Creative East: Create Growth Programme
The Creative East: Create Growth Programme is a £1.275 million investment readiness and business support programme, funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, to boost growth in the creative industries across the East.
The 12-week package offers participants a bespoke programme of specialist seminars, round table events, one-to-one expert mentoring, pitching sessions and networking events, covering everything you ever needed to know to get your business in shape to take on investment and grow. Participants will be offered exclusive access to key experts in their field from the world of investment and creative industries.
To find out more and to register your interest, please visit: creativeeast.org.uk
Autumn Cohort 2024 – Open for Applications
This FREE 12-week programme of workshops running in Autumn 2024 takes place at Anglia Ruskin University in Peterborough. Businesses will receive exclusive access to industry leaders, sought-after advice, and tailored guidance. Connecting creative businesses with the resources, experts, and knowledge they need to grow. Read more.
Submit your application before September 2024.
Innovate UK Creative Catalyst 2024 Competition
UK registered micro or small businesses in the creative industries sector can apply for grants of up to £50,000, coupled with a package of tailored support, to grow their business. Read more.
Deadline: 6 March 2024 (11:00)
If you are interested in applying for this fund you may be eligible for support from
the Norfolk & Suffolk Innovation Grant Mentoring Project.
Run by Norfolk County Council, Suffolk County Council and the New Anglia Local
Enterprise Partnership (LEP) the free innovation mentoring and bid writing project helps
small to medium business owners or managers, including micro business owners and sole
traders, who are based in Norfolk or Suffolk to secure the funding they need to develop
their project ideas. Register your interest.
Business Support & Opportunities
Going International? BIPC Norfolk Event
5 April 2024, 10:30 – 12:30, Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library
Free session explaining how the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) supports and promotes British businesses to grow and export, with Leszek Wysocki, Trade Advisor for the DBT. Register here.
WoMENTA Programme
Supported by NatWest Business, the WoMENTA programme aims to empower aspiring female entrepreneurs in East Anglia. Providing a range of engaging training sessions designed to cover all aspects of entrepreneurship, from business planning to marketing strategies, financial management, and beyond. Read more.
Digital Springboard – Helping Businesses in East Suffolk
The Digital Springboard programme launched by MENTA, on behalf East Suffolk Council, offers free digital support to businesses in East Suffolk who may need help with creating or improving their website, online shop or social media presence. Read more.
Start-up Grant for Norfolk Businesses
The Business & IP Centre Norfolk in conjunction with MENTA Business, have launched a Business Start-Up Grant to help aspiring Norfolk business owners get their businesses up and running successfully.
Start-up and recently established small and micro businesses (trading for less than 24 months and under £250,000 projected first year turnover), based in Norfolk, may apply for grants of between £300 and £1,500 to assist with the purchase of equipment, stock, marketing or professional services that will kick-start establishing the business. Grants may be used to fund projects or activities costing in the range of £400 to £2,500, with a self-invested applicant contribution required of 25% (for projects of £400-£500), 30% (for projects of £501-£1,000) or 40% (for projects of £1,001-£2,500).
To find out more about the grant, email MENTA at heretohelp@menta.org.uk
Start, Build and Grow Business Programme
Start, Build and Grow is a FREE programme created for businesses in Ipswich, providing fully funded tailored support for participants to start and grow their enterprise and help to develop their business knowledge and skills.
The programme has been developed by Ipswich Borough Council in partnership with Business Growth Coaches Network, AMS Business Consultants and the University of Suffolk and is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The Small & Mighty Enterprise Programme
Small Business Britain is excited to deliver the Small & Mighty programme to help grow small businesses with expert guidance and mentoring.
This six-week programme to supercharge sole traders and micro businesses, concludes with a growth plan to support the next year of business opportunity. It will be delivered entirely online, allowing access from anywhere in the UK with flexible learning enabling opportunities for all.
Sign up here to find out about the next round of Small & Mighty programme.
Start-up: Business Training Programme, Business & IP Centre Norfolk
Start-up is a free online business training programme for those looking to start their own business, go self-employed or early stage businesses that have started within the last 12 months. Delivered by MENTA Business, it consists of webinars and one-to-ones and offers access to grant funding (subject to eligibility). Read More.
Apprenticeships Norfolk Support for Businesses
Apprenticeships Norfolk are committed to support Norfolk businesses who are looking to share their apprenticeship levy or those who are looking for additional apprenticeship funding through a levy transfer, encouraging circular economic benefits – keeping skills funding in Norfolk. Find out more here.
