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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.

This week, we're focusing on our 'How to increase your income with ShopAppy' webinar, the REPF expression of interest form, our Visitor Economy survey for businesses and the SME Climate Hub.

We're also highlighting Enterprise Nation's Small Business Barometer Survey, the next OxBOoSt Network meeting and the Tour de Tech Cumnor bike ride.

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 are aware that businesses are struggling in the current cost-of-living crisis, and we're doing all we can to help.

We've partnered with ShopAppy to provide an online marketplace for independent businesses located in South and Vale. By creating a profile, you'll be able to sell your products and services through the platform, with free access until March 2024.

We're hosting a webinar on how to increase your income with ShopAppy, ideal for those who are interested in the scheme but are yet to sign up, and also for those who are already registered on the platform but want to know how they can make the most out of selling their products and services.

Date and time:
Thursday 27 July
11am - 12pm

The session will include information on:
  • Getting started with the platform
  • Loading products
  • Your vendor dashboard
  • Examples of best practice
  • Product photography
    ...and more!
This free, one hour event is aimed at high street businesses, home businesses, micro businesses, small businesses, entrepreneurs and anyone looking to boost their income.

Community groups can also use the platform to promote events/initiatives they are supporting.
Find out more about our partnership with ShopAppy on our website:
REPF: submit your expression of interest

We’ve recently secured funding through the government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). 


The fund supports the aims of the government’s Levelling Up White Paper and Future Farming Programme. It will fund capital projects for small businesses and community infrastructure that help to improve productivity and strengthen the rural economy and rural communities.

We’ll be making funding available to help achieve aims set out in our Corporate Plan, including action on the climate emergency, and improving community and economic wellbeing.

You can find more information about REPF via the links below:
We’ll be opening a grant scheme to allow organisations to apply for this funding later this year. In the meantime, we’re asking interested parties to complete an expression of interest form (EOI). 

Completed EOIs will help us to understand local demand and will inform the criterion for our final grant scheme that we expect to be available in Autumn 2023.

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.

Submit your expression of interest form here.
Have your say on our Visitor Economy

In collaboration with Tourism South East Research, we are inviting South and Vale based businesses to participate in a survey centred around the local visitor economy.

The deadline for completing this survey is Sunday 13 August at 11:59pm.

This survey will allow us to gain a better understanding of the sector, identifying the challenges faced by businesses and uncovering exciting opportunities for the future. The findings from this research will play a pivotal role in shaping strategies, materials and assets to support and improve the tourism sector, creating better experiences for both residents and visitors.

By taking part in this survey, you can contribute to the promotion of our rural districts as thriving destinations for tourism, leisure and well-being. Together, we can ensure that our local economy remains robust, supporting the vitality of town centres and high streets, and the viability of leisure, hospitality and cultural facilities.

This extensive research project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The survey should only take approximately 20 minutes of your time. As a token of our gratitude, all submissions will be entered into Tourism South East's competition for a chance to win one of three £75 gift cards of your choice.

Complete our buiness survey by following this link.

If you have any questions or need support in completing the survey, please contact research@tourismse.com or call 02380 625400.

Join thousands of businesses tackling climate change

The SME Climate Hub has an assortment of free tools, resources and courses to help you reduce your emissions. These include:
  • Carbon calculator
  • Measuring and reporting emissions
  • Climate Fit training course
  • Setting targets
  • Developing your business strategy
  • Financial support
  • SME case studies
...and much more.

By committing to reduce your emissions through the SME Climate Hub, you will be counted in the United Nation’s Race to Zero campaign. Once you publicly commit, you will be able to unlock additional personalised resources and incentives.

Check out the SME Climate Hub website.

Enterprise Nation: How is business for you?

The Enterprise Nation team are inviting businesses to share their thoughts via the Small Business Barometer Survey.

Your views will influence the support that Enterprise Nation delivers and will be represented to key decision makers in government.

The survey takes less than seven minutes to complete and as a thank you, you'll be in with a chance of winning £300 of Not On The High Street vouchers.

Complete the Small Business Barometer Survey here.

Check out the previous survey results on the Enterprise Nation website.
Get involved in the OxBOoSt Network

The Oxfordshire Business Opportunities & Support network (OxBOoSt) is a new regular meet-up for Oxfordshire businesses who want to connect, collaborate and exchange ideas.

The network meets on the first Tuesday of every month and is open to all Oxfordshire based businesses. The group is free to join.

Tuesday 8 August   |   4pm - 5pm

Each meeting will include up to 5 pre-arranged slots for businesses to share their story or pitch for collaboration, and a forward look of business support from OxLEP.

There will also be plenty of time for networking.

Register for the next session via Eventbrite.
Tour de Tech 2023

Do you work in and around the tech sector, as an entrepreneur, investor or professional adviser?


The Tour de Tech is a cycling network for founders, investors, professionals and senior execs in the tech sector.

The group meet once a month during the summer at a pub near Oxford, cycle for around 1.5 hours and come back to the pub for some well earned food. 

Wednesday 9 August   |   Starting at 6pm
The Bear & Ragged Staff, Cumnor

All abilities are welcome. Sign up to the Cumnor session via the Tour de Tech website.

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