![Business Startup](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/UKPCC/2024/07/9786367/abi-sme-cyber-tool_original.png) South West Investment Fund (SWIF) targeting Plymouth’s Growth Businesses
According to the recent British Chamber of Commerce Insights survey, we are now fully entering a “cautious funding trend”, where most mainstream lenders are further scaling back in the UK due to both political and financial uncertainty. The survey identified that almost a half of those surveyed (49%) felt that raising finance had become more challenging over the past three years
With most SME lenders now requiring some form of collateral or are lending against EBITDA performance, the role of the South West Investment Fund (SWIF) has never been more important in providing finance to the region’s growth SMEs.
With loan finance ranging from £25,000 to £2,000,000 the SWIF fund is well placed to support the region’s fast growing and ambitious businesses.
If you are a growth business struggling to raise finance to realise your business ambitions, please get in touch with SWIF.
Open Your Doors (Manufacturers)
To become one of the many employers pledged to throwing open their doors to local communities on National Manufacturing Day on Thursday 26 September 2024, complete your details on the Make UK website where you can find out how to get involved and find lots of useful resources.
A standing ovation for City College Plymouth
City College Plymouth are the first Jisc-recognised further education college in the South West for artificial intelligence (AI). They have been recognised for their efforts to improve processes setting a new standard for innovation and excellence.
And they have also gone on to win the Gold Award at the TeacherMatic Awards 2024 for utilising the Teacher Matic platform to redefine educational boundaries.
Inspire your future workforce with Discover!
Discover! Creative Careers Week returns from 18-22 November 2024, and they are looking for employers in the Cultural & Creative Industries to get involved with their nationwide activities, live and online.
This is your opportunity to give young people across England experiences of the Creative Industries, educating them on the types of jobs and pathways available.
![Person working at laptop](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/UKPCC/2024/07/9785614/person-working-at-laptop_original.jpg) When is the right time to turn your side hustle into a business?
While there’s no secret formula that reveals the right time to launch a start-up, there could be a number of signs that your side hustle is ready to become a priority, from increased sales and profits to more customer feedback and more.
Read the British Business Bank guide on when is the best time to start your business.
Climate Connections – Together for a better Plymouth
Become a part of Plymouth’s growing climate community. Imagine a future that is healthier and more prosperous, with thriving communities connected with nature. If we all work together to tackle climate change now, this future is within our reach.
Find solutions to your net zero challenges. Learn and share insider tips, the highs and lows of everyone’s climate journey. Every sign-up—whether you’re a business, community group, charity or even a school—takes us one step closer to a Net Zero future.
Business Growth Funding with SWIG Finance and Bamboo-Growth
Come join the experts from SWIG Finance and Bamboo-Growth for an exciting event focused on business growth funding. Learn about different funding options available for your business and how to secure the necessary resources for growth. Don't miss out on this opportunity to network with other like-minded individuals and take your business to the next level.
Tuesday 23 July 2024, 10am at Plymouth Science Park
Unlock the Power of AI for Your Business Success
Cosmic UK are delivering a range of FREE online workshops on smart ways to use ChatGPT for business success. This is a fantastic opportunity to grow your digital knowledge and take your business to the next level.
Discover how generative AI including ChatGPT can simplify your business decisions with 5 easy tips!
Online Workshop sessions: 17, 24, 31 July 2024
We recently sat down with Spencer Kingdom, Company Sales/ Marketing and BD Executive to learn more about Entry Group UK.
This amazing family run business are celebrating ten years in Britain’s Ocean City this year. Despite difficult times during the pandemic they have gone from strength to strength with 58 staff, a factory and head office in Plymouth and a branch in Bristol.
The Crown Estate Supply Chain Accelerator Fund – UK Offshore Wind
The application window is now open for an initial £10 million first round of funding that will be specifically aimed at UK projects that could support floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea.
The application process will close on 30 July 2024. Successful projects will be announced from October 2024 following assessment of applications, negotiation of funding and commitment agreements and necessary approvals.
Global Innovation Challenge 2024
Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge is open to young leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs (18 - 30 years) with BIG ideas to take on the world's most urgent social and environmental issues.
They are looking for highly innovative ideas, projects, and business solutions to the issues that matter most to you and your community. We welcome ideas at any stage and from anywhere in the world.
Apply to the NatWest Accelerator to access free support to scale your business to the next level
The NatWest Accelerator supports and empowers UK entrepreneurs to scale their businesses. Apply today for your chance to join the fully-funded, six month accelerator programme that kicks off in September.
Opportunities include one-to-one coaching with experienced acceleration managers, a programme of thought leadership events, use of modern co-working spaces in nationwide hubs, focused support with access to experts from your sector and access to a network of like-minded peers.
![Devon Business Show](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/UKPCC/2024/07/9786346/devon-business-show_original.jpg) Book your stand for Devon Business Show 2024
The county’s biggest Business Show returns on Wednesday 16 October 2024 with a fresh new format that will promote inclusivity and feature exciting, innovative and interactive displays.
Fugro Open Day
Don't miss Fugro Academy Training Centre's Open Day on 24 to 25 July and experience a keynote speech, a facility tour and see the offshore industry technology including Remotely Operated (underwater) Vehicles, cutting edge Remote Operations facility controlling our Unmanned Surface Vessels and more.
RSVP by to Darren Walley, Global Training Centre Manager (email link below)
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