British Business Banks Start Up Loan Scheme Administered by Nwes
Nwes is the Regional Business Support Partner in the East of England and London for the British Business Banks Start Up Loan scheme.
A Start Up Loan is a personal loan of between £500 – £25,000 for business purposes for a term of 1 to 5 years at a fixed rate of 6% per annum. Applicants must be over the age of 18 and be starting a new business or have been trading for up to 36 months. Read more.
Nwes offers all applicants a one day Start Up Loan Virtual Workshop to work alongside its trainers and network with other entrepreneurs whilst producing a business plan and cashflow.
Norfolk & Suffolk Innovation Grant Mentoring Project
Free innovation mentoring and bid writing project, run by Norfolk County Council, Suffolk County Council and the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). Innovation funding helps companies develop new products or markets. The project helps small to medium business owners or managers, including micro business owners and sole traders, who are based in Norfolk or Suffolk to secure the funding they need to develop their project ideas. Register your interest.
Free Mentoring Programme for Arts and Culture Businesses
Get Ready for Business Growth’s mentoring programme is an Arts Council England funded scheme that gives you the chance to be mentored by a successful entrepreneur from the British Library BIPC’s scale-up programme. You will be guided through the challenging and rewarding process of running a high-growth business in the arts and culture sector. Find out more.
Help to Grow: Management Course with Norwich Business School
Help to Grow: Management is a 12-week applied course supporting managers and leaders of small and medium sized businesses. Delivered by Norwich Business School, the programme is accredited by the Small Business Charter, with funding support from HM Government. The course costs £750 and will be delivered with a mix of virtual and face-to-face classes. Expressions of interest can be made for March 2024. Read more.
Broadland & South Norfolk Business Builder Programme
The Business Builder programme provides funding advice and training to help local businesses to grow and prosper. Providing investment and support for new and existing businesses to help aid the economic growth of South Norfolk and Broadland. Read more.
Each local authority receives separate funding allowing Broadland District Council and South Norfolk Council to support businesses from this programme.
Monitor your carbon footprint with a free Rio license
Rio is a sustainability management platform which helps businesses monitor their environmental impact.
Norwich BID has a limited number of free Rio licenses to help Norwich businesses keep track of their carbon footprint. If you’re looking to reduce your carbon impact and save money on your bills, register for your free license here.
Energy Bills Discount Scheme
A new energy scheme for businesses, charities, and the public sector has been confirmed ahead of the current scheme ending in March. The new scheme will mean all eligible UK businesses and other non-domestic energy users will receive a discount on high energy bills until 31 March 2024. Read more.
Norfolk Chambers of Commerce Business Climate Leaders Programme
Norfolk Chambers of Commerce Business Climate Leaders programme aims to educate, enable and support SME businesses to seek and apply appropriate, tested actions and activities that will put them on the path to net zero.
Upcycle Your Waste
Interested in better waste management for your company, minimising waste costs and pollution into the environment? Upcycle Your Waste offers you a free, step by step programme, tailored to your needs. Read more.
Norwich Eco Hub
Norwich Eco Hub CIC aims to provide a ‘hub’ for people, social enterprises, charities, community groups and small businesses to meet, work and collaborate, to help build a more resilient and enviromentally sustainable local economy. Read more.
Carbon Charter Website – A business pathway to net zero carbon
The Carbon Charter provides support and recognition to small and medium sized businesses that commit to and adopt carbon reduction measures and sustainable business practices throughout Suffolk and Norfolk. Read more and sign up here.
Game Anglia – Games Development in East of England
Game Anglia is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company that helps the young people and independent game developers in the East of England get the connections, skills and experience needed to succeed in the UK-wide and international game development industry.
Norwich Upcycling Exchange
Norwich BID has launched the Norwich Upcycling Exchange, a website which connects businesses with Norwich waste producers to create a circular economy, providing a steady supply of free raw materials for enterprises and helping Norfolk businesses become more sustainable. Sign up to the online directory to offer or request materials.
WSC Sustainability for Businesses
Are you a Small or Medium sized enterprises (SME) based in East Anglia? West Suffolk College has a fully funded programme to support local SMEs (profit or not-for-profit are both eligible) across New Anglia (Suffolk/Norfolk) to support adoption of a sustainability approach within your business model, raising awareness, providing education, and offering support through resources and guidance. This programme is part funded by the European Social Fund and is one of the College’s business projects delivered through PLACE 21. Read more
Innovation Labs at University of Suffolk
The Innovation Labs at University of Suffolk (ILABS) has been established as a focal point for developing entrepreneurs, start-ups and promoting innovation.
