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Start Up Wandsworth Launch
York Gardens Library business workspace
This month sees the launch of the Start Up Wandsworth, a free business support service for local entrepreneurs.
Delivered by GLL in partnership with Wandsworth Council and the British Library’s Business and IP Centre, Start Up Wandsworth will provide support, advice and guidance to entrepreneurs in the borough who are wanting to start a business, or have recently done so.
Start Up Wandsworth will feature; practical workshops, 1-1 advice sessions with a business manager, networking events, as well as the opportunity to use co-working and office space. Entrepreneurs, start-ups and established small businesses will also have the opportunity to access business information, resources, test new business ideas and leverage our partnerships to build routes to market for new products and services.
The official launch of Start Up Wandsworth takes place at York Gardens Library, on Thursday 26th January from 11am to 1pm. Businesses who attend the event will have the opportunity to find out more about the programme, as well as an opportunity to see Wandsworth’s newly furnished and redecorated coworking space, office space and meeting rooms at York Gardens Library.
If you are interested in attending the event, email startupwandsworth@gll.org to let them know.
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QEST applications for funding now open
The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) awards scholarships up to £18,000 to talented and aspiring craftspeople working in a broad range of skills.
QEST scholarships are to support craft training, whether it be through college courses, vocational training, a series of short courses, one-to-one training with a master craftsperson or other forms of training.
Applications are open until 5pm, Sunday 12th February
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Seminar for creative businesses and freelancers in the brand new Nine Elms Studio
On the 26th January Chocolate Films are hosting a free breakfast seminar in London’s new video studio, Nine Elms Studio - and you’re invited! The Chocolate Films’ creative producers will offer insider tips on how to grow your own creative business and there will be opportunities to network and find out more about the new studio.
Nine Elms Studio offers studio space, desk space, an exciting new membership scheme for creative entrepreneurs, and seminars.
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FREE Music industry training and recording opportunities with World Heart Beat
Thanks to funding through Wandsworth Affordable Workspace, World Heart Beat is able to provide use of its recording studio and training for Wandsworth-based musicians and music industry entrepreneurs, delivered by their music industry partners and expert team, using state-of-the-art new facilities in Nine Elms. Find out more here.
World Heart Beat are also running their EMERGE programme which provides young people age 14-25 the opportunity to sustainably develop their career in the music industry. The masterclasses, led by professional artists, offer training in production, working as an independent artist and producer, building community, and gaining insights into UK music roles. Participants can also access paid work placements, 1-1 mentoring and coaching. Find out more here.
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ULEZ Scrappage Scheme
The Mayor of London has announced a new vehicle scrappage scheme for certain commercial vehicles to help eligible businesses prepare for the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) from 29 August 2023.
Eligible vans and minibuses, owned by micro businesses, sole traders and charities will be able to apply for up to £9,500 through the scheme.
Applications will open on 30th January 2023
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Creative Catalyst 2023: Grant funding for innovative creative businesses
Micro and small businesses in the creative industries sector, can apply for grant funding up to £50,000 from Innovate UK KTN to support and help their businesses to grow. Businesses must apply for the Creative Catalyst by 15 February 2023 and be ready to deliver their 3-6 month growth project between 1 June and 30 November 2023.
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Mental health support from DWP
The Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) has relaunched and updated their Access to Work Mental Health Support Service resources for Employers.
The campaign has been designed to help employers and employees make the most out of free webinars and more. The link provides details of how the service works, and how it can benefit businesses through downloadable materials and details of mental health training courses.
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Young & Gifted Start-Up Business Programme
Are you, or someone you know, aged 16-30 with a business idea or a passion you want to turn into a side hustle?
Join Business Launchpad’s FREE 1 year Young & Gifted programme to start and grow your business. Once completed, you’ll have the chance to pitch your idea to receive a £500 test trading grant to implement your strategy.
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Wandsworth Business Awards 2023 Mix & Mingle Networking Event
Wandsworth Chamber's Business Awards Mix & Mingle event in Tooting Market will be an opportunity network, make new business contacts and catch up with old friends. Guests will receive a drink and have the opportunity to find out more about the Wandsworth Business Awards 2023!
Tuesday 17th January 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
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Discounted co-working space in Tooting
Tooting Works are building new co-working spaces at their premises on Bickersteth Road – just a few minutes from Tooting Broadway tube – and they're offering a co-working desk for just £99 per month (or £16.00 per day if you just need it for a few days a month) until March 2023!
They also offer virtual offices space which allows business owners to utilise a professional address, business number and post handling service for £33 a month.
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Cost of living support for Wandsworth businesses
Wandsworth Council is aware that businesses may be struggling with increased costs during this cost of living crisis and many businesses are worried about their future. We have put together a page of support to help you and your business navigate these challenging times.
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Recommended Reading
This month we have some recommend reading from Leslie at the York Gardens Library. Leslie has recommended two business books which are both available at the library.
First, The Green Startup: Make your business better for the planet by Juliet Davenport OBE. The book is an essential read for entrepreneurs as it covers how businesses and start-ups must adopt greener and more sustainable practices in order to do their part in helping tackle climate change.
Second, Mission Possible: How to build a business for our times by Alexandre Mars. This book consists of practical tips, ideas and examples that will help you launch and grow a purpose and profit led business; a guide for becoming a successful entrepreneur with a mission!
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National StartUp Awards
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Winning or being short-listed for a business award is a great way of showing potential customers and investors that your business’ activities have been endorsed for their quality. The StartUp Awards recognises and celebrates the achievements of entrepreneurs who have had a great idea, spotted the opportunity and taken the risks to launch a new product or service, celebrating the work of startups across the UK.
The awards are given across 30 categories:
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Applications close Friday 17th February
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Business Support Events and Programmes
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Develop Your Creative Business
Friday 13th January – Friday 3rd March
Delivered by Startup School for Seniors, Developing Your Creative Business is an 8-week online programme designed to help content creators, designers, artists, and musicians aged 50+ launch and grow their business while pursuing their passion.
The course starts on Friday 13th, but they are accepting enrolments up until 5pm Wednesday 25th January. They are running a live Q&A session which will answer any questions about the course this evening (Thursday 12th January) at 6:30pm. Book your free tickets here.
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Mission Kitchen: Founders Q&A with Social Pantry and Luminary Bakery
Wednesday 18th January 17:30 – 19:00
Taking place at Mission Kitchen, Alex Head, founder of Social Pantry, and Alice Williams, founder of Luminary Bakery, will be sharing their stories about how they built their food businesses, some of the valuable lessons they learned along the way, and about how their businesses make a positive impact through food.
This is an open session where participants are encouraged to get involved, ask questions and apply ideas to their own projects and businesses.
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The UK's biggest start-up event of the New Year
Saturday 28th January 9:30 – 16:30
Enterprise Nation’s StartUp Show, is returning to King's College London for the first time in three years. The event will feature over 100 inspirational speakers across 10 entrepreneurial zones, and the chance to network with like-minded people!
Tickets cost £15
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Discover the financial support available for your business
Thursday 9th February 12:30 – 13:30
This bite-size London Business Hub virtual ‘Lunch & Learn’ event is is designed to help you gain a greater understanding of where to access financial support for small businesses and what funding options are available to help.
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Wandsworth Enterprise Hub
Need business support, events or programmes to help start or grow your business? Look no further than the Wandsworth Enterprise Hub.
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My Virtual Wandsworth
Want to promote your business to local residents? My Virtual Wandsworth features more than 600 local businesses – make sure yours is one of them! List it in our online directory.
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Business and Licensing
Visit the Council's Business and Licensing page for information on business licensing, business rates, business premises and much more.
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