Introduction
Please check this page regularly – more information will be added
UK Community Renewal Fund (Somerset)
The UK Community Renewal Fund is a UK Government programme for 2021/22. This aims to support people and communities most in need across the UK to pilot programmes and new approaches to prepare for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It invests in skills, community and place, local business, and supporting people into employment.
For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-community-renewal-fund-prospectus
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 one-to-one. 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 – This programme is for Somerset based businesses with ambitious growth plans. Receive free, in depth, one-to-one support for your business across a range of topics, from HR processes and training, help with intellectual property, to creating a decarbonisation plan, financial planning, creating a marketing strategy and developing an innovation plan. You can find out more.
4. High-Growth Catalyst Support – for 10 high growth potential businesses. It provides bespoke support linked to individual ‘step change’ business issues, blending one-to-one coaching, workshops, peer group guidance, business review panels and access to market-leading industry experts. Find out more.
5. Impact Lab Innovation Support – A unique opportunity is available for you to receive free specialist training from top University of Exeter academics to help you maximise your understanding of data analytics. Up-skill your team on how to more effectively exploit data to improve business performance, deliver ROI and generate results with stakeholders, customers and partners.
Registration is now open for free in-person training events, delivered by the University of Exeter and Somerset County Council.
No matter what size or sector your business is and regardless of whether your data analytics experience is basic or advanced, as long as you are based within the Somerset County Council region, you can register for a free space at one of the two sessions to enhance your data-analytics skill-set for business success.
Morning Training Event
Thursday 16 June 2022 – 10am to 12pm
Location: The Collar Factory, Taunton
Speakers:
- Dan Pritchard, Tech South West: the importance of data and tech in the region
- Prof Richard Everson, University of Exeter – Introduction to Data Science and what it could mean for your business, Overview of Data Science and AI and Useful data tools for businesses
- Dan Isaac, University of Exeter – A Data Visualisation Taster: How to Communicate Effectively with your Data and Key psychological and practical principles of effective data visualisation
Afternoon Training Event
Thursday 16 June 2022 – 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Location: The Collar Factory, Taunton
Speakers:
- Dan Pritchard, Tech South West on importance of data and tech in the region.
- Prof Richard Everson, University of Exeter – An Introduction to Machine Learning, Useful data tools for businesses and challenges for businesses and how to overcome them
Spaces are limited so email leah.watts@astleymedia.co.uk as so9on as possible, along with your name, job role, company name and address, to register for one of the following:
The University of Exeter are also running virtual focus group sessions in July, offering businesses in Somerset the chance to share their views on using data in exchange for a £20 gift voucher for either a local Somerset business or from Amazon. These focus groups will help University of Exeter and Somerset County Council better understand the data analytics needs of businesses to offer the right kind of support.
| Focus Group 1 | Virtual on Zoom | Thursday 7 July 2022 | 10am to 11.30am |
| Focus Group 2 | Virtual on Zoom | Thursday 7 July 2022 | 1pm to 2.30pm |
| Focus Group 3 | Virtual on Zoom | Thursday 7 July 2022 | 3pm to 4.30pm |
Businesses who take part in either the training events or the focus groups will have the opportunity to receive a free, specialist one-to-one knowledge transfer and innovation session provided by the University of the West of England (UWE).
To register for either a training events or focus group, or to find out more, email leah.watts@astleymedia.co.uk
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.