|
|
Welcome to Open4business. This month’s edition features opportunities, events and resources designed to help your business thrive.
In this issue, you'll find features on; the return of Women’s Enterprise Day, grant opportunities and a new support program for start-ups in the climate tech sector. The Wandsworth Business Awards are now open for entries, so if your business deserves recognition, or you know of one that does – get nominating.
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
|
|
Women’s Enterprise Day is back!
The borough’s biggest celebration of female entrepreneurship takes place Wednesday 26th March, at OSMO in Nine Elms and features motivational talks, a panel discussion and interactive group sessions
Jo-Tutchner Sharp - founder of popular, hero-inspired clothing company, Scamp & Dude
Carina Lepore - owner Dough Bakehouse and winner of The Apprentice Series 15,
Lisa Smosarski - Editorial Director of Stylist Magazine and author of the ‘How to Work’ column.
Gem Misa - Fullgreen, Jenny Wordsworth - Ovum and Michele Scott- Lynch -Bouclème will share how they got their products into retailers such as Asda, Sainsburys, Waitrose, Boots and M&S and give tips on how you can too! .
The event will also feature workshops on how to use AI for your business, and building your networks and a networking lunch/post event session
Spark Pilot Programme - Free support for Climate Tech start ups
Are you working on a business with the potential to move the dial on climate change?
Whether it is energy, waste, water, behaviour change, or something else - support is available.
Hosted by Sustainable Ventures, Spark is now accepting applications from early-stage businesses in Wandsworth.
Join a cohort of 10 climate entrepreneurs working on solutions addressing climate change and developing sustainable innovations, products, or concepts to prepare for market entry.
Receive three months of free expert support, including access to industry-leading venture development tools, personalised 1:1 mentoring, group drop-in clinics, and opportunities to build your professional network.
Dragons' Den Style Pitch Up Finale!
Experience the ultimate pitch battle as ambitious entrepreneurs take the stage to bring their business dreams to life! After months of preparation and perfecting their strategies, these competitors will deliver high-energy pitches to impress a panel of expert judges in a Dragons’ Den-style showdown. With just minutes to make their case, they’re competing for a chance to win £2,500 to invest in their business.
What to expect:
-
Inspiring stories: Hear bold entrepreneurs share their visions and the passion driving their businesses.
-
Live pitching: See each competitor present their business plan under pressure to a panel of seasoned “dragons.”
-
Expert feedback: Watch the judges ask tough questions, challenge ideas, and offer insights from an investor’s perspective.
-
Networking opportunities: Mingle with Wandsworth residents, local business owners, and industry leaders.
Location:
OSMO Battersea, 65 Nine Elms Lane, London SW11 7EU
|
|
Wimbledon Foundation Community Fund - London Borough of Culture Edition
Apply for up to £10,000 for your London Borough of Culture community arts project with The Wimbledon Foundation! Open to organisations based in Wandsworth or Merton, funded arts projects can include public performances and exhibitions, must be free to access, and involve community participation in the design and delivery. Projects must also take place between 1st April 2025 and 31st March 2026.
*Please note: professional performances and exhibitions will not be funded through this programme*
Application Deadline: Mon 24 Feb.
South Asian Heritage Month 2025 Grant
The Council’s Arts service is seeking South Asian Heritage Month proposals from organisations and creatives that can deliver community focused, cultural, arts, and heritage-based activities and events. They are offering grants of between £500 and £2,000 (excluding VAT) to support the development of content or programming for 18 July – 17 August 2025. They also welcome applications for projects that begin before July or finish after August, if they launch or culminate during South Asian Heritage Month 2025.
Application Deadline: 5pm, Thu 27 Feb.
Black History 365 Grant
The team is also seeking Black History 365 proposals from organisations and creatives that can deliver community focused, cultural, arts, and heritage-based activities and events. They are offering grants between £500 and £2,000 (excluding VAT) to support the development of content or programming for Black History 365 between May 2025 to June 2026.
Application Deadline: 5pm, Wed 12 March.
Win £10,000 for your idea
Have a great business idea, game-changing product or service, or a growth strategy you want to implement and need the cash to make it happen?
Enterprise Nation is collaborating with Monzo on the Startup Idea of the Year competition, giving you the chance to win up to £10,000 to help bring your idea to life.
Applications close on the 28 February 2025.
Entries for the 2025 Wandsworth Business Awards are open until 14th March. It is free to enter for any Wandsworth based business and there are 14 categories to choose from. Each business can enter up to three categories.
Entering is a great way to promote your business and celebrate your business achievements.
All winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 11th June at The Clapham Grand.
|
|
Introduction to the Business Model Canvas
Roehampton Library, 2 Danebury Avenue London SW15 4HD
This workshop is designed to enhance your business strategy and and help you map out your venture’s success.
How to Make a Canva Poster
Thursday 20th of February
Putney Library, 5-7 Disraeli Road London SW15 2DR
Learn how to create eye-catching designs for your business using Canva
|
|
Women in Business Breakfast
Tuesday 25th of March
From 8.30am
Metro Bank, 89-93 Putney High Street, London, SW15 1SR
Putney Bid in partnership with Metro Bank is celebrating Women's International Day, with a yoga session followed by a panel discussion with Putney female founders and networking.
All genders are welcome to attend. Book here
|
|
Business Futures Coffee London
|
|
Calling London Movers, Shakers and Rising Stars....
FOUNDRY, 4 New Acres Lane, London, SW18 1HT How optimistic are you about business and the economy? What are the most pressing issues for business and where are the opportunities? Are you interested in exploring economic trends and insights? Join 'Business Futures Coffee London', an informal Get Together for Businesses.
Explore what's on the radar and test the temperature of the economy in London as spring beckons.
|
|
Wandsworth Enterprise Hub
Need business support, events or programmes to help start or grow your business? Look no further than the Wandsworth Enterprise Hub.
|
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.
|
|
Business and Licensing
Visit the Council's Business and Licensing page for information on business licensing, business rates, business premises and much more.
|
|
|
|
|
