You are receiving this email as you have subscribed to receive all updates from South and Vale Business Support via our website, or when registering for one of our events. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, please unsubscribe below.
Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.

This week, we're focusing on our new website, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund Expression of Interest form, our ShopAppy online marketplace and the upcoming Abingdon Eco Fair.

We're also highlighting the next cohort of Oxford Brookes' Help to Grow Management Programme, Enterprise Nation's new Small Business Goes Big competition and the next Networking in... session.

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 have recently reintegrated the South and Vale Business Support website content with the South Oxfordshire District Council and Vale of White Horse District Council websites. This will make it easier for our local businesses to quickly access the information they need.

You can find out how we can help by choosing the appropriate council, and clicking on the Economic Development tile.

If there's anything you think we could improve, please get in touch with us.
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.
Sign up to ShopAppy's online marketplace

ShopAppy is a 'Shop & Support Local' website supported and backed by VISA, making it easier than ever for people to browse, book and buy from their local businesses.

Our partnership with ShopAppy aims to consolidate local, independent businesses on a single online marketplace, allowing residents access to a platform through which they can purchase goods from South and Vale based businesses.

Businesses can start selling online by signing up to ShopAppy, where they will receive the first 12 months for free (excluding bank / card charges).

Benefits include:
  • A dedicated Community Support Manager
  • Fortnightly drop-in sessions
  • Access to the ShopAppy Family group on Facebook
  • A marketing reach that a small business could not afford on their own
  • Provide a level of convenience with other businesses to ensure loyalty from customers
South Oxfordshire businesses - register here
Vale of White Horse businesses - register here
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.
Oxford Brookes' Help to Grow Management Programme

Designed to fit alongside work commitments, the Help to Grow Management 12-week programme combines a practical curriculum with one-to-one support from a leading business mentor and alumni networking sessions.

The next cohort will be partially based at Howbery Business Park in Wallingford, with some of the sessions taking place online. The sessions take place every Wednesday from 26 April 2023 to 19 July 2023.

By the end of the programme, leaders will be able to:
  • Enhance your management and strategic capabilities
  • Produce a growth plan for your business
  • Build resilience to future shocks
  • Learn how to innovate in your business
  • Adopt digital technologies to boost productivity and operational agility
  • Develop your value proposition and reach into growth markets
  • Improve employee engagement and responsible business practices
Register for your free place on the Oxford Brookes website.
Small Business Goes Big: Oxford Street –
a new competition with Adobe Express

Enterprise Nation has partnered with Adobe to launch the latest instalment of the Small Business Goes Big competition.

By entering, you could win a physical shop space on Oxford Street. All you need to do is submit your page and complete the application form to be in with a chance to sell your products in central London.

The purpose of the competition is to provide valuable opportunities to small businesses that deserve them.

Small businesses, micro-businesses, freelancers or sole traders can enter. The competition closes for entries at midnight on 24 April 2023. 

Enter now via the Enterprise Nation website.
Networking in... 'The Magic Formula for working with people'

Join us for the next Networking in... event as we welcome John Hayns, a sought-after entertainer and magician, to talk about the MAGIC formula and how it could change your life.

Wednesday 19 April   |   7:30am - 9am

John's MAGIC formula stands for:
  • Move
  • Attune
  • Give
  • Inspire
  • Connect
Join this session to find out how to make your team fun, easy to work with, respectful and united.

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

Register for the event on the official Networking in... event page.

Fri 14 Apr: Enterprise Nation: Marketing tips from a top expert

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: Abingdon Business Buzz

Thu 20 Apr: OxLEP: Women in Business Gathering

Thu 27 Apr: Jennings Presents: 'What is B Corp & how can it help my business?'

Thu 27 Apr: OxLEP: Innovation for Growth Unconference

Thu 4 May: Thame Business Buzz
Self Care for a Business Owner

How to create eye-catching content for social media: A guide for small business owners

Watch the latest Networking in... session: 'Selling like we're human'
 
Prince's Trust: Top tips for getting your business plan right

How to plan for success

Copyright © 2023 South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils, all rights reserved.

To find out more about how the council holds, uses and stores your personal data, please click on the appropriate council’s link:


South Oxfordshire District Council   |  Vale of White Horse District Council
Twitter
Facebook
Email
Web