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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.

This week, we're focusing on our REPF expression of interest form, free resources to help your business become more sustainable and the Enterprise Nation Fund.

We're also highlighting the opportunity to sell to the councils and OxLEP's workspace webinar.

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’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.
Free resources to help your business become more sustainable

No matter how small your business or what industry you’re in, your commitment could make a real difference to the planet, to your customers and to your running costs.

We are supporting local businesses on their sustainability journey by:

  • Providing information about funds to support low carbon enterprises, develop green skills and low carbon infrastructure
  • Suggesting ways to cut emissions from digital services
  • Encouraging ‘circular economy’ business models
  • Signposting to relevant organisations for tailored advice
Visit our website to find out how we can work with you to improve your company’s emissions.
Apply now for the Enterprise Nation Fund

Enterprise Nation has set up a new fund to recognise small business owners whose work is driven by their values.

The competition categories are Entrepreneurial, Trusted and Community-led. There will be one winner for each category. Winners will receive:
  • A £5,000 grant to fuel your business growth
  • Monthly mentoring sessions for 12 months with an experienced entrepreneur
  • A meeting with a dedicated TikTok Ads Specialist at TikTok's London office, where you'll create a tailored media plan
  • A Dell Technologies XPS laptop, worth up to £1,000 (Model subject to availability)
  • £500 credits to spend on VistaPrint.co.uk
  • Santander Navigator 'Prepare' package, worth £1,800 of international growth support
  • A 12-month Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps membership, worth £596
The competition closes for entries at 11.59pm on
14 September 2023.


Apply for the fund via the Enterprise Nation website.
Selling to the councils - register for the
South East Business Portal

The councils buy goods and services from a variety of contractors, ranging from someone who is self-employed to national organisations. To provide cost-effective services for our residents, the councils often operate a joint procurement process, and therefore award joint contracts.

Opportunities to supply your services or goods to the councils are often available, either direct or as a sub-contractor.

If you are interested in selling to the councils, you will need to register on the South East Business Portal. Please note that contracts for both councils can be located under 'South Oxfordshire District Council'.

A list of contracts shortly up for renewal can be found on the South Oxfordshire District Council website.

Further information can be found on our dedicated webpage.
OxLEP: Creating a body friendly workspace, wherever you work

Have you optimised your workspace to work for you, rather than against you?

OxLEP is hosting a webinar on various techniques and strategies to enhance your comfort and productivity, and delve into the importance of movement to positively impact your overall well-being and productivity.

Wednesday 16 Aug   |   12:30pm - 1:30pm

This interactive workshop aims to equip you with ergonomic top tips and practical solutions to improve your workspace, regardless of your location.

Whether you work from home, a traditional office, or even on the go, you'll learn how to optimise your environment to support your body's needs.

Register for your free place via Eventbrite. 

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South Oxfordshire District Council   | 
Vale of White Horse District Council