Wokingham Borough Connect
 Support for start-ups and high-growth businesses
Wokingham and our neighbouring authorities have received funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) for providing business support programmes to start-ups and high-growth businesses.
The Start-up Programme comprises a mix of hybrid workshops and coaching sessions to help build business successfully, while the High Growth Programme provides intensive and tailored support through one-to-one sessions and Masterclasses on a range of key business topics like sales and marketing, finance for growth and more.
Both programmes are funded by Wokingham Borough Council and delivered by the Berkshire Growth Hub.
Applications are open now. To find out more and apply, visit the Start-ups Programme and High Growth Programme websites.
 Final call: Low Carbon Workspace Grants
Match-funded Low Carbon Workspace Grants of up to £6,750 are still available to support you on improvement to reduce your energy spend, such as:
- LED lighting
- Solar panels
- Heating system upgrades
- Insulation or double/triple glazing to improve heat retention
- Energy efficient equipment
Successful applicants will need to complete the work by the end of April 2023 and be in a position to submit invoices.
If you'd like to know more, contact us by clicking the blue button below.
We will talk you through how you can apply and what type of project you are interested in undertaking. Many businesses across the borough have benefited already, so don’t miss your chance.
 Have you say on local transport plan
We're asking you to answer some simple questions to help us improve journeys around the borough.
We're updating our Local Transport Plan, an official document guiding how we make all kinds of improvements to footways, cycle lanes, roads and other transport networks as we face the challenges of the decades to come.
This will offer more ways of getting around and more chances to leave the car at home, especially for shorter journeys, helping us to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion, tackle the climate emergency and help you to live healthily.
From now until Sunday, 12 March, you can share your thoughts on things like more support for electric vehicles and cycle parking, or providing more space for pedestrians on pavements in village and town centres.
This will be followed by more detailed consultation, but we’d like you to take part now so the draft reflects your wants and needs from the outset.
 Help shape the future of young people
Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is looking for passionate, high calibre professionals from a range of sectors to join the Enterprise Adviser network and work with teachers to support aspirational careers education.
Enterprise Advisers work closely with the senior leadership team of schools or colleges to:
- Support the development of a whole school strategy for careers, enterprise and employer engagement
- Provide access to their existing local business networks
- Help schools and colleges to focus efforts on programmes and activities that are most effective in supporting independent choice, motivating young people and achieving positive outcomes
If that sounds like you, start by registering your interest now.
 Neurodiversity Celebration Week
The event schedule of the Neurodiversity Celebration Week is now LIVE!
Neurodiversity Celebration Week website is a worldwide initiative that aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing schools, universities, and organisations with the opportunity to recognise the many talents and advantages of being neurodivergent, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual.
With over 70 speakers coming together, Neurodiversity Celebration Week is looking to offer lots of insights through sharing individual experiences, as well as the expertise of professionals and advocates working in the field.
Panel discussions will cover:
- Building a neurodiversity-friendly workplace culture
- The benefits of neurodiversity in the workplace
To find out more and register to take part, visit the Neurodiversity Celebration Week website.
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