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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.
This week, we're focusing on OSEP's free social impact business support programme. Participants can take advantage of training and workshops, tailored 1:1 support and mentoring, and peer support. Full details can be found below.
We're also highlighting the BetterPoints Oxfordshire scheme, Small Business Britain's AI for small business programme, Oxfordshire-based carbon credit schemes, Enterprise Oxfordshire's Business Support Tool, planning your August Bank Holiday via Visit Southern Oxfordshire, economic growth on the agenda at South and Vale, and Small Business Britain's online webinar on staying safe online.
Plus, follow us on Facebook and X to be kept up-to-date in between our newsletters.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
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Free social impact business supportOSEP's social impact business programme helps entrepreneurs build businesses that support healthy, connected communities, reduce social isolation and create inclusive employment opportunities. This expanded programme builds on the success of a recent pilot, which supported 33 local entrepreneurs and led to the creation of seven new community interest companies. What support is available? Participants in the programme will benefit from a wide range of free advice and support, including:
- Business development: One-to-one mentoring, tailored guidance and strategic support, to help new and growing social enterprises thrive.
- Training and workshops: A practical training programme, delivered online and in person across the districts, will cover key topics such as financial management, legal structures, purpose-driven marketing, vision and mission setting, and fundraising.
- Peer support: Facilitated peer groups to share experiences, build networks and strengthen collective knowledge across the sector.
A range of events, taking place over the next few months, are now available to book via OSEP's website. Topics include:
- How to register as a Community Interest Company (CIC)
- An Introduction to Community-Owned and Worker-Owned Businesses
- Marketing with a Mission: Defining your vision, mission and values
- Setting up the right legal structure for your social business
- Finding Space for your socially impactful business
- Sharing ownership (co-op)
...and much more!To access tailored 1:1 support, complete OSEP's Social Impact Business Support Quiz.
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Get involved in BetterPoints OxfordshireBetterPoints Oxfordshire is a free rewards programme designed to help people to get active, earn rewards and support local traders and charities. Using the BetterPoints app, anyone who lives, works or studies in Oxfordshire can earn rewards by recording their walking, cycling and public transport journeys, as well as other healthy activities. The rewards people earn can be spent on a wide range of vouchers in the app catalogue, including from participating local businesses. The BetterPoints team are now encouraging businesses in South and Vale to sign up to the scheme, and offer their own rewards. The value of these rewards, e.g. a voucher or discount, will be paid for by BetterPoints, meaning there will be no cost to your business. Benefits include reaching new customers, driving traffic to your business, generating additional spend, and aligning your brand with a local sustainability and health initiative. Find out how you can get involved via the BetterPoints website.
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AI for small businessSmall Business Britain is hosting an AI For Small Business programme, supported by BT Group, to help small business owners use AI and make their lives easier. Whether it’s improving communication, automating tasks or supercharging marketing efforts, this programme has everything you need. Join the programme and sharpen your digital skills to stay ahead of the curve. Course dates:
- Module 1 – 15 September at 10am
- Module 2 – 22 September at 10am
- Module 3 – 29 September at 10am
- Module 4 – 6 October at 10am
- Module 5 – 13 October at 10am
- Module 6 – 20 October at 10am
Register for your free place via the Small Business Britain website.
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Would your business be interested in carbon credit opportunities?Please complete a short survey to help us explore the potential for Oxfordshire-based carbon credit schemes, as part of our work with the Oxfordshire Local Nature Partnership. Carbon credit schemes are new schemes that support local projects in Oxfordshire to reduce carbon emissions and improve communities. These projects may include:
- Nature-based sequestration (carbon storage) projects, such as tree planting, habitat creation/restoration and natural flood defence systems.
- Carbon avoidance initiatives, such as supporting building retrofits that reduce carbon emissions.
These schemes are still in development, but we want to understand whether businesses like yours would be interested in purchasing or investing in carbon credits from local projects. We recognise that carbon credits should complement, not replace, efforts to reduce emissions. However, many organisations are also looking for credible ways to offset residual emissions and deliver wider benefits locally.By completing this short survey, your feedback will help shape the development of any future carbon credit scheme in Oxfordshire and ensure it meets the needs and expectations of local businesses.
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Get tailored support via Enterprise Oxfordshire's Business Support Tool
Enterprise Oxfordshire signposts Oxfordshire businesses to the most-appropriate business support, grant schemes and events.
Completing Enterprise Oxfordshire's free Business Support Tool will help the team to understand your needs and provide you with more targeted help and advice, in the form of a Business Support Plan.
On average, the form takes around seven minutes to complete. Get started via the Enterprise Oxfordshire website.
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We'll soon be getting ready for a long weekend of delightful August Bank Holiday adventures!Now is the perfect time to soak up the last lazy days of summer before autumn starts to nibble away at the daylight.Whether you’re staying local or heading out to explore, the Visit Southern Oxfordshire What's on calendar and Seasonal highlights page have something for everyone.Plus, if you're hosting an event or know of one we should be shouting about, submit a listing via our website.
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Economic growth on the agenda at South and Vale
Delegates from the Oxford Growth Commission got a whistle stop tour to see first-hand where South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse are helping to supercharge economic growth in the area.
The tour on Tuesday began with a trip to Milton Park, the largest single ownership business park in the country. As part of Science Vale, Milton Park is home to some of the most innovative companies in the country working at the cutting edge of technology.
It recently adopted an award-winning and ground-breaking updated Local Development Order, allowing new developments to be fast tracked at the business park, and providing opportunities for businesses and the local economy to grow. There has been an LDO in place at Milton Park now for more than a decade, helping the park be at the forefront of creating jobs and career opportunities for residents. This part of the tour included a brief stop at the Nebula development on Milton Park, which is aiming to be awarded an excellent sustainability certificate form its design.
Read the story in full via the South Oxfordshire District Council website.
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Stay Safe Online – What Every Small Business Needs to KnowOnline scams are on the rise. Whether you use email, social media, apps or digital tools to run your business, this session is for you.Thursday 21 August | 10am - 11amJoin Derbyshire Constabulary, Small Business Britain and BT Digital Skills for a session on the most common scams affecting small business owners - and how to avoid them. You’ll learn:
- What today’s most convincing scams look like
- How to spot red flags before it’s too late
- Practical steps to protect your business, time and money.
Free to attend. Register via Small Business Britain's website.
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Boost your business success – stay connected with us!
Are you ready to take your business to the next level? We’re here to provide the tools, insights and resources you need to succeed.
Follow our social media channels for:
- The latest business news
- Important events
- Practical advice and guidance
- Opportunities for businesses.
Follow us on our new Facebook page and X account to keep up to date.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration, knowledge or just a little extra motivation, we’ve got you covered. We’re here to help your business thrive - one post at a time!
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