 The West Midlands SME grant and the NET ZERO grant programmes are now live for Wolverhampton companies. Applications for both grants are on a competitive basis and subject to availability of funds - with the first expression of interest window open until 5pm 29th November. Businesses can apply for a grant of between £5,000 to £15,000 in funding and up to 50% aid intensity (grants above £15,000 may be allowed in exceptional circumstances). The balance has to be matched by the business, any grant secured is paid in arrears, and no contracts can be placed or spend committed prior to the grant approval. For details of eligibility and to submit an Expression of Interest please click on the image above.
The Net Zero Grant Programme is open to small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) from all sectors which are based within, or relocating into the Wolverhampton City Council local authority area.
All applicants must undertake a free energy audit prior to submission of application. If your business has had an energy efficiency assessment from an assessor with appropriate knowledge and qualifications within the last 2 years, please contact business.development@wolverhampton.gov.uk and you may be able to apply for a grant. If your business has yet to have an energy audit one can be delivered free of charge through the region's Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme and will be undertaken by Consortia lead, Aston University.
Please note an Expression of Interest (EoI), and an Energy Audit (EA) must be completed ahead of a grant application. The guidance notes on Wolverhampton Employer Support must be read ahead of submitting an EoI.
The first stage is the completion of an EoI. Once submitted a member of the Council's Business Development Team will contact you within 5 working days to offer an opportunity to also complete a Business Diagnostic with you. The Grant Application can only be made for support to deliver recommendations in the EA.
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The West Midlands SME Grant Programme seeks to boost your productivity by improving business confidence, stimulating business activity, attracting investment, safeguarding existing and creating new jobs within local communities.
The grant funding can be used for the following activities:
- Relocation, expansion and growth of existing businesses
- Develop new markets opportunities
- Promotional activities
- Innovation – Including the development of new products including prototyping, testing and commercialisation
- Low carbon/energy efficiency/waste management – Green grants (link to decarbonisation)
- Improving systems and processes
- Capital investment, eg, new plant, machinery and equipment
- Increase in productive capacity of new and existing premises through new property builds/refurbishment/extensions.
- Establishment of business start-ups (with grants available from £2,500-£7,500 )
Please note an Expression of Interest (EoI), and a Business Diagnostic (BD), must be completed ahead of a grant application. The guidance notes must be read ahead of submitting an EoI.
Help to Grow Management Programme
 Join the January 2024 Aston Centre for Growth Help to Grow Management Course cohort.
For further information please click here
 Be the Business is an independent, not-for-profit organisation, with a single goal: to help business owners and leaders improve the performance of their business. Action plans, guides, tools and templates, great case studies, and access to free business mentors. We are planning to run some workshops with Be the Business early in 2024 but in the meantime check their website for the support available.
To find out more click here
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HMRC has a series of helpful advice and webinars for the self-employed and small and medium sized business owners
Whether you’re using flat rates and simplified expenses, or claiming actual expenses, its covered in their webinars - and if you have any questions, you can ask them by using the on-screen text box.
Business expenses for the self-employed: During the webinar they will:
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show you what are allowable business expenses
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cover the most common business expenses
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look at simplified expenses
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discuss record keeping
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help you enter accurate figures on your tax return
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Register Here
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 The City of Wolverhampton Council supports 500 children and young people in Care and over 300 young adults who have left care under the age of 25.
To show children and young people how important they are, and how the city is proud of their achievements, the Council hosts the annual I awards. It sees children and young people nominated by social workers, teachers, foster parents for their Individual, Independence, Intelligential achievements with the most significant achievements receiving the Inspiration award.
The I Awards will take place on 26th January 2024 and we want to host the best event to date.
Would you and your company be able show your pride in our children and sponsor one of our entertainment provisions for the evening or even a specific award for our well deserving children and young people in care and care leavers?
If you and your company would like to sponsor an award or one of our entertainment acts for I Awards 2024, please contact Hannah Finch at Hannah.Bradley@wolverhampton.gov.uk
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