The ILABS is a coworking community situated in The Atrium and close to the spectacular Ipswich Waterfront, providing access to hot desk space, networking and collaborative opportunities and with access to our Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange team. Read more.
Think Lowestoft
Visit the Think Lowestoft website to join the Virtual Creative Hub and add your creative enterprise to their free online Creative Directory.
The virtual creative hub is a place for artists, makers, freelancers, and organisations to connect, collaborate, and share ideas with other like-minded people. They want to increase confidence, experimentation, and growth, and will accomplish this by cultivating connections, providing business support, and supporting the sector by raising the profile and public awareness of the emerging creative sector.
The Business & IP Centre (BIPC) Norfolk
Supporting you from that first spark of inspiration to successfully starting and developing a business in Norfolk. The BIPC offers free and low-cost access to business intelligence, market research, one-to-one advice, workshops, networking and support. Visit the BIPC Eventbrite page for a full list of events.
MENTA Networking Events
MENTA Thursday networking events are held at locations across Norfolk and Suffolk with monthly morning events in Haverhill, Bury St. Edmunds, Woodbridge and Norwich.
New Anglia Growth Hub Free Business Support
New Anglia Growth Hub’s business advisers offer free support and guidance for businesses, they can help you find out more about the latest Government schemes and a range of local initiatives and funding schemes.
Go Digital Funding Programme
Go Digital is for micro, small and medium sized businesses based in Norfolk who want to make better use of digital tools to help them grow. Read more
Opportunities
DEBACE 2024 Deutsche Bank Awards for Creative Entrepreneurs
DBACE supports visionary creative entrepreneurs over 18 who are driven by a mission to build and sustain social value through their enterprise. 5 winners will share the £60,000 prize fund plus a year of tailored business support from MeWe360. Read more.
Deadline: 2 April 2024
Open Call for Artist in Residence 2024-2025 – The Halls, Norwich
We are excited to announce an open call for a designer or graphic artist who can research the fascinating history of the Halls and tell its stories through text and images. Fee: £3,500. Read more.
Deadline 21 February 2024
Cultural Consultancy Firm Sought to Produce a Cultural and Heritage Strategy for King’s Lynn and West Norfolk
Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk are in the process of procuring an organisation to help them and work with their communities to prepare a cultural and heritage strategy for King’s Lynn and West Norfolk. Read more.
Please email procurementtenders@west-norfolk.gov.uk to request a copy of the RFQ.
Julie’s Bicycle: Creating Now For The Future – Paid Opportunity
Julie’s Bicycle is looking for a group of freelancers to join Creating Now For The Future – a new steering group that will co-design resources on sustainable, ethical & responsible practice tailored for individuals making creative work. Read more.
Deadline: 4 March 2024
Norfolk Arts Awards 2024 Open for Nominations
The Norfolk Arts Awards is a celebration of the very best of arts and culture from around the county. Industry professionals are invited to nominate candidates for the 11 award categories. To be eligible for a Norfolk Arts Awards the project, organisation, or practise must be based in Norfolk. Read more. Email events@autumnfestivalofnorfolk.org.
Deadline for Nominations: 15 March 2024, 5pm
FUSE 2024
FUSE 2024 is Collusion’s new collective of young creatives (age 17-30). Members will become ‘colluders’ in Collusion’s work, join a creative community and gain industry insights and career support. Starting on 30 January FUSE 2024 will meet monthly on Tuesday evenings at the White Barn, King’s Lynn. Register here.
Screen Skills: Apply now for Trainee Finder 2024-25
Are you looking to start your screen journey? Trainee Finder is ScreenSkills’ flagship new entrant programme offering paid placements across a range of roles in film and TV production. Read more about the programme and apply to take part. Read more.
Free digital training programme 2024 & Circular by WCCE x Making Design Circular
World Crafts Council Europe (WCCE) in collaboration with Making Design Circular (MDC), is pleased to announce the launch of a new mass open online course (MOOC) Circular by WCEE x MDC with Katie Treggiden on circularity and sustainability, and is geared towards makers, craftspeople, innovators, designers, creatives and stakeholders, both within the cultural and creative industries and beyond. Read more.
Creative Enterprise Screen Growth Course
A FREE dynamic and innovative self-paced online course designed to empower creative entrepreneurs in the screen industry. This course, Created by Creative Enterprise, funded by the BFI and the National Lottery, will equip participants with the essential knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the creative business landscape, providing the key building blocks for a successful and sustainable screen enterprise. Read more.
