New Year, New Grants
 Spring 2024 will see new rounds of both the Innovation and Resilience Fund and the Creative East Devon Fund open for applications.
The Innovation and Resilience Fund is a business grant scheme that supports projects that will create jobs, improve productivity, and enable diversification. Information on previous rounds can be found on our website.
The Creative East Devon Fund is open to members of Arts and Culture East Devon to support projects that enhance the local cultural offering, enable greater engagement with the arts, and develop creative enterprise and skills. The list of successful projects in Round 1 can be found on the ACED website. The next round will open in April 2024.
Spring will also see the launch of our Carbon Action Programme (CAP) which contains two elements:
1) Decarbonisation Support - eligible businesses and community organisations will be offered specialist, on-site support to create a carbon footprint survey and action plan alongside free training and workshops (from Spring 2024)
2) Carbon Action Fund - businesses and community organisations with a carbon footprint survey and action plan will be able to apply for funding for decarbonisation equipment (Autumn 2024)
 If your New Year's Resolution is to reduce your businesses carbon footprint, there are some great support opportunities available through Prosper, our fully funded business support programme. Join them on the 7th of Feb for a free 'Net Zero and Sustainability' Workshop, including insights to help your business thrive, save money, and lower your carbon, plus a free networking lunch with other likeminded businesses!
Register today to reserve your spot!
Need more guidance?
With Prosper, you can have 1:1 support with an experienced business adviser to make it possible to reach your decarbonisation and net zero business goals.
Get your questions answered by registering today: Prosper sign up - Heart of sw growthhub
Further free decarbonisation support and guidance can be found on our website.
East Devon Tourism Network Update
 After the successful delivery of four fantastic events in 2023, we are thrilled to announce the East Devon Tourism Network will be back to deliver more opportunities to hear from tourism leaders and network with peers in 2024. Based on the shared values of sustainability, accessibility, quality and collaboration, the network brings tourism businesses together to share best practice and gain insight into topical issues.
The East Devon Tourism Network is free to join, but all members are invited to align with and commit to the values of the network. Businesses interested joining the network are encouraged to express their interest at: tourismnetwork@eastdevonexcellence.co.uk.
The first event of 2024 will be held at River Cottage on the 27th of February. It will delve into the impact that local food and drink can have on elevating the visitor experience and promoting sustainable tourism. It is open to all tourism and hospitality businesses to exchange creative approaches to support each other and identify strategies for collaboration.
Tourism and hospitality businesses can register for the event on Eventbrite.
 East Devon and Exeter Enterprise Zone Updates
The East Devon and Exeter Enterprise Zone is enjoying a renewed focus on clean growth, since its new identity was launched last September (see photos). Featuring four key employment sites: Exeter Science Park, Skypark, Power Park and Cranbrook town centre, it can accommodate a wide range of business needs. Check out the case studies of innovative businesses from around the Zone. Updates from the Zone include:
- A new net zero hotel is under construction at Exeter Science Park and the Park has high quality, EPC A+ lab or office space available
- Skypark currently has units for small and medium-sized businesses available from ONYX Business Parks
- Residents have contributed to Cranbrook town centre’s consultation on its future and a masterplan is due later this year
- Power Park benefits from a Local Development Order (LDO) which provides simplified planning on the site.
Get in touch to find out more
Exeter Science Park – Spotlight On Digital Tech Event
 Heart of the South West Growth Hub are holding a FREE 'Spotlight on Digital Tech' event on 24th January 2024 from 9am – 1pm at Exeter Science Park. Speakers from Cosmic and Bigwave Marketing will teach you how to create a Digital Business Action Plan and navigating social media trends.
There’ll be light refreshments & breakfast pastries and an opportunity for you to connect and network with other like-minded business owners.
There are only a few tickets left, so book your place now!
Exeter Property Circle Comes to East Devon!
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 Come along to this exciting EPC event at The Sidmouth Harbour Hotel on the 1st of Feb!
The Guest Speaker will be EDDC's Andy Wood who heads up our Growth, Development and Prosperity Service and leads on the implementation of the Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone. Hear him speak about our major projects, delivered District to secure clean and inclusive growth within the outstanding natural environment. Anyone working within business in the local area is welcome, so please do invite your colleagues and friends.
Networking and drinks start from 5pm. Tickets cost £12 and all money raised goes to local charities. Book your tickets using the link below.
 Staffing Support from the University of Exeter's Employment Team
If you need support with projects or challenging tasks and you don't have the resource, consider employing an Exeter student to help you. The Student Employment Team can support local employers through different schemes to connect you to the student community with ease. Discover more below...
Green Consultants - offers employers the opportunity to work with inspired University of Exeter students, keen to start their careers in the environmental and sustainability sector.
Student Business Partnership - recruit current students into your business.
Access to Internships (A2i) - can provide employers with funding to offset the cost of hiring a University of Exeter student on a paid internship in the UK.
Graduate Business Partnership - supports employers from a range of sectors, to recruit recent graduates into early career job roles.
Bank of England Comes to Axminster
 For the first time ever, the Bank of England is holding its Economic Update in East Devon to support the strong business communities in rural and market towns. The event, held in Axminster, will cover the Bank's latest analysis and forecasts on GDP and demand, the labour market, inflation and the monetary policy response. There will be opportunity to ask questions and have a discussion after each presentation.
It will be held on Tuesday 13 February at Axminster Tools. Refreshments will be available from 08:30, the presentation will start at 09:00 and finish at 10:00. Spaces are limited, so register now!
New Financing Opportunities Available with Access to Finance SW
 Run by Tech South West and funded by the Heart of the South West LEP, Access to Finance SW is a FREE business finance platform, bringing together a community of business professionals offering guidance, and signposting the latest news and opportunities emerging on the financial horizon.
They have recently released an ‘Insight Report: Everything You Need to Know About Raising Venture Capital Funding’; a comprehensive guide providing indispensable insights into the dynamics of Venture Capital (VC) and sharing the central knowledge necessary for success. The Insight Report is available to read online or download by visiting the Resources tab on the Access to Finance SW digital platform.
Join Access to Finance SW today for free, and gain access to the ‘Insight Report: Everything You Need to Know About Raising Venture Capital Funding’ at www.accesstofinancesw.co.uk
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