New Year, New Hub Highlights

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Shropshire Growth Hub is the gateway to business support

Emma and Anna

The Shropshire Growth Hub is your gateway to a range of funding programmes and support for your business – with lots of free help available to promote skills, training and employment. 

For more information see our comprehensive support finder or visit our events centre for details of what’s happening in your area. 

Shropshire Growth Hub - Marches Growth Hub

Contact Anna and Emma:

 01743 250526

growthhub@shropshire.gov.uk 


One to One Expert Business Advice Sessions - limited spaces available

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Are you thinking of starting a business or growing an existing one? Talk to our business advisers and benefit from their expert advice.

Whether you need a sounding board for a new business idea or would like advice on developing an existing one, why not come and talk to one of our experienced advisers?

Find out more and book your FULLY FUNDED session here or email the team @ growthhub@shropshire.gov.uk


Shropshire Growth Hub - sign up to our digital events coming in 2025

people participating in  a business workshop

Kick off the New Year with our exciting line-up of events designed to help you grow your business in 2025.

AI-Enhanced Bid Writing: Less Pain, More Gain Tickets, Thu, Jan 16, 2025 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite

Marketing Masterclass | Create Your Winning Marketing Plan Tickets, Fri 31 Jan 2025 at 09:30 | Eventbrite

Digital Futures: What's coming in 2025 Tickets, Wed 22 Jan 2025 at 09:30 | Eventbrite

How to make Generative AI work for your business Tickets, Tue 11 Feb 2025 at 09:30 | Eventbrite

Branding Workshop: How to Create a Brand Deck Tickets, Tue 25 Feb 2025 at 09:30 | Eventbrite


Tackle work-related stress with HSE's Working Minds campaign

man holding his head staring at his phone and laptop

HSE’s annual statistics were recently published and highlight that stress, depression or anxiety account for about half of work-related ill health cases.

That’s an estimated 776,000 cases, with each case meaning an average of 21.1 days being taken off work.

Download the stress statistics booklet to see the work-related stress, depression or anxiety statistics in Great Britain for 2024

Stepping into 2025, make good mental health at work a priority by tackling stress. 

HSE’s Working Minds campaign is here to support that goal. Use our free tools and resources to learn about workplace stress, how to assess the risk and what steps to take:


Silverpreneurs® Announce Business Support Programme for Over-50s Entrepreneurs Starting in January

Vernon and Chris

Silverpreneurs®, the business support programme empowering over-50s entrepreneurs, is excited to announce the launch of Cohort 9 on 23rd January 2025.

This fully funded, five-week programme is delivered on behalf of the Marches Growth Hub and is supported by the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

 

Sessions will be held weekly at Shrewsbury Town Football Club and are designed to provide knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to launch or grow businesses within a vibrant community.

The Silverpreneurs® programme is delivered by the co-founders and their expert team of trainers, who will share their business insights, experience, and networks. Participants will gain hands-on knowledge in essential areas, including strategy and planning, sales and marketing, access to finance and funding, personal health and wellbeing, and effective networking. This support is tailored to empower those looking to transition from corporate roles, re-enter the workforce, or pursue a new career path.

Through a blend of in-person 1-2-1 and group coaching sessions, Silverpreneurs® provides a supportive and collaborative environment, allowing participants to grow and succeed while sharing their journey with peers. This fully funded initiative offers a valuable opportunity for each cohort to build a solid business foundation and reach their goals.

To APPLY NOW, complete this short form: https://silverpreneurs-ltd.com/apply-request-more-info/

For more information: https://silverpreneurs-ltd.com/ 

This initiative is fully funded by the UK Government through the Shropshire Council UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

*Open to businesses in the Shropshire Council area *


Shropshire Leadership Programme (delivered by Aston Business School) - last chance to register

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 A fully-funded initiative developed to help you to scale and drive business growth. Providing management training and 1-1 mentoring this programme will support you with a personalised action plan.

Through the programme, you'll gain the confidence to make informed decisions and acquire the tools and strategies necessary to boost productivity and resilience. Find out more on https://www.aston.ac.uk/acg

  Apply Here

This initiative is fully funded by the UK Government through the Shropshire Council UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

*Open to businesses in the Shropshire Council area *


Marketing Tools for Trade Businesses - Ruth Martin, Martin & Jones Marketing

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As a tradesperson, whether you’re a plumber, electrician, carpenter, or contractor, building a solid customer base is key to growing your business.

Word of mouth and personal referrals will always be essential, but there are plenty of other marketing strategies that can help you stand out in a competitive market - read about them here


Crowdfund Shropshire - January Project Creator Workshop

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Find out how projects across Shropshire can pitch for up to £10,000 from the Shared Prosperity Community Fund (in partnership with VCS team at Community Resource) and up to £20,000 from the Green Spaces and Active Travel Fund (in partnership with Energize Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire Wildlife Trust).

In this workshop we will cover:

  • Hear about funding available to help make your ideas happen.
  • Get advice on creating your project and how to run an amazing crowdfunding campaign.
  • Join interactive breakout rooms to access specialised support for your project.

Crowdfund Shropshire - January Project Creator Workshop Tickets, Tue, Jan 14, 2025 at 12:00 PM | Eventbrite


Severn Trent Community Fund – New Project Funding

Grants are available to local not-for-profit organisations for local projects that support the wellbeing of communities in the Severn Trent region.

Two levels of grants are available from February 2025:

  • £2,000 to £20,000 – up to 24 months for project completion (organisations do not need to be registered to apply).
  • £20,001 to £100,000 – up to 24 months for project completion.

NB Severn Trent must be the majority funder of the project, so applicants need to be applying for at least 50% of the total project cost.

Who Can Apply

Applications are accepted from organisations that are:

  • Not-for-profit, with a governing document and a bank account in the legal name of the organisation (with dual signatories).
  • Foundation schools, colleges or academy trusts.
  • Statutory bodies (including local authorities, town, parish or community councils).

More information and apply

New project funding | Severn Trent Community Fund | About Us | Severn Trent Water


Edward Cadbury Charitable Trust - open for applications