Sign up to become a Big Norfolk Holiday Fun Provider
Big Norfolk Holiday Fun (BNHF) is a programme designed to help children and young people in Norfolk get active and have fun over the holidays.
Want to take part? Whether you offer physical activity, creative activities, cultural sessions or anything else, Active Norfolk want to hear from you. To get started, download the application pack here.
Troop: Artist Membership Scheme, Cambridge Junction
Troop is Cambridge Junction’s Artist Membership scheme for performance makers living and working in Cambridge or the East of England, with benefits and opportunities designed to build the community of artists and support the quality of work being produced regionally, and to help develop the local scene. Membership costs £20 for a year and gives the following benefits: scratch nights and performance opportunities, creative masterclasses & practical workshops, space & time to develop work, networking and advisory sessions.
Norfolk & Waveney Arts and Health Collaborative
Norfolk & Waveney Arts and Health Collaborative, led by UEA and NUA, is a network of creative arts, culture and heritage organisations supporting health, care, and wellbeing. The project is creating a database of organisations (Universities, Arts Organisations, Charities, Businesses, Freelancers etc.), projects, activities and funding streams for creative arts and health in the Norfolk and Waveney area. Click here to join the database.
Sir Norman Lamb Coalition for Young People
Sir Norman Lamb and Norfolk Community Foundation have established an innovative Coalition of Norfolk-based VCSE organisations working with children and young people to enrich their lives. By providing access to shared resources and opportunities, sharing good practice, raising the profile of the work groups do, and linking up with larger countywide and national networks, the Coalition will enable groups to have a seat at the table and grow as an organisation. Find out how to become a member
Emerging Creatives Professional Network – FLOCK!
FLOCK is a free creative network for those aged 18-25, emerging onto the arts and cultural scene in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. If you are looking, or know someone who wants to meet like-minded creatives, gain new professional local contacts, and hear about creative career opportunities and get access to exclusive commissions, then encourage them to check FLOCK out!
Events
SyncNorwich
SyncNorwich is Norwich’s Tech and Startup community, bringing entrepreneurs, designers, marketeers, business people and developers together. It holds startup pitches, showcasing 4 new startups every 2 months, and startup workshops on alternate months. Read more.
Upcoming events: Norwich Startup Stories – 19 February 2024, 16:30-19:00, Fuel Studios, Norwich
Norfolk Game Developers
Norfolk Game Developers are a welcoming community for local game creators of all experience & backgrounds. Read more.
Upcoming Events:
February Meetup @ Norwich University of the Arts! – 27 February 2024, 18:45-20:45, NUA Duke Street, Norwich
March’s Show and Tell at Artlist! – 26 March 2024, 19:00-21:00, Artlist (FXHome) Offices, Norwich
Moving Forwards CPD Programme for Movement Artists
Moving Forwards is a 6 month CPD programme run by Movement Connects, a network for Movement Artists in East Anglia. Sessions take place on: 23 March, 21 April and 12 May. Book here.
Moving Forwards – Financial Literacy series
An online Financial Literacy workshop series delivered by Sara Wookey as part of the Moving Forward programme. Book here.
Mental Wellbeing and Finances – 5 March 2024, 10:00 – 12:00
Being and staying debt free – 9 April 2024, 10:00 – 12:00
Financial Goals and Vision – 7 May 2024, 10:00 – 12:00
Norfolk County Council Bid Writing Workshops
Starting on 31 January, NCC will be holding online bid writing workshops from 11:00 to 15:00 on the last Wednesday of every month, throughout 2024. The workshops include sample bids and an exploration of how to design outcomes for social impact. Contact graham.phillips@norfolk.gov.uk if you are interested in attending.
The Arts Fundraising & Philanthropy 2023-24 Training Programme
The Arts Fundraising & Philanthropy 2023-24 Training Programme includes application writing, crowdfunding and digital fundraising and is appropriate for arts fundraisers at all levels. Book here.
ART // TECH // PLAY Programme, Collusion
The ART // TECH // PLAY programme supports artists and creatives to build confidence and knowledge of creative technologies in a practice-led way, leading to the development of new creative practice, ideas, and networks. Find out more.
Upcoming Events
ART // TECH // PLAY LIVE NORWICH – 18:00 – 20:30, 5 March 2024, Norwich University of the Arts
A Life in Brand
Tuesday 27 February, 18:00, The Forum, Norwich
A conversation with Robert Jones a Brand Strategy Expert and founder of Brandland, an organisations which brings together a community of brand managers, strategists, designers, marketers – and anyone working with or interested in brands and branding, in and around Norwich. Book here.
