In this month’s edition, we have information on free business support programmes, events designed to help grow your business and a range of opportunities to get involved in. From an immersive food tour as part of South Asian Heritage Month to the Supplier Ready Business Programme launch event.
Find out how to get involved in Sustainable September, Access for All, Wandsworth African Caribbean Food Month and much more!
Free support for creatives - applications now open!
The Re:Create programme officially launched last month with a 'Launch and Learn' event at the Half Moon in Putney. Click here to read more about the event.
Whether you’re a freelancer or run a small creative business, Re:Create offers FREE tailored 1:1 mentoring, expert-led e-learning, and inspiring networking events to help you grow and thrive.
“The sessions with my mentor really helped to build my creative voice and shape what I want to do with my future, both as a freelancer and seeing my freelance work as a business.” – Jess Gell, Re:Create alumni and documentary filmmaker. Click here to read Jess’ case study.
Businesses urged to get involved in Access for All
Access for All is the council’s flagship new scheme, aimed at making sure every Wandsworth resident can participate in life in the borough, through offering discounts and concessions to lower-income households.
Since launching in April, there have been over 4,000 sign-ups for membership.
The council is looking for local businesses willing to provide offers for Access for All members in the borough, this could be anything from offering a discount, free trials or two-for-ones.
Access for All members receive a membership card from the council with an expiry date and unique QR code, making it easy for you to see who is eligible and simple to provide them with the offer.
As well as giving back to the community, in return for providing an Access for All offer, the council will promote your offers and businesses through its website, Access for All mailing list, and other council communications channels.
To find out more and to begin discussing what offer you might be able to make, please contact: AccessforAll@Wandsworth.gov.uk
South Asian Heritage Month
18 July – 17 August 2025
As part of its London Borough of Culture celebrations, Wandsworth Council will mark South Asian Heritage Month with a programme of events celebrating the culture, heritage and contributions of South Asian communities across the borough.
One of the highlight events is ‘A Taste of Planet Tooting’, a unique food walking tour taking place on 9 and 10 August.
Hosted by Geoff Simmons (Planet Tooting) and Dipa Patel (Taste of Tooting Tours), and delivered in partnership with the Council, the tour will take participants on a journey from Tooting Bec to Tooting Broadway. Along the way, you will meet local shop owners and chefs of South Asian heritage, hear their stories, and enjoy a variety of authentic dishes at each stop.
Unlock your potential with the Ignite Business Experts Clinic
Join this practical and interactive session where you’ll discover a proven 5-Step Prep Formula to help you go into every sales conversation focused, calm, and ready to close.
Sign up for the Supplier Ready Programme Launch Event
Following the success of the previous Supply Wandsworth Fit to Bid® programme, Wandsworth Council has recommissioned Branduin to deliver an extended initiative across Wandsworth. This launch event introduces the newly expanded Supplier Ready Programme, aimed at helping local SMEs develop the skills and confidence to secure contracts from councils, major infrastructure projects, and large private sector buyers.
What to expect:
Learn how the programme supports SMEs through bid training, Meet the Buyer events, and 1-2-1 tender advice
Find out how to access support for council procurement and supply chain opportunities
Hear how previous participants have successfully won contracts through Fit to Bid®
Sustainable September is an annual event which celebrates and champions sustainability initiatives in Wandsworth. You can get involved by running/attending an event, or simply spreading the word about Sustainable September!
The council's Climate Change team would love for you to run an event, register by Friday 15 August to appear on their programme guide and free promotion. Climate Action Microgrants will be available for those who would like to run an event. Deadline 25 July.
Get involved in African Caribbean Food Month this October
The council is calling on local food businesses and the community to get involved with African Caribbean Food Month which takes place in October, as part of its London Borough of Culture and Black History Month celebrations.
Kicking off with an event featuring TV chef and Wandsworth resident Ainsley Harriott, the month-long programme will feature a vibrant mix of council lead and community events including; cooking workshops, storytelling sessions, pop-ups, supper clubs, school activities, live cooking demonstrations and panel discussions with business owners.
African Caribbean Food businesses and the local community can get involved by hosting events, collaborating with others, or showcasing their culinary talent.
The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust is offering grants of up to £18,000
The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) provides funding for education and training, with Scholarships of up to £18,000, Emerging Maker Grants of up to £10,000, and up to £12,000 towards an apprentice’s salary.
QEST supports contemporary and traditional craft, as well as the exploration of innovative techniques. This includes; printmaking, furniture makers, bicycle frame builders, jewellers, sculptors, milliners and the conservation/restoration of such objects.
Deadline: 13 August, 5pm.
Applications are open twice a year, the Spring round will take place 7 January to 11 February 2026.
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