Introduction
Please check this page regularly – more information will be added
UK Community Renewal Fund (Somerset)
The UK Community Renewal Fund (UKCRF) was announced in the government budget on 3 March 2021. The Fund is to support people and communities most in need across the UK, creating opportunities to trial new approaches and innovative ideas at the local level. All programmes are part funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund and must be completed by 30 June 2022
Unlocking Somerset Prosperity
Unlocking Somerset Prosperity (USP) offers five programmes which will benefit businesses and entrepreneurs across Somerset. These are led by Somerset County Council working in partnership with the four District Councils and delivery partners.
USP includes the following activities:
1. Pre-start, Re-start and Start Up Support Package
If you’re in Somerset and thinking of, or have already set up your business as a start-up, but are struggling with some of the more daunting aspects, this package, will give you everything you need to get the groundwork nailed and your first customer on the books. There is a combination of flexible and digital direct learning modules and 1-2-1 advice. Book your workshop here
2. Local Network and Cluster Support
Grants are available to support the strengthening of existing and, where gaps exist, the creation of new business networks / clusters (including social enterprise). Up to 30 grants are available. Find out more, or to apply
3. Business Growth Support Programme – for 30 small and medium sized businesses with a focus on priority sectors and their supply chains. It combines flexible 1-2-1 advisory and mentoring support with access to 100% grant funding for revenue projects that boost the pace and scale of development, transformation, innovation, decarbonisation and employment growth. The initial round of applications has now closed. More details about a second application round are coming soon.
4. High-Growth Catalyst Support – for 10 high growth potential businesses notably from strategic target sectors. It builds on the previous Somerset Catalyst programme and provides bespoke support linked to individual ‘step change’ business issues, blending 1-2-1 coaching, digital workshops, peer group guidance, business review panels and access to market-leading industry experts. Find out more, or to apply
5. Impact Lab Innovation Support – The University of Exeter and Somerset County Council are offering Somerset-based businesses the opportunity to explore how Data Science could help with their activities benefit from free training from University of Exeter experts in the area of data analytics. Businesses who take part will also have the opportunity to apply for a free specialist one to one knowledge transfer and innovation session provided by the University of the West of England (UWE).
The criteria for businesses to apply is:
- A small, medium or large business who uses data and could benefit from further data analytics expertise or has ambition and potential for innovation.
- Not limited to but to include business in, or supplying, growth sectors such as clean growth, aerospace, digital, agri-tech, for example.
- Must be based within the Somerset County Council area.
If you are a business that meets the criteria, please register for one of the following training events by email to leah.watts@astleymedia.co.uk by Wednesday 20 April 2022.
| Training event 1 | Tuesday 10 May 2022 10am to 12pm | Collar Factory, Taunton | Speakers: Dan Pritchard from Tech South West on importance of data and tech in the region, Prof Richard Everson, University of Exeter on Data Science and Dan Isaac from University of Exeter on Data Visualisation |
| Training event 2 | Tuesday 10 May 2022 1.30pm to 3.30pm | Collar Factory, Taunton | Speakers: Dan Pritchard from Tech South West on importance of data and tech in the region and Speaker TBC from University of Exeter on Machine Learning |
| Training event 3 | Monday 9 May 2022 10am to 11.45am | Virtual on Zoom | Speakers: Dan Pritchard from Tech South West on importance of data and tech in the region and Dan Isaac from University of Exeter on Data Visualisation |
| Training event 4 | Monday 9 May 2022 1pm to 2.45pm | Virtual on Zoom | Speakers: Dan Pritchard from Tech South West on importance of data and tech in the region and Stefan Siegert from University of Exeter on Introduction to Machine Learning |
6.Focus Group sessions – Are you a business that faces challenges and issues using data in your organisation? We would like to hear from you. Why not take part in one of the University of Exeter’s virtual focus group events? Share your experiences and learn from others. Date options are as follows, please register if interested:
| Focus Group 1 | Virtual on Zoom | Tuesday 26 April 2022 | 10am to 11.30am |
| Focus Group 2 | Virtual on Zoom | Tuesday 26 April 2022 | 1pm to 2.30pm |
| Focus Group 3 | Virtual on Zoom | Tuesday 26 April 2022 | 3pm to 4.30pm |
Place numbers are limited so if you are interested in signing up for a focus group or want to find out more, please email leah.watts@astleymedia.co.uk by Wednesday 20 April 2022.
Please check this page regularly – more information will be added.
Grant funding for business groups, clusters and networks
Business groups (including Social Enterprises), networks and clusters working in the Somerset County Council business area or those looking to set up new groups can apply for grant funding. The grants are to aid recovery from Covid, it is particularly targeted at those most affected by the economic impacts of the Covid pandemic (for example, younger people and the over-50s).
Grant Funding
Supporting Business Groups, Social Enterprises, Network and Clusters.
Grant Applications
The Council is looking for applications for grants up to £5k, please highlight any in-kind Contribution as part of your application.
Grant applications are permitted
1. To support employment
2. To support growth, change and re-starting
3. To enable shared learning
4. To develop collaborative projects
5. To develop community led interventions
6. To develop decarbonisation plans.
Note – Companies or organisations who are Community Interest Companies (CICs) or Not-for-Profit companies are also eligible for grant awards.