Creative Catalyst Peer Network: Grant Writing Workshops
28 February 2024, Online
Are you a digital or creative business thinking about applying for the Innovate UK grant? This session will cover tips and advice on writing a successful grant application, hosted by Richard Foggie, Knowledge Transfer Manager, Digital Economy and Internet of Things, Innovate UK. Register here.
The Big Creative UK Summit 2024 – Virtual Co:Labs
7-8 March 2024, 9:30-17:00, Online, Pay What You Can or Free
Join Creative UK to hear how creative leaders, entrepreneurs, and organisations are harnessing technologies to carve out our shared future, utilising the power of creativity to adapt, build resilience, forge innovations and impact society. Book here.
Craft Council Business Booster Sessions
Is there an aspect of your craft business that you are struggling to resolve? The Crafts Council has been supporting makers and small craft businesses for 50 years. If you need some advice book a session with their Business Skills team (cost £60), there are a limited number of sessions available each month. Read more.
Health Education England (HEE) Wider Children’s Workforce Mental Health Training
As part of Norfolk County Councils Flourish programme the Anna Freud Centre, Charlie Waller Trust and National Children’s Bureau are piloting new mental health training for the wider children’s workforce. This FREE online training will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to better understand and support the mental health needs of children and young people. Click here to see available training dates and book your place.
Introduction to Climate Change Awareness Course
A free, online course has been launched to support individuals and businesses to learn about the impacts of climate change and improve their understanding of environmental issues facing communities in Suffolk and beyond. Read more.
itc: independant theatre council Training
itc training courses are designed to provide you with a resilient toolkit of essential skills and specialist knowledge needed to run a performing arts company successfully.
See the latest courses and book here
The Hour Collective: Coaching for Artists by Artists
The Hour Collective supports you to find clarity about how, where, when and what to do on your own terms – to explore options, make decisions, test new approaches, to move forwards. We work with all artists including visual artists, writers, musicians, performers, choreographers, architects, curators, designers.
Artsadmin Creative Support Sessions
Free one-to-one support service for UK-based artists working in contemporary performance, at any stage of their career. Sessions are informal and artist-led, offering an opportunity to talk about anything from artistic ideas and project development to funding and contexts for your work. Book a Zoom session with one of the team.
Digital Culture Network Events
The Digital Culture Network has developed a series of FREE webinars to support arts & cultural organisations and businesses.
Norfolk Chambers of Commerce Events
A series of FREE virtual events which support businesses to restart, rebuild and renew. Click here to see the latest events.
Funding
Babergh and Mid Suffolk – Rural England Prosperity Fund Grants
Three new grant schemes providing capital grants of between £5,000 and £10,000 to small businesses, visitor economy organisations and community organisations in the district’s rural areas:
Apply to the Rural Business Growth Fund
Apply to the Rural Culture & Creativity Fund
Apply to the Rural Communities Fund
UK Games Prototype Fund
This fund is open for expressions of interest (EOI) from those who want to be invited to apply for the next round. Established companies with a game development project at an early stage can apply for grants up to £30,000, if invited. Read more.
Cambridge, Huntingdonshire and South Cambridgeshire – Green Business Impact Programme
This scheme provides grants of up to £5,000 to support local SMEs based in Cambridge, South Cambridgeshire or Huntingdonshire in their efforts to reduce carbon emissions, lower utility expenses, and embrace sustainable practices, as part of the wider UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme. Read more.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
The Prince William BAFTA Bursary
Bursaries of up to £2,000 is available to help assist junior creatives with the costs of progressing their career in film, games or television. Read more.
Deadline: 29 February 2024
Fenland Start-up Business Support Programme
A programme of support, including grant funding of up to £10,000, for Fenland businesses in Cambridgeshire that have been operating for less than 12 months, as part of the wider UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme. Read more.
Deadline for Expressions of Interest: 29 February 2024
ACE Project Grants: Supporting Grassroots Music
Grants of between £1,000 & £40,000 to support rehearsal and recording studios, promoters, festivals, and venues for live and electronic music performance are available until March 2025. Read more.
Bloomberg Philanthropies – Digital Accelerator Programme
Grants of up to £150,000 are available for not-for-profit cultural organisations across the UK to invest in and strengthen digital infrastructure. Read more.
