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Discover key tricks and tips to leverage social media for your business

Social media experts at Maybe* are providing digital skills training secured by North Kesteven District Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The social media training and tools include everything from where to get started with social media through to advanced strategies on how to use Facebook ads to deliver winning sales tactics. With customers becoming increasingly digital, it’s important that local businesses can use social media to connect with local customers.

Maybe* are hosting a free to attend webinar on Wednesday 17 January, at 10am. Join this 45-minute webinar to learn how just 15 minutes a day can bring you more customers.

By attending the webinar, you will also learn how to access over £950 worth of FREE tools and support. Register for the webinar and be among the first businesses to secure this valuable opportunity.

This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Support available for starting in business

Business Lincolnshire are running a Starting in Business Programme and have released the programme dates for the new year.

The programme consists of two-day workshops led by experienced business trainers. Sign up to discover how to turn your idea from dream to reality, by learning key fundamentals of how to start and run a successful business.

The following dates are available to book on and will all be held online:

4th & 5th January 9:30-15:30

15th & 16th February 9:30-15:30

26th and 27th March 9:30-15:30

This programme is available to individuals based in Lincoln City, North Kesteven, South Kesteven, West Lindsey and Rutland.

Could your business be eligible for the grant below?

Are you a restaurant, café, hotel, or accommodation business? Or are you in the manufacturing sector and supply chains, or the food and drink sector and supply chains? If so, you could be eligible for the Rural Business Grant.

The minimum grant available is £5,000, and to demonstrate value for money applicants will be required to offer match funding.

Applications are currently open; the fund will support capital investments only. If you’d like to discuss an idea before submission, please do not hesitate to contact the team by emailing levellingup@n-kesteven.gov.uk.

All projects must be completed by March 2025. Please follow the link below to apply for the grant.

Apply for the Rural Business Grant

This grant is being delivered by North Kesteven District Council for DEFRA under the Rural England Prosperity Fund. This allocation is an addendum to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

A North Kesteven business with ambitions to grow

A recent move to North Kesteven has put a local business in a central position to Lincoln, where they can establish 'a hub from which future expansion, and growth plans can be made'.

West Lindsey Landscapes relocated to Eagle House on Exchange Road, North Hykeham, in June 2023. They have strong business plans for the future, all with the ambition to grow and expand the business.

Read their full story, exploring their business growth, staff development, and their inspiring volunteer work at the International Bomber Command Centre, in time for the Remembrance Day service in November 2023.

If you're looking to move your business premises to North Kesteven or require any business support, please get in touch by emailing ecodev@n-kesteven.gov.uk or visit www.businessnk.co.uk to explore support available.

Last chance to shop local for Christmas and enjoy free parking while you do

People can enjoy free parking in Sleaford every Saturday in December, in any North Kesteven District Council-owned car park.

Free parking was available in these car parks in support of Small Business Saturday on Saturday 2 December, and last Saturday (16 December) and will also be available on the remaining two Saturdays (23 and 30 December 2023) with no need to display a ticket.

This goodwill gesture from North Kesteven District Council aims to ensure more residents and visitors can enjoy shopping in Sleaford for Christmas and support local businesses while they do. Please visit the Council's website for more information.

Drivers are still required to park considerately and within the bays and to display a Blue Badge if using a marked disabled space.

For ideas on where to shop locally in North Kesteven, you can view our Shop Local Directory. Be inspired by unique retailers on your doorstep or by fantastic award-winning restaurants, not to be missed.

Is your business on social media?

If so, follow us on X (formerly Twitter) or join our Business NK Facebook Group.

We share regular information, support and advice on each platform.

Free support for North Kesteven businesses

The Council offers the service of a Business Support Adviser, Phil Means. Phil can provide a whole range of bespoke advice and support.

If you are in business and feel you could benefit from free business advice, please do go ahead and contact him.

You can either call Phil on 07920 472671 or email phil_means@n-kesteven.gov.uk

List your pub or bar on Visit Lincolnshire

Visit Lincolnshire has recently created a Pubs/Bars section on their website, this is a fantastic opportunity to increase the reach and visibility of your business.

The form should only take a few minutes to fill out and can be accessed by filling out Visit Lincolnshire’s contact form.

Additionally, there are a wide range of resources available to inform and support your journey to pub diversification, visit their website to find out more.

Your Business Boost

Your Business Boost is a cohort-based programme, meaning that you’ll be working with your peers. However, there is also the chance for some 1-2-few and 1-2-1 support.

As well as group sessions, you will be able to access specialty masterclasses, and will also be assigned a 'Your Business Boost' adviser.

Don't miss out on, visit Business Lincolnshire to find out more information and to register your interest.

Unmissable NK workshops

Unmissable England, in partnership with Destination Lincolnshire, have been helping businesses in North Kesteven to develop bookable experiences.

Last week's workshop taught businesses the best practice for marketing and promoting experiences, utilising different channels.

Missed the first few workshops? Don't worry, you can still join the upcoming workshops in the new year.

Book your free place by visiting Destination Lincolnshire's Eventbrite page.

For updates on any of the support available visit our Business NK website or the GLLEP website www.businesslincolnshire.com.

Updates will also be available on our twitter @BusinessNK