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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.

This week, we're focusing on our new social impact business support programme with OSEP, that kicks off with an in-person launch event on 13 November. Full details can be found below.

We're also highlighting our other UKSPF funded programmes including Decarbonisation Business Support, employment and training opportunities via the 'No Limits' Programme and Abingdon & Witney College's free Green Skills courses, and opportunities to cut emissions and reduce energy bills with free energy assessments for business premises.

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
We've awarded UKSPF funding to OSEP to provide a programme of support and guidance for early-stage, purpose-led businesses and social impact organisations in South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse.

The programme will be suitable for anyone with a business idea looking to make a positive impact. Whether you’re seeking start-up support, funding advice, or opportunities for collaboration, this programme will have something for you.

To kick start the programme, OSEP are hosting a free, in-person launch event, and we encourage interested residents, businesses, and community organisations in South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse to attend. 

OSEP is partnering with Co-operative Futures, Aspire Oxfordshire, Makespace, SOFEA, Soha Housing Association and African Families in the UK to offer this targeted support.

Launch Event Details

Wednesday 13 November
5pm - 7pm
The Junction, Didcot

Food and drinks will be provided by Planted Plates.

What support will be offered?
  • A Bootcamp Training Course for early-stage and pre-start enterprises, offering workshops on essential topics such as financial management, funding and fundraising, the social business landscape, vision and mission setting, legal structures and marketing with a purpose.
  • Business support specifically aimed at self-employment and sole trader options, empowering individuals with the knowledge to explore entrepreneurial opportunities.
  • One to one mentoring with signposting and strategy development tailored to the needs of emerging social enterprises, including bespoke enterprise development and intensive support packages covering legal incorporation, governance, business planning, financial forecasting and funding options.
At the launch event, you’ll hear from the partner organisations about the programme's benefits, resources and tailored support. It’s also a perfect chance to connect and collaborate with other businesses and organisations that are interested in making a social impact.
Free Decarbonisation Business Support programme

ALP Synergy Ltd are carrying out a free Decarbonisation Business Support programme, helping South and Vale businesses to lower their greenhouse gas emissions.

The programme consists of webinars and workshops, to help businesses create a carbon reduction plan. Tailored one to one support to explore new processes or technologies for lowering your business emissions is also provided.

The next webinar, titled 'Mobilising your SME Carbon Reduction Actions', will talk through the typical carbon emissions for SME businesses, exploring the possible actions that could go into your carbon reduction plan and their implications for the business.

Thursday 7 November   |   9am - 10am

To register for your free place, visit the official Eventbrite page.
Training and employment support with the 'No Limits' programme

The councils have contributed funding to OxLEP and SOFEA’s ‘No Limits’ programme, designed to offer support for residents with training and employment - with a focus on green skills & careers.

The programme includes comprehensive support for those who would like support to find employment, including access to laptops and mobile phones to develop digital skills, and financial support for those needing to travel for work or training opportunities.

If this is of interest, visit the OxLEP Skills website.
Build a career fit for the future with free Green Skills training courses

We've teamed up with Abingdon & Witney college to offer free places on a variety of Green Skills courses.

UKSPF funding is being used to offer residents and local businesses places on ‘green’ building and construction courses taking place at Abingdon & Witney College. The courses available include:
  • Level 2 Award in Understanding Domestic Retrofit
  • Level 3 Award in Domestic Retrofit Advice
  • L3 Award in Heat Pump Systems
  • Unvented Hot Water Systems
  • Environmental Awareness and Introduction to Heat Pumps
  • Environmental Awareness and Introduction to PV (PhotoVoltaic)
  • Environmental Awareness and Introduction to Solar Thermal
  • Airtightness and Weather Sealing Workshop
  • Carbon Literacy Training
  • Domestic Ventilation Systems
  • BPEC Energy Efficiency (Part L)
  • Water Regulations (WRAS)
  • Domestic Solar Photovoltaic Systems
  • Electrical Energy Storage Systems (EESS)
  • Domestic, Commercial and Industrial El. Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation
For further details and to sign up for the courses, visit the Abingdon & Witney College website.
Save money on your bills with a free Energy Assessment for your business

South and Vale businesses can benefit from a free energy assessment and bespoke decarbonisation plan through our UKSPF funded work with the Low Carbon Hub.

Participating businesses will receive bespoke recommendations for their premises that can result in cost and energy savings. Reports detail a breakdown of rationale and steps for implementation, and advice on suitable finance options to help achieve these goals. On average, participating organisations cut their energy bills by 19 per cent.

The deadline to register for an assessment is 13 December 2024.

Visit the Energy Solutions Oxfordshire website to get started.

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