Here at the Heart of the South West Growth Hub we look to keep you updated on the latest Government and local business support. Want some free help with digital? Get in touch with the Growth Hub team to find what you need to support your business
Book onto Thrive now - support ends on 31/03/23!
There’s still time to book onto one or more of the upcoming free online workshops:
- Using Canva for your Marketing – 28th February 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
- Business Health Check – 2nd March – 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
- How to Create a Successful Funding Application – 8th March – 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Check out our events page (using keyword ‘Thrive’) for all the remaining Thrive workshops.
“We are thrilled to have been offered the opportunity to join in on seminars & workshops led by fantastic professionals and the learning from these have provided us with ideas and inspiration on how to move forward with our in-house marketing strategy”
Thrive has supported over 600 Devon and Somerset businesses since its launch but the programme support will be coming to an end on 31st March 2023. If you still haven’t taken advantage of this free support programme (or if you haven’t completed your 12 hours of support) now is the time. Whatever your current business challenge, Thrive is here to help. Find out more and register for Thrive: THRIVE – Heart of sw growthhub
Virtual Jobs Fair - 15th March 2023
The Devon & Cornwall Train4tomorrow team are running a Virtual Jobs Fair on 15th March 2023 and are looking for companies who would like to be represented at the event.
The Skills Bootcamp programme offers courses in many areas so learners on digital marketing, data analysis, cyber security, software development, IT skills and digital trainer courses (amongst many others) will be in attendance. Showcase your organisation, promote your vacancies and meet potential candidates. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your company to the region’s highly skilled workforce, network with other companies, and connect with potential candidates to meet your company’s needs.
Numbers for both sessions are expected to be up to 200 learners from all across Devon and Cornwall. Register today to book your table and tap into this pool of skilled Bootcamps Graduates!
Somerset Innovation Network
Firms in Somerset can receive free, specialist business support by joining the Somerset Innovation Network. Once signed up to this FREE programme, your business will benefit from:
- A 1-2-1 diagnostic with an innovation specialist to create an actionable plan for your business
- Specialist advice from expert business advisors
- Online and in-person informative workshops on a variety of relevant topics including:
- 8th March (Online) Pricing for Profit – https://www.businesswest.co.uk/events/pricing-profit-0
- 21st March (Online) How to create a winning business pitch – https://www.businesswest.co.uk/events/how-create-winning-business-pitch-0
Find out more and sign up here: Somerset Innovation Network | Business West
DELL UK Member Benefits
DELL UK can help small businesses & startups grow, with a range of benefits, including discounts to support you on your journey. Here’s how DELL can help your business:
- Up to 20% discount off laptops, desktops, servers, monitors and accessories
- Access to DELL’s highly trained Startup & Small Business Advisors to help you with free advice to grow your business
- Dedicated Account Manager
Get in touch to find out more about DELL discounts and support.
Digital Support for SME's in Devon and Somerset
Looking to level up your skills and stay ahead of the curve? Our new digital support service connects you to the support you need to help take your business digital and offers digital guides, how to’s, resources and tools, including our ‘Business Guide to Social Media’ and ‘Digital Information Pack’. Packed with a wealth of free resources, learning materials, tools, and top tips, our information packs are a great resource for anyone looking to enhance their knowledge and expertise in the digital world.
Get in touch for your free digital guides & find out more about our digital support service.
BIPC Devon - Free Women in Business Course
A FREE course designed by, and for, women who are starting and developing their own businesses is being run by the Business & Intellectual Property Centre in Devon (BIPC).
The 12 week course (starting on 8th March) will run from March to May and will feature weekly webinars and workshops, interactive sessions, clinics and networking opportunities as well as 1-1 support. This three-month course will cover:
- Personal Development & Wellbeing
- Business Planning & Sales
- Branding & Marketing & Photography
- Web Design & SEO
- Tax, Accounting & Finance
The launch event will take place at The Botanist, Exeter on 8th March. The course is free, to enrol visit: Women in Business – Business & IP Centre Devon (librariesunlimited.org.uk)
Looking for ways to save money in 2023? Visit our cost of living resources page to view information, top tips and links to schemes and further support, including renewable options.
NEW recycling regulations for businesses
New legislation is coming soon, which will require all businesses, healthcare establishments and academic institutions to separate for recycling, glass bottles and jars, metal food and drink cans, plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays, paper and cardboard from their general waste. Food businesses such as cafes, restaurants, pubs or other premises preparing or selling food will also have to separate and recycle food waste.
Somerset has been chosen as one of five areas to pilot a new business support programme to inform and prepare businesses for the new recycling regulations. Somerset County Council (SCC) and Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP) are working with WRAP, a global sustainability charity, to deliver the pilot, which will take place for 10 weeks. For more information, please contact greenbusinesssupport@somerset.gov.uk
Green Business Grants - Teignbridge
Applications for Green Business Grants, the first of five projects to be launched with funding from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), are now open.
Teignbridge businesses keen to play their part in tackling climate change can apply for decarbonisation grants to help them reduce emissions and lower energy costs within their workplaces. £165,000 has been allocated for this financial year for Green Business Grants as part of the £1.6m UKSPF funding allocated to Teignbridge which runs until March 2025.
Companies can apply for grants ranging from £3,000 – £25,000 to pay for things like LED lighting, low energy heating systems, heat pumps, double/triple glazed windows and doors or thermal insulations.
Applications for grant funding (80% of the cost for businesses and 100% for charities and not for profit organisations) can be made here: teignbridge.gov.uk/greenbusinessgrant.
Funding will be allocated on a first come first served basis and must be spent by 31 March 2023.
We are hiring - Digital Business Advisor
Want to join our small but mighty team here at the Heart of the South West Growth Hub? We are looking for two Digital Business Advisers who can help businesses grow through enhanced understanding and exploitation of digital technologies.
Find out more: Digital Business Adviser X2 (Ref 4459) | DevonJobs | Apply Now
Devon & Somerset Events and Workshops
The Growth Hub has a dedicated page listing all the latest business events taking place across the South West. Plug those skills gaps and revisit that business plan. Below are just a few of the many funded (or free) events coming up:
Financial Empowerment for Small Businesses – Mon 27th Feb 10am Financial Empowerment for Small Businesses
Financial Resilience – Wed 1st March 9.30am https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/building-financial-resilience-somerset-business-resilience-series-tickets-538793424637
Breaking Down the Barriers for Women in Business – Wed 8th March 2023 10:00am Meeting Registration – Zoom
For more events aimed at SME’s, see our events and workshop pages
