Final Call for Businesses to Benefit from Grant Funding
 Businesses in East Devon have until Wednesday 8th May to submit an Expression of Interest to the Innovation and Resilience Fund 3 (IRF3). If you have a transformational idea to boost your productivity and grow your business, we could provide up to £30,000 for your project.
We have previously supported all sectors, from small farms and food and drink producers to high tech businesses to hospitality and tourism. Previous recipients include:
- Trill Farm Garden - an organic market garden who expanded their operations and developed a space to deliver workshops
- Community Waffle House - the Axminster-based social enterprise received funding to start live music nights
- Theta Technologies - developed a revolutionary machine to detect flaws in manufactured metals
- Powderkeg Brewery - created a canning line to bring the process in house and can drinks for other local producers
Although we have received a high level of interest in this fund, we are still looking for good quality, innovative projects. If you have a strong idea that would transform your business, it is not too late to submit an Expression of Interest.
Once your Expression of Interest is approved, all eligible businesses still have until Friday 24th May to submit their full application via email.
All applicants must provide 30% match funding and cannot be based within the urban area of Exmouth. The full list of eligibility criteria is available on our website.
Don't delay, apply today at:
 Join the next East Devon Tourism Network meeting on the 21st May at Raceworld, where the theme is 'The Art of Working Together'.
The speaker line-up is designed to give you ideas for collaboration to boost your impact:
- Vince Flower, leader of the successful ‘breaking news’ LVEP Devon bid
- John Doyle and Tom Wenborn from Raceworld and Robin Barker from Services for Tourism on how awards can boost your business
- Rosana Fothergill and Paul Carne from Exeter College on the importance of mentoring the future leaders of the hospitality and tourism industry
- A first glimpse at the South West Visitor Economy Hub with Kevin Millington
Plus, network with other businesses and find ways that collaboration can elevate your business to boost visitors and drive sustainable success. 🏎️ Get in the driver's seat, book your spot on Eventbrite now!
 Are you an entrepreneur looking to start your own business? Do you need some support turning your passion into a functioning enterprise?
Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur embarking on a new venture or a budding start-up, the 'Set for Success' event is for you! This free workshop is being run via Prosper, our fully-funded business support service.
Join Prosper on the 23rd of May at the Beehive in Honiton to get the knowledge and tools you need to set your business on the path to success.
The event will feature workshops and talks with practical advice and information from:
- Business Information Point (BIP) – Set for Success workshop
- Prosper – Free further support for your business!
- Free Networking lunch
- Other Guest Speakers
- Q&A and networking
Free in-person event - 10am - 2pm, 23rd May 2024, The Beehive, Honiton, EX14 1LZ
The event is free, but booking is essential! Sign up today on Eventbrite.
 EXIST (Exeter Initiative for Science & Technology), the STEMM initiative from Exeter Chamber has announced its second event in the new series of leadership events – New Power Networks; The Road to Net Zero, taking place on Wednesday 22nd May from 5.30pm, at Oxygen House, Grenadier Road.
The environmental and sustainability focussed event will bring together global business leaders and local specialists to bring attention to and educate on the importance of sustainability in business. The event will include a plant-based meal and drinks as well as the opportunity to network with other business leaders.
Speakers include:
📢 Ben Bugler, Managing Director, Oxygen House
📢 Victoria Hatfield, Service Lead Net Zero & Business, Exeter City Council
📢 Catalina Fuentes Benitez, Legal Advisor ESG & Corporate, easyJet
📢 Andy Wood, Assistant Director - Growth, Development and Prosperity, East Devon District Council
and more! Book your ticket today!
Two South West Awards Open for Entries
The Devon Tourism Awards and the South West Tech Awards are open for entries for 2024/25.
Tourism and hospitality businesses have until the 23rd June to put themselves forward for the Devon Tourism Awards. They are free to enter and all participants will receive free feedback. There are a number of categories - including dog friendly, sustainability, and accessibility - and businesses can enter as many as they like.
Enter now on their website.
The Tech South West Awards showcase the innovation taking place across the region. With 25 categories to enter including Tech for Good and Women in Tech, this is a great opportunity to gain recognition for your business. To be in with a chance of winning, submit your entry by the 3rd July.
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