and the impact it will have on your business.

Register for your free place via Eventbrite.

Thu 6 Apr: Thame Business Buzz

Wed 12 Apr: OBCN: South Oxfordshire Breakfast Meeting

Wed 12 Apr: Enterprise Nation: HR surgery – Get your questions answered

Thu 13 Apr: ShopAppy: An insight to TikTok and how you can use it to boost your business

Mon 17 Apr: OxLEP: Strategic Economic Plan Workshop

Mon 17 Apr: OBCN: Virtual Speed Networking Oxfordshire

Tue 18 Apr: LSIP: Growing talent in the Health and Life Sciences sector

Wed 19 Apr: Networking in... 'The Magic Formula for working with people'

Wed 19 Apr: Abingdon Business Buzz

Thu 20 Apr: OxLEP: Women in Business Gathering

Energy Bills Discount Scheme: Government extends energy help for businesses

Selling to the councils: register for the South East Business Portal

What does sustainable finance mean for small businesses?

5 Keys to Success in Business

How can a mentor increase your chances of success?

Free Guide: Start your business with FSB
 
How to price your products and services

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