 Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant
West Berkshire are supporting the Government in distributing funding to support businesses that are experiencing difficulties because of the Omicron variant. In order to be eligible you must be a rate-paying hospitality, leisure or accommodation business that was trading on 30 December 2021.
Please apply as soon as possible, applications will close in March.
Click here for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant (OHLG)
Businesses in the hospitality, leisure and events industries who do not qualify for this grant, but have been impacted by the Omicron variant, should apply for the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) Hardship scheme. Businesses will need to provide financial evidence to demonstrate how they have been impacted. The deadline to apply is 14 March.
Click here to apply for the ARG Hardship Scheme
ARG Challenge Fund: Grants for up to £25,000
 Have you applied for the ARG Challenge Fund yet? It's a grant opportunity for local businesses to fund digital resilience or green growth projects between £5,000 - £25,000! The purpose of this is to provide direct support to businesses and the economy by stimulating green growth and recovery from Covid-19.
The window for applications closes on 13 February 2022 and all applications will be assessed together after this date.
Rebel Business School
 Want to make money doing what you love?
The Rebel Business School have partnered with West Berkshire to offer a free live online course that helps people from all backgrounds and situations to become equipped with the tools and skillset to become self-employed or run a business. This could be an alternative to traditional employment, to help supplement income and/or to take your passions a step further.
The practical and interactive course runs from Monday 7 February to Friday 18 February between 10am – 3pm daily (Mon-Fri) and is a great move towards your first sale, building your confidence and getting your business idea off the ground in a debt-free way.
If you or anyone you know has a business idea but is struggling to get started, or is currently running a business and might like some free help, head this way and register for some free, life changing training!
West Berkshire Supports Newbury BID
 West Berkshire Council is fully supportive of Newbury Business Improvement District (BID) and all the fantastic work they do. We're hoping to see the not-for-profit organisation continue their great work over the next 5 years with a successful renewal ballot this February.
In the past year, West Berkshire has worked with the BID and seen first hand the amazing work they do for the business community in Newbury town centre. Recent events such as the day-long Christmas Lights Switch-On Festival, and a brand new three-day Victorian Christmas Fayre, are just some examples of how the BID is working to drive visitors into Newbury from wider areas and encouraging footfall in the town centre.
We are proud to have sponsored some of the wonderful events they have put on and look forward to working with the team to deliver aspects of the Newbury Town Vision which will be coming soon! Take a look at all Newbury BID has achieved over the years, key ballot dates, and what they have planned for the next 5 year BID term here: https://visitnewbury.org.uk/about/bid-ballot/ and if you're a BID member business show your support - vote YES!
Berkshire Prospectus
 The Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (TVBLEP) has published the second edition of the Berkshire Prospectus for 2022. The document gives insights into why Berkshire is an excellent area to invest in and highlights ready to invest projects that will unlock future economic opportunities.
This is a great summary document that looks at all areas of Berkshire and the potential for Inward Investment opportunities. It also highlights the environmental agenda and how we are looking towards a greener business environment.
West Berkshire is featured in terms of the London Road development, active travel and the solar power panels in Grazeley.
Government Support and Initiatives
 Crack It Challenge
This is a challenge-led competition that funds collaborations between industry, academics and SMEs to solve business and scientific challenges which will deliver 3Rs benefits, either by improving business processes or developing a commercial product. Depending on the challenge, contracts of up to £1 million for up to three years are available.
Find out more here
Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme
This is a grant contribution to pay towards upgrading business broadband to a high-speed capable connection.
Find out more here
See more government initiatives and business support on the Government website.
Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey
 The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey gathers insight from all businesses within the region and looks at the data behind some of the changes and challenges that businesses are currently facing.
It is a leading indicator on some of the big changes in the economy long before other surveys or official statistics. It is the first economic indicator of the quarter, published in advance of official figures and other private surveys, and consistently mirrors trends in official data.
The 2021 Q4 results are published and can be read here. We will be working with the Chamber on the next survey; looking at the business environment in West Berkshire and reflecting on how we can improve the district for businesses.
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Rebel Business School: Start your own business today!
Monday 7 - Friday 18 February 2022
10:00 - 15:00
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Marketing Planning and Strategy
Tuesday 1 March 2022
19:30 - 20:30
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How To Achieve And Self-Fund Carbon Neutrality In 4 Steps
Monday 7 March 2022
10:00 - 11:00
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And finally...
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