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Season’s Greetings!
As we reflect on another incredibly busy year, we’re also excited to look ahead to 2025. We are committed to offering even more impactful programs and events that will support and strengthen our business community.
Whilst shopping for gifts for friends and family this festive season, please try to support traders across the borough by shopping local. Small businesses are the backbone of our community, and our support is crucial to their survival.
Supporting independent businesses means more money stays within the community, fostering economic growth and resilience. It also encourages entrepreneurship and innovation. Watch our annual Shop Local film to hear what some of our traders have to say about the need to support local here.
We’d like to extend a heartfelt thanks for your continued support throughout the past 12 months. We are deeply grateful for those of you who have attended our events/workshops, taken part in our local stories or engaged with us on social media.
Wishing you a lovely festive season and here's to fantastic year ahead!
Wandsworth Enterprise Team
P.S. don’t forget, if you have any business news or upcoming events you'd like to share, please don't hesitate to share it with us open4busiess@wandsworth.gov.uk
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Support to kickstart your business in 2025
Workshops
Tooting Works in partnership with Wandsworth Council is providing a series of free workshops designed to help entrepreneurs take their business to the next level.
Sign up for one of the workshops and you will be automatically entered into a draw, which could see you win the free use of an event/meeting space at Tooting Works or a one mentoring session with industry expert.
Thursday 16th January - Using LinkedIn to build partnerships and grow networks
Thursday 13th 13 February - Digital Marketing - How to grow and leverage social media
Both workshops will run twice on the day
12.30-14:00pm - Tooting Works, 89 Bickersteth Road, Tooting, SW17 9SH
17:30 - 19.00pm - Online zoom
Incubator Plus Programme
Ready to turn your business idea into reality?
If you're an aspiring entrepreneur aged 16-30 (or know some, this six month programme which starts in January is your perfect next step.
With free 1-1 support, expert-led workshops, digital training, and web development (12 weeks), you will gain the skills needed to thrive in business. From business mindset and networking to legal registration and funding guidance, we’ve got you covered. Plus, enjoy subsidised workspace, pitching opportunities, and freelancing prospects. Take the leap and apply today!
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Funding Opportunities for Community Businesses
Power to Change an organisation that supports and helps grow community business in England, seeks to collaborate with 3 to 7 community businesses, offering £25,000 to £50,000 in grant funding over 12 months. This funding can support staff time, project implementation, or specialist advice, with a particular focus on initiatives that enhance community governance of high streets or town centers.
As part of a learning partnership, Power to Change aims to develop community-led solutions for high street challenges and engage in advocacy for related policies. Participants will have opportunities for peer learning, media training, and public engagement.
To apply, interested parties should submit an Expression of Interest detailing their community-led innovation and the funding required by Friday 20th December.
Cafe Space Available at Tooting Works
Dreaming of running your own cafe? Tooting Works might have the perfect spot for you!
Tooting Works is seeking bids from qualified operators to manage and run a café within its
premises. The café will serve tenants, visitors and the general public. The aim is to provide
affordable and quality food and beverages both to the Tooting
Works community, where over 350 people come to work and meet daily, and to the thriving local Tooting Broadway area.
The 147 sq ft space offers a prime street-facing location, complete with counter surfaces, a small sink, and a preparation area equipped with a commercial dishwasher. Deadline for submissions is January 10th, 2025.
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Get finance for your business in the new year
 Apply for the Eagle Labs Funding Readiness Programme powered by Capital Enterprise
If you're looking for support with grant funding, crowdfunding, equity investment or alternative ways of funding your business, then this is the programme for you!
Delivered via virtual workshops and educational content, the Eagle Labs Funding Readiness programme, is designed for UK-based founders ranging from early-stage businesses to established scaleups who are considering investment or funding to develop and grow their business. Deadline for applications is Friday 3rd January, 2025.
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Start Up Wandsworth Winter Networking Event
Start Up Wandsworth is pleased to invite members of the Wandsworth business community to the Winter Networking Event, the final networking opportunity of the year.
Attendees are encouraged to join for a morning of relaxed networking while enjoying warm, winter-themed drinks. This event provides a fantastic chance for participants to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and business owners in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Date: Friday 13th December
Time: 10:30am-11:30am
Location: Putney Library, 5-7 Disraeli Road, London SW15 2DR
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World Heart Beat Christmas Concert
World Heart Beat’s gig band, a collection of young musicians including keyboard/piano players, bassists, guitarists, vocalists and drummers present a festive Christmas concert in Nine Elms, Wandsworth.
Led by the talented vocalist and guitarist Sian Kelly and guitarist Scipio Mosley, the concert will showcase the gig band talent with solo, trio and ensemble performances.
The gig band class gives an opportunity for young musicians to showcase their skills and come together to learn how to perform the pieces they all love, as well as practice for performing live gigs.
Please come down to show your support and see these talented young musicians in action!
Date: Friday 13th December
Time: 7:30pm
Location: WHB Embassy Gardens, 3 Ponton Road, SW11 7BD
Tickets: £10
Use discount code 4TIX at checkout to get four tickets for £35
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Wandsworth Business Awards Mix and Mingle Events are back!
The Tooting and Balham Mix & Mingle event returns next month.
Business owners are invited to join the 'Mix & Mingle' event at Tooting Works. The event will feature networking opportunities, a welcome drink and provide participants with a chance to learn more about entering the Wandsworth Business Awards.
Date: Wednesday 15th January
Time: 6pm-8pm
Location: Tooting Works, 89 Bickersteth Road, London, SW17 9SH
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The biggest and best start-up event of the new year
Whether you want to be your own boss, have a brilliant business idea or simply want to sharpen your entrepreneurial skills, StartUp Show is the place to be.
The StartUp Show, run by Enterprise Nation is an absolute must for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs. It’s your chance to discover everything you need to know about starting and growing a business.
Date: Saturday 25 January
Time: 9:30am- 4:15pm
Location: Sancroft, Paternoster Square, London EC4M 7DQ
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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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