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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.

This week, we're focusing on our Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) grant scheme, where South and Vale based organisations can apply for up to £75,000 to make their project ideas a reality. The scheme closes for applications at midday on 1 July. We're also highlighting two new sustainability opportunities for businesses, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). Full details on these opportunities can be found below.

We're also promoting Small Business Saturday's #SmallBiz100 campaign, new cyber security guidance for SMEs, the self-employed and sole traders, the VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme, the council's Climate Action Fund and Tourism South East's Beautiful South Tourism Awards.

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.

- South and Vale's Economic Development team
The second round of the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) is now open for applications from South and Vale based organisations.

REPF offers up to £75,000 of capital funding for projects that help to improve productivity and strengthen the rural economy and rural communities.

If you are applying for up to £10,000, we can fund 100% of your project. If you are applying for over £10,000, your project will need to have match funding.

Please read our Grants Policy, Standard Conditions and Capital Expenditure documents on our South and Vale websites for full information on the REPF grant scheme before applying.
To help organisations progress their net zero journey, we have two procurement opportunities currently open for applications. These projects will be funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

  1. Decarbonisation plans for businesses

    We are offering funding to organisations that can help businesses based within our districts to create decarbonisation plans that enable them to lower their greenhouse gas emissions. This may include providing tools to measure emissions, or supporting businesses with the production of energy audits or wider sustainability plans.


  2. Decarbonisation business support programme

    We are seeking an organisation to develop and deliver a pilot programme of decarbonisation-focused business support that provides advice and guidance for businesses, helping them to lower greenhouse gas emissions. The programme could include workshops, guides, access to resources, and bespoke advice and mentoring.

Important information

The successful applicants will be expected to work with businesses from each district to help them to develop and implement decarbonisation plans or strategies. Businesses should be provided with a report outlining actions they can take to progress their net zero journey, including how they could achieve these.

Applicants can apply for up to £24,999 for each project. Please note that your project must start in August 2024 and finish by 31 March 2025.

The deadline for applications is 10 July 2024. If you would like to submit a proposal for these projects, please get in touch with us and we will send you the relevant document to complete.
Apply for Small Business Saturday’s #SmallBiz100

Applications for Small Business Saturday’s #SmallBiz100 2024 are now open.

In the months leading up to Small Business Saturday, taking place this year on 7 December, the campaign shines a spotlight on 100 of the most inspiring and dynamic small businesses across the UK.

Each year the #SmallBiz100 have not only received exposure on Small Business Saturday's social media channels and in the local and national press, but also joined the Small Business Saturday team in London at receptions in Downing Street and the House of Lords.

Applications are now open until midnight on Sunday 30 June. Successful applicants will be notified by email in August.

Apply for the #SmallBiz100 via the Small Business Saturday website.
Cyber security guidance for SMEs, the self-employed and sole traders

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has published cyber security guidance for SMEs, the self-employed and sole traders to reduce the risk of becoming victims of cyber attacks.

Protecting yourself and your business from cyber security risks can seem daunting, but there are some simple steps you can take to ensure you have the basics in place.

By using the NCSC's Small Business Guide, you can significantly increase your protection from the most common types of cyber crime, helping you to protect your organisation's data, assets and reputation.

Visit the NCSC website to find out how you can stay cyber aware.
Apply for the VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme

The VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme helps voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations (VCSEs) across England to deliver more efficient services for people and communities by saving money on their energy bills.

The scheme is offering Independent Energy Assessments to help identify energy-saving opportunities in your building. The programme also offers Capital Grants to implement measures recommended in your assessment.

To get started, you'll need to use the eligibility checker to see if you’re eligible to apply for the cost and delivery of an Independent Energy Assessment (IEA) or a Capital Grant. If you’re successful, you'll be matched with an independent energy assessor who will work with you to assess your building and help identify energy-saving opportunities.

Capital Grants of between £2,000 and £150,000 can be used to install capital energy efficiency measures.

Independent Energy Assessment closes for applications on Thursday 20 June. The application window for the Capital Grant closes on Friday 14 August.

Apply for the scheme via the Groundwork website.
Apple for the council's Climate Action Fund

Applications are now open for Vale of White Horse District Council's Climate Action Fund, aimed at projects that help to tackle climate change and increase people’s awareness and knowledge of the climate emergency.

Non-profit community organisations, whose primary purpose is to benefit the residents of Vale of White Horse, and town and parish councils are invited to apply. Grants from £250 to £10,000 are available per project, with a total of £100,000 available this year.

The work could focus on areas such as the natural environment, energy, waste and consumption, or transport and travel.

Organisations that receive funding will also have the opportunity to network with other grant recipients.

The deadline for applications is Friday 28 June.

Find out more and apply via the Vale of White Horse District Council website.
Apply for the Beautiful South Tourism Awards

The Beautiful South Tourism Awards are now open for applications, and we're encouraging businesses in South and Vale to get involved.

The awards categories are as follows:
  • Accommodation
  • Food and drink
  • Wedding and business venues
  • Unsung heroes
  • Dog-friendly
  • New business
  • Accessibility
  • Sustainability
  • Events
  • Experiences
  • Visitor information
  • Attractions
  • Future of Hospitality
  • International Tourism
The deadline for entries is Sunday 23 June. Apply via the Tourism South East website.
Thu 20 Jun: Boston House Networking Breakfast

Fri 21 Jun: OxLEP: Innovation - More Than Just Inventing Things!

Mon 24 Jun: Enterprise Nation: Why and how to understand your ideal customer

Tue 25 Jun: FSB: Propel your small business with TikTok 

Wed 26 Jun: Enterprise Nation: Digital decluttering tips for small business success

Thu 27 Jun: FSB: Disabled Entrepreneurs Networking

Fri 28 Jun: FSB: LGBT+ led business networking

Mon 1 Jul: Enterprise Nation: Maximise Q4 sales with Christmas gift guide press

Tue 2 Jul: OxLEP: OxBOoSt Network

Wed 3 Jul: Networking in... 'Embracing your Mental Health, Loud and Clear'

Thu 4 Jul: Thame Business Buzz
How small businesses can build resilience

Find funding for your business via Enterprise Nation's Funding Hub

Live Large on a Small Budget: Smart Spending and Saving Secrets

Watch the latest Networking in... session: 'How to win awards in business'

Top tips to make recruiting your first employee exciting

Tips to make your online activities more energy efficient

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