Business Support Newsletter 72

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city of wolverhampton council

Relight Business Support

    Newsletter issue: 72 

Wolverhampton Business Week September 2025

Business Week

Wolverhampton Business Week returns later this month with a packed programme of events taking place across the city. Organised by the council in collaboration with partners – the week will spotlight innovation, skills and growth opportunities for businesses of all sizes. The flagship event, Wolverhampton’s Annual Business Breakfast, will take place on Friday 26 September at Molineux Stadium. We are honoured to welcome the Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern, Minister of State (Minister for Skills) and Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities), as keynote speaker. Thanks to Business Breakfast sponsors City of Wolverhampton College, Black Country Careers Hub, and McLaughlin & Harvey.

🔗 Full event details available here.

 

🌟 Business Week Highlights:

🔓 Unlocking Public Sector Procurement
📅 Tuesday 23 September | 🕗 8.30am – 11.30am
📍 National Brownfield Institute, Springfield Campus, Grimstone Street, Wolverhampton, WV10 0JP

Learn how your business can tap into public sector contracts and supply chains. This session will help local businesses understand the procurement process and how to get involved.

🔗 Full event details available here

 

👩‍💼 Women Entrepreneurs Masterclass
📅 Wednesday 24 September | 🕓 4.30pm – 6.30pm
📍 Genting Casino, 56–58 Temple St, Wolverhampton WV2 4AQ

Hear from inspirational women in business, explore regional support, and network with fellow entrepreneurs.

👉 Click here to book your place.

 

📣 Future-Proof Marketing: AI, Video, SEO & Inclusive Design Unpacked
📅 Thursday 25 September | 🕗 8.30am – 12.30pm
📍 National Brownfield Institute, Springfield Campus, Grimstone Street, Wolverhampton, WV10 0JP

Discover how to future-proof your marketing strategy using the latest tools and trends in AI, SEO, video, and inclusive design.

👉 Click here to book your place


West Midlands SME Grant Programme

SME Programme

Are you a Wolverhampton-based SME looking to invest in significant capital equipment? The West Midlands SME Grant Programme is now accepting Expressions of Interest (EoI) — and your business could benefit!

💼 What’s on Offer?

This grant programme supports capital investment projects with a minimum spend of £20,000. Eligible businesses may receive up to 50% of the project’s eligible costs, paid in arrears.

✅ Eligibility Criteria:

To apply, your business must be  based in Wolverhampton, trading for at least 2 years, and be able to provide audited accounts for the last 2 years

📅 Act Now!

Whether you're upgrading machinery, expanding production, or modernising your operations — this grant could help make it happen.

For details of the eligibility criteria and guidance notes, click here.


Access to finance and funding for Innovation Workshop

Access to finance and funding for Innovation Workshop

After a short summer break, our popular Breakfast Workshop series with Innovate UK is back — and we’re kicking things off with an exciting in-person event on Wednesday 17 September.

💡 Unlock Funding for Your Big Ideas

If you're eager to learn how to secure funding for your innovative projects, this session is a must-attend. You’ll gain valuable insights into:

  • Accessing finance for innovation
  • Navigating funding opportunities
  • Connecting with like-minded innovators

Whether you're developing a new product, service, or process — this workshop will help you take your ideas to the next level.

🤝 Network & Learn

Meet fellow entrepreneurs, innovators, and experts in a relaxed breakfast setting. Share experiences, ask questions, and build connections that could shape your next big move.

📅 Date: Wednesday 17 September

👉 Click here to book your place


Wolverhampton Mentoring Network Lunch

Wolverhampton mentoring Launch

Looking to grow your business with the support of experienced mentors and peers? Join us for the next Wolverhampton Mentoring Network Lunch — an inspiring in-person event designed to help you connect, learn, and thrive.

🤝 Why Attend?

Each month, we bring together a vibrant mix of:

  • Local business leaders
  • Regional and national mentoring organisations
  • Entrepreneurs and professionals like you

Enjoy an informal networking lunch while gaining valuable insightspractical advice, and new connections to help you take your business to the next level.

🌱 Who Should Join?

Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned professional, this event is a fantastic opportunity to:

  • Expand your network
  • Enhance your skills
  • Build meaningful relationships
  • Empower yourself through mentorship

📅 Date: Tuesday 7 October

To book your place at the next Mentoring Network Lunch, click here.


Free Energy Reviews & Grant Support

Free Energy Reviews & Business Energy Advice Service

Are you an SME based in Wolverhampton? Great news! You can now access a fully funded Site Energy Review through the Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS) – a new government-backed pilot programme helping businesses cut costs and carbon through:

  • Identifying cost-saving opportunities
  • Improving operational efficiency
  • Lowering your carbon footprint

🔍Even Better – Get Up to £100,000 in Grant Support!

Following your review, your business could be eligible for:

🔹 50% Match-Funded Grants

🔹 Up to £100,000 available for energy-saving projects

From LED lighting to process improvements, the BEAS programme is designed to help you implement change without the full cost burden.

For more information on the Business Energy Advice Service, click here.


Bilston Neighbourhood Plan - Consultation

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Bilston business owners, residents and visitors are being invited to help shape the future of their community as part of the Plan for Neighbourhoods programme.

The Plan for Neighbourhoods Board in Bilston has launched a major consultation to gather views on what matters most to people who live, work and spend time in Bilston.

The feedback will inform a community-led Regeneration and Investment Plan, which will set out priorities for the next ten years.

The consultation is part of a government initiative supporting 75 areas across the UK to co-design long-term regeneration strategies with local communities.

The online survey is open now and will run until September 30, 2025. If you complete the survey, you have the chance to win up to £100 in Morrisons vouchers. To take part click here

In-person engagement sessions will also take place across Bilston throughout September, including pop-up events and paper surveys.


Business Helpline, Support & Diagnostics

Business support

To support your growth or any business enquiry your may have our team can conduct a free business diagnostic and connect you quickly to the right support.

If you have any queries relating to business support, growing your business, or some of the challenges you are facing, then please call the council's Business Support helpline on 01902 555572 or complete the online enquiry form