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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.

This week, we're focusing on OxLEP's Visitor Economy grants, our REPF expression of interest form and ShopAppy's product loading sessions.

We're also highlighting the opportunity to sell to the councils and the Community Ownership Fund for Land Stewardship 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
OxLEP's Visitor Economy Grant Scheme has returned to support Oxfordshire businesses.  

The scheme aims to back the sector’s ongoing re-emergence from Covid-19 through a variety of positive interventions, providing funds to eligible businesses.

Grants range from £10,000 to £15,000 for businesses that operate within the Tourism, Culture,
Arts, Leisure, Events, Hospitality and Independent Retail sectors.

This is the second round of funding offered by OxLEP Business’ visitor economy grant scheme, following a successful first round that saw over £660,000 distributed to companies in Oxfordshire.

The current round of the scheme closes for applications on 30 August 2023.

Watch the launch webinar and find information on how to apply on the OxLEP website.
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). 

The scheme will close for expressions of interest at 11:59pm on Sunday 3 September. 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.
ShopAppy's product loading sessions

The ShopAppy team are hosting free sessions to show businesses how they can upload their products and use the platform effectively.

Every Monday   |   2pm - 3pm

During the session, businesses will learn about ShopAppy, how the platform works, how to get started with the platform and how to upload your own products.

You will be able to ask questions and learn how to get the most out of the platform.

Businesses can register to attend this free session via ShopAppy's website.

To find out how you can get involved with our ShopAppy scheme, visit the South Oxfordshire District Council or Vale of White Horse District Council 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.
Navigating the Community Ownership Fund for Land Stewardship

As part of the Community Ownership Fund support programme, Shared Assets are running a free webinar to provide groups and social enterprises with insights on accessing grants and securing long-term stewardship models for land.

Thursday 7 September   |   10am - 11:30am

The £150m Community Ownership Fund (COF) exists to help communities across the UK to take ownership of assets at risk of closure. This webinar will highlight how the fund is supporting communities to take ownership of their local assets. Groups can apply for funding up to £250,000.

The session will outline what the fund is, how the land movement might access a grant, the support available to help land-based groups to apply, making a strong application to the fund, and how an enterprise model can help you to secure long-term stewardship of your asset.

More information and details on how to register can be found on Eventbrite.
 
Thu 24 Aug: OBCN Online Networking Event

Tue 29 Aug: Outside Ideas: Mastermind Group Free Taster

Wed 30 Aug: FSB: Disabled Entrepreneurs Networking

Thu 31 Aug: Enterprise Nation: How to use metrics to grow your business

Fri 1 Sep: Business Netwalking in Goring and Streatley

Fri 1 Sep: OBCN Oxford Breakfast Meeting

Mon 4 Sep: ShopAppy's product loading session

Tue 5 Sep: OxLEP: OxBOoSt Network

Wed 6 Sep: Networking in… 'Cybersecurity awareness training for small businesses'

Fri 8 Sep: Doughnut Economics Workshop: Envisioning a thriving future for Oxfordshire
Free resources to help your business become more sustainable

How to make a success of your small business networking

Watch the latest Networking in... session - 'How to Build an Effective Network'

Apply now for the Enterprise Nation Fund

Have your say on our landscapes and what’s changing them

Six ways to reignite your passion for business

Know your Ideal Client Avatar

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