Deadline 13 March 2024
Suffolk – UK Shared Prosperity Fund: Business Grant Scheme
Grants of between £5,000 and £10,000 are available to support small and medium-sized enterprises in Suffolk to grow and become more productive, to encourage innovation and to become more environmentally sustainable, as part of the wider UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme. Read more.
Businesses wishing to apply or for further guidance and support should first contact New Anglia Growth Hub to discuss their project ideas, email: info@newangliagrowthhub.co.uk
Creative Growth Finance II Fund
Creative UK and Triodos Bank have launched the new £35 million Creative Growth Finance II fund to offer loans of £100,000 to £1m that will help businesses to grow. The fund is aimed at established creative industries businesses working in Film, TV, Media, Immersive and Video Games, Advertising & Marketing, Digital & Creative Tech, Creative Software Solutions, Fashion, Architecture, Music and Publishing in the United Kingdom who are looking to scale-up and grow. Read more.
North Norfolk – UK Shared Prosperity Fund: Rural Business and Communities Grant
Grants are available to local enterprises (£10,000 – £100,000) in North Norfolk to invest in capital projects, such as the refurbishment of buildings, small capital build projects or the purchase of equipment, tools or machinery to expand growth, move towards net zero or diversify business activity. Read more.
UnLtd – Awards for Social Entrepreneurs
Funding of up to £18,000 and specialist support are available for UK social entrepreneurs to help them develop as social leaders, and to start up or grow their idea for a social venture. Read more.
Deadline 31 March 2024
Deadline: Applications are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Growth Works Revenue Grants, HM Government
Revenue Grants of up to £20,000 are available to SMEs in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to support the costs of commissioning external support that is currently acting as a direct barrier to business growth. Read more.
Creative Enterprise Business Builder Grants
Grant initiative designed to support companies who work in moving image for storytelling, spanning film television, games, animation and immersive industries. With grants of up to £2,500, beneficiaries will be able to work with a consultant to build meaningful connections and create opportunities for business growth. Read more.
DCMS UK Games Fund Content Fund
Creative developers and start-up games studios in the UK can bid for grants to turn their new video game ideas into market leaders. Funding can be used for staff and contractor costs for hands-on development activity. £5 million is available over 18 months (from September 2023) to get games ready to release. Individual grants of between £50,000 and £150,000 will be awarded. Read more.
Video Games Tax Credit Loan, Barclays
Available for both TV & film, as well as Video Game Development Companies, Tax Credit Loans enable you to receive advance funds against future tax credits you will receive from HMRC. There is a minimum lending value of £100,000, up to 90% of the tax credit amount (subject to status).The usual term of this lending product is under 12 months. Read more.
Breckland Council Meanwhile Enterprise Grant Scheme
As part of the Meanwhile Enterprise Grant Scheme, Breckland Council are offering business support and financial incentives to local businesses who are looking to occupy empty commercial premises in and around its market towns. It’s developed 3 packages under the current programme which include grants of between £4,000 and £10,000 depending on the package. Read more.
Babergh & Mid Suffolk Business Innovation Support Scheme
The Business Innovation Support Scheme is designed to specifically support local businesses by increasing productivity and encouraging economic growth. There are 4 new grants that will help local businesses from start-up to expansion:
- Enterprise & Innovation Fund (up to £5,000)
- Growth & Increased Productivity Fund (up to £2,500)
- Environmental Sustainability Fund (up to £2,500)
- High Street Premises Enhancement Fund (up to £2,500)
The minimum application value is £500 and any grant will need to be matched with an equal sum of money. Read more.
Development Grant and Support, Broadland District Council
Grant funding to encourage and support the growth and development of established micro businesses and SMEs within the Broadland district. Grants of up to £5,000 are available (up to 50% of eligible costs). Read more.
Build Up Grant and Support, Broadland District Council
Grant funding of up to £1,000 to encourage and support entrepreneurs with the development of newly started businesses within the Broadland district. Read more.
Shakespeare’s Guildhall Trust Fund – Norfolk, Norfolk Community Foundation
Grants of up to £5,000 are available to provide opportunities for local communities to get more involved in a range of creative, cultural and heritage activities in King’s Lynn. The fund will operate on a rolling basis, with decisions being made in April and October. Read more.
Help Musicians – Touring and Live Support
Financial support of up to £5,000 is available for professional musicians in the UK towards the cost of performing live and touring. Support may be accessed at any time. Read more.
Actors’ Benevolent Fund – Cost of Living Grant
Grants of £500 to £750 are available to actors and stage managers in the UK to help with the rise in the cost of living. Applications for the Cost-of-Living Grant are open the first week of each month for 1 week only. Read more.
