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Business News - September |
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Welcome to the September issue of Open4Business. In this issue we are highlighting funds and grants of up to £60,000, FREE property advice, Sustainable September events and much more!
We are also spotlighting some of the events taking place during Wandsworth African Caribbean Food Month, which is being launched with a special event featuring Wandsworth resident and TV Chef Ainsley Harriott and food journalist/broadcaster Jimi Famurewa.
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Something delicious is coming to Wandsworth in October
Wandsworth African Caribbean Food Month (WACFM) takes place in October, as part of London Borough of Culture and Black History Month celebrations. The month features cooking workshops, supper clubs, community cooks offs, live demos and panel discussions - there’s something for everyone and we urge you to explore and get involved!
Here are a few highlighted events:
If you're planning to run a food themed event in October, submit it here to be included in our programme.
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Sustainable September is here!
We are half way through Sustainable September, a month celebrating and championing local sustainability initiatives in Wandsworth.
There is still time to get involved with sustainable, environmental and climate change action.
From repair cafes to recycled art workshops to harvest festivals and community planting, there are lots of free events happening on your doorstep. You can get involved by attending an event, or simply spreading the word!
Email the Climate Change team if you have any questions.
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Improving Wandsworth Town Centre
Are you based in Wandsworth Town?
The council are working to improve the town centre and would like to create a liveable place that works for all residents, businesses and visitors. This includes streets and pavements, accessibility, transport and connections, as well as new opportunities for culture, leisure and community.
Come along to one of the drop-in sessions to chat to the council and TfL about your experience of the town centre and what you would like to see prioritised.
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Wednesday 24 September, 6pm–8.30pm at Brathway Hall, Brathway Rd, SW18 4BE
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Saturday 27 September, 10.30am–1pm at Wandsworth Town Library, SW18 4QG
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Wednesday 1 October, 6pm–8.30pm at WIP Space Studios, SW18 1EY
Or drop a pin on the map and take part in the survey by clicking here.
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Free Commercial Property Advice Programme
London Business Partnership's Property Advice Service offers free, expert guidance on everything from lease negotiations to business rates and relief schemes.
Join their upcoming free webinars to get your commercial property questions answered live by expert advisors.
- 21 October 2025
- 25 November 2025
- 9 December 2025
This fully funded service is open to all London-based businesses, including start-ups and SMEs.
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Last chance to nominate for the PRECIOUS Awards
Do you know a woman who’s changing the game, breaking barriers, or inspiring others?
This is your last chance to nominate for the 19th Annual PRECIOUS Awards.
Deadline: 30 September 2025
The event honours excellence, resilience, and leadership among women of colour across a wide range of industries, from entrepreneurship and innovation to creative media and community impact.
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#NewBizonTheBlock
 Siblings Andrew and Andreya pictured with DJ AG (Centre) - @slicedandstacked_
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Sliced & Stacked is a new pizza business with a Caribbean twist located in Balham.
Founded by local twins Andreya and Andrew Reid-Duncan, it serves handcrafted pizzas topped with Caribbean favourites including oxtail, mac & cheese, and jerk chicken.
The idea for the business came from a desire to mix their Caribbean roots with their love for pizza.
They're becoming so popular that viral DJ AG stopped by last month to check them out.
Orders can be placed through the link in their Instagram bio.
Open Tuesday–Sunday, 1pm–10pm Unit 6, Post Market Balham, London SW12 9AG
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Win one of 5 awards up to £20,000
Apply by 1 October!
If you’re a London-based, small business with a new, circular material at prototype stage, apply now for the chance to win a grant award of £20,000, or one of four runner up awards, to support the next step in your growth.
ReLondon’s Circular Materials Innovation Awards aim to spotlight the London-based start-ups developing innovative materials that create value from waste, enable circular systems and work with nature:
- Construction materials made from waste
- Bio-based textiles processed from, and returned to, organic sources
- Dissolvable substrates to make repair easier
….to name just a few!
The awards will showcase how developing new, circular materials will strengthen industry resilience and build global competitiveness, all while addressing the climate challenge.
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£5,000 grants for independent retail businesses
Realising the Remarkable returns! Enterprise Nation and VistaPrint are teaming up to champion the small businesses that operate on the UK's high streets.
Whether you have a shop, a café or any other commercial premises, enter now to be one of the six independent retailers from across the UK to win £5,000, alongside marketing and design support to help your business thrive.
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John Lewis Building Happier Futures Fund
The John Lewis Partnership Foundation - Building Happier Futures Fund, is giving grants from £5,000 to £20,000 to UK-based charities, CICs, and social enterprises.
Deadline: 25 September 2025 at 5pm
This fund supports projects that:
- Focus on care-experienced individuals
- Promote education, connection, experience, and fun
- Enhance employability, advocacy, and social skills
Whether you're a small charity or a larger organisation, if your work makes a measurable impact and is self-sustainable, this could be a great opportunity to expand your reach and deepen your impact.
Eligible applicants include:
- Registered charities
- CICs and social enterprises with a charitable purpose
- Non-profits demonstrating charitable activity
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Loved and Wanted Fund - up to £60,000
 The Loved and Wanted Fund aims to promote social cohesion across London. It recognises that Londoners need to be supported to play a key role in building a more just, welcoming city.
Funding of up to £60,000 is available for organisations to develop and deliver a programme of work as a Loved and Wanted space. This programme can be made up of new and/or existing activities.
To find out more about the fund you can attend a webinar here.
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Join Mission Kitchen for an inspiring behind-the-scenes tour, home to over 100 innovative food and drink businesses.
When:
15 Oct - Time Slot: 10am - 12pm and 2.30pm - 4.30pm
16 Oct - Time Slot: 2.30pm - 4.30pm
21 Oct - Time Slot: 10am - 12pm and 2pm - 4pm
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Want to become more confident with using digital tools to manage and grow your business?
Join Enterprise Nation for this 3 day Business Academy Programme.
17 Oct - In-person
25 Oct - Online
1 Nov - Online
Spaces are free but limited.
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Business Connected Academy
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Business Support Services |
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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.
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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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.
Cost of doing business support
We have put together a page of support to help your business navigate the challenges of increased costs.
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