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The Teenage Market is making it's way to Sleaford, offering young people the opportunity to put their entrepreneurial skills into practice, by providing them with space to turn their business ideas into innovative products and services.

It’s also an opportunity for young performers – including musicians, dancers and entertainers – to showcase their talents and help create a vibrant atmosphere for high street shoppers.

Organisers behind Millstream Square’s events have kindly agreed to facilitate at least four new Teenage Market stalls within their markets planned for 2024. The first event will take place on Saturday 4 May, from 10am to 3pm at Millstream Square.

Individuals aged between 13 and 21 are invited to get involved. Applications can be made by creating a profile at www.theteenagemarket.co.uk. More information on the application and selection process can be found on the Council's website.

The Teenage Market is being funded for one-year as part of North Kesteven District Council’s Events Programme, from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Click here to view all current projects and sign up to the Levelling Up e-newsletter.

An online workshop, not to be missed!

The Unmissable North Kesteven programme guides businesses to develop new bookable experiences. Businesses who have attended the workshops so far have found them to be invaluable.

To offer flexibility for more businesses to attend, the next session will be online. Discover how adding an experience to your current offering could attract new customers and increase your revenue.

Book your place for this online workshop, taking place on Tuesday 26 March, 11am to 1pm.

The 'Unmissable North Kesteven' workshops are funded by the government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, delivered by Unmissable England in partnership with Destination Lincolnshire and the Council. For more information visit the Council's website

Grants supporting business growth and sustainability

We have two grants for North Kesteven businesses, both open and accepting applications.

The Small Business Grant facilitates the growth and expansion of local micro businesses, or those that are seeking to relocate to North Kesteven. Match funding of 60% is required and grants are available from £500 to a maximum of £5,000. Click here to apply for the Small Business Grant

The Rural Business Grant supports businesses to develop new products and facilities that will be of wider benefit to the local economy. The minimum grant is £5,000 with some match funding required. Click here to apply for the Rural Business Grant.

The Rural Business 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.

The NK Plan 2024-27 has recently been approved, outlining the Council's vision for flourishing communities across North Kesteven over the next three years.

The focus for Our Economy is to support sustainable and regenerative local economic growth and resilience,
transitioning to a Green Economy working within environmental thresholds.

Key ambitions include supporting business growth, attracting investments and celebrating all that the District has to offer. View the NK Plan 2024-27 to read more about the Council's plans for the next three years.

Is your business on social media?

If so, follow us on X (formerly Twitter) or join our 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

Discover AI powered tools for your business

Maybe* provides businesses with advanced tools and access to training, to help develop their social media marketing.

This includes AI powered tools, which can assist with content creation, analysis, and communication, saving businesses heaps of time!

Sign up to Maybe* and unlock digital success for your business.

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

The Midlands Engine Investment Fund II

The Midlands Engine Investment Fund II will deliver £400 million of new funding to small and medium-sized businesses across the Midlands.

View the funds available, ranging from debt finance to equity investment.

Digital Marketing Skills Bootcamp

A new set of funded training courses are available for businesses to develop digital marketing skills.

The course starts on Tuesday 19 March and is a 16 week programme.

Click here for more information or to enrol.

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