The Eaton Fund – Grants for Artists
Small grants of up to £300 are available to support visual artists, including art students, resident in the UK with making a one-off specific purchase to support their work. Read more.
Music Venue Trust Pipeline Investment Fund
The Pipeline Investment Fund (PIF), a new grant-giving fund established by Music Venue Trust, is open for small-scale grant applications (up to £5,000) from UK-based grassroots music venues to support two areas of work: small-scale capital applications and staff & training. Read more.
Big Issue Invest Energy Saving Loans
Big Issue Invest is offering loan finance between £20,000 to £150,000 to social enterprises and charities in England, for energy efficiency and renewable energy installation. Register your interest here.
Suffolk County Council Renewable Energy Fund
Funding is intended to help businesses in Suffolk reduce energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint by supporting the installation of solar PV at their premises.
Support may be accessed at any time. Read more.
Jim Jackson Enabling and Educational Foundation
Support is available to help disadvantaged young people between the ages of 16 and 24 in the south and south east of England become successful by enabling them to pursue their own aims to enter the world of business. Support is in the form of education, mentoring and funding. Applications can be made at any time. Read more.
DCMS Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme
The Government is providing up to £210m worth of voucher funding as immediate help for people suffering from slow broadband speeds in rural areas.
Vouchers worth up to £1,500 for homes and £3,500 for businesses help to cover the costs of installing gigabit broadband to people’s doorsteps.
You can check whether your premises is eligible for a voucher, find a list of registered suppliers, and see those who are active in your area here.
a-n Artists Bursaries 2022-23
Funding of £500 – £1,500 in the form of bursaries is available to help support UK artists working in the visual arts with continued professional practice and creative development. From September 2022 until March 2023, a-n will be trialling a monthly distribution of bursaries. Read more.
Grant schemes for electric vehicle charging infrastructure
The government offers grants to support the wider use of electric and hybrid vehicles via the Office of Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV). This includes The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) a voucher-based scheme that provides support towards the up-front costs of the purchase and installation of electric vehicle charge-points, for eligible businesses, charities and public sector organisations.
New Anglia LEP Business Transition to Net Zero Grant
Grants available to businesses in Norfolk and Suffolk for capital development projects that aim to reduce their carbon footprint and increase productivity. Grants between £25,000 and £100,000 are available. Read more
Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils Pathways Training Fund
Part funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), training is being offered by a network of local providers to individuals employed by Norfolk and Suffolk SME businesses in these ‘must have’ areas: Digital Skills and Industry 4.0, Leadership, Management, Project Management and Mentoring, Customer Service and Client Relationship Management, Health and Well-being and Innovation training for new ideas, ways of working, products and services, Net Zero. The PTF will fund up to 75% of the total training costs, with grants capped at £500.00 per employee/£3,000 per employer.
Interested applicants are invited to contact sparc@suffolk.gov.uk for a copy of the guidance and the online eligibility form.
Pathways 50+
Working in partnership with Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils and part funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), Futures for Business has launched Pathways 50+, a programme supporting local SMEs as well as individuals aged 50+ looking for quality paid work placements. Employers based in Norfolk or Suffolk can access a grant worth £1,950 to support the recruitment of a person aged 50+ with the creation of a work placement.
To find out more please email pathway50@futuresforbusiness.com
Grants 4 Norfolk
Looking for funding? Try the FREE Norfolk County Council search facility serving both businesses and communities. Local, regional and national funding opportunities available. Register here.
Babergh & Mid Suffolk Grants
Business Innovation Support Scheme
The Business Innovation Support Scheme (BISS) will cover 50% of the costs (up to £2,500 (or £5,000 for the Enterprise and Innovation Fund)) towards projects that encourage innovation and economic growth.The aim of the scheme is to support businesses who want to innovate, reduce their carbon footprint and stimulate the local economy.
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council Community Funding
Through the Community Grants team at the Councils, a range of grants are available for projects that have clear community benefits within the two districts.
Power to Change
Open and upcoming funding programmes for community businesses.
CROWDMATCH: Providing a match-funding incentive to maximise community business crowdfunding.
POWERING UP: Support for community businesses shifting from an emergency mindset to investing in future planning. The initial phase provides support for improving digital skills.
BOOSTER: Supporting community businesses to launch a community share offer with grants and match funding.
REBOOST: Supporting community businesses to raise community shares capital to aid their recovery from Covid-19.
British Business Bank Start Up Loans
Start or grow your own business with a Start Up Loan:
- Borrow up to £25,000
- Fixed interest rate of 6% per annum (per year)
- Repay over a term of 1–5 years
- 12 months of free mentoring
- Government-backed
Creative UK Investment Funding
Start Up Loans: Creative UK has partnered with the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans scheme to unlock new and important finance opportunities for people working across the creative industry in the UK. If you’ve started a business in the last two years, Start Up Loans can help you develop your creative pursuit, offering personal loans of up to £25,000.
Creative Growth Finance: Is a landmark fund providing vital scale up finance to the UK’s most promising creative businesses. Finance will be directed to post-revenue creative businesses presenting promising growth potential and who: bring change, disruption and new IP to the creative industries, harness creativity with technologies and supporting businesses, are talent led. Loans of £100,000 – £500,000 are available across all UK regions.
New Anglia Growth Hub Finance and Funding
The Growth Hub has access to experts and suppliers across a number of different funding approaches for various industries or projects.
News
Norfolk Arts Service: The Arts in Norfolk an Overview 2021-22
Norfolk Arts Service’s latest annual report, The Arts in Norfolk: An Overview 2021-22, has been written for use in a wide range of internal and external contexts to advocate for the role, value and contribution of the arts in Norfolk and to illustrate the significant economic, social and health-related impacts achieved by sustained Norfolk County Council arts investment.
The report highlights the outstanding contribution that our arts organisations, community arts groups and artists have made over the last year. Read the report here.
Creative PEC State of the Nations Research Series
Creative PEC’s new ‘State of the Nations’ series, uses the latest data to inform policymakers on how best to support the creative sector across four thematic areas. The first report ‘Geographies of Creativity’ shines a light on the role of microclusters in the creative industries, and explains why creative clusters are good targets for intervention and investment, and a key engine for economic growth in the UK. Read more.
Cultural Mobility Funding Guide
This updated edition of the Funding Guide, published by On the Move with Arts Infopoint UK, gathers and presents information on the organisations and programmes that provide financial support to artists and culture professionals who wish to travel internationally for their work from and/or to the United Kingdom as well as British Crown Dependencies and UK Overseas Territories. Download the guide here.
New Plans for the Future of UK’s Creative Industries
The Government and the Creative Industries Council have published their vision for the UK creative industries, an ambitious plan to grow the sector by £50 billion and support a million more jobs by 2030. Key areas addressed include strengthening creative clusters, supporting talent development, and aligning education with industry needs. Read the Vision here.
CULTURE DRIVES IMPACT: The Norfolk and Suffolk Culture Board Manifesto
This Manifesto sets out the shared ambition of the Norfolk and Suffolk Culture Board (NSCB) for culture to drive impact as we recover from the Covid-19 pandemic and as we foster opportunities for long-term renewal. It is based on an 18-month journey which has involved consultation, listening and development to explore the priorities and aspirations of the cultural sector in and across Norfolk and Suffolk.
The Manifesto and New Anglia LEP Cultural Strategy Evidence Report can be downloaded here.
The Creative Industries and the Climate Emergency
The AHRC-funded Creative PEC and Julie’s Bicycle have published the first ever sector by sector overview of climate and environmental sustainability in the creative industries.
From advertising to visual arts, it looks at each sub-sector’s environmental impact, charts a path to sustainability, highlights obstacles to progress, and sets out priorities for research and support. Read the report here.
New ACE Creative Health & Wellbeing Plan
Arts Council England’s new Creative Health & Wellbeing plan sets out how they’re going to work within health and social care, and promote collaboration between organisations and practitioners in the creative and health sectors.
How and why rural creative businesses cluster together, Creative Industries Policy & Evidence Cente (PEC) led by nesta
New research published by the PEC – in partnership with the National Innovation Centre
for Rural Enterprise (NICRE) – finds that creative micro-clusters are spread widely across
England, with around a third of all rural creative firms operating within a cluster. They have also developed an interactive map tool that lets you explore the rural creative
microclusters.
Arts Council England Delivery Plan 2021-24
To achieve the vision of Let’s Create, ACE will publish a series of Delivery Plans over the next decade. These will set out in more detail the steps it will take to deliver Let’s Create and how it will resource them. The first Delivery Plan covers 2021-24. Its a live document, which will be added to and updated over the coming months and years. Read More
Creative UK Report
The UK Creative Industries is the first report of its kind, exploring the power and potential of the UK’s creative industries to regenerate places, rebuild the economy, drive innovation and create jobs in all parts of the UK. Read more
