Be Cyber Secure programme call for applications

Funding is now available for Worcestershire's growing cyber sector businesses and to support local SMEs, trading business to business, to become more cyber secure.  The call for applications opened on 17 September and closes on 11 October 2018. Eligible businesses need to apply before the deadline if they don’t want to miss out.

Small and medium sized businesses across Worcestershire are being encouraged to apply for funding to either improve cyber security or to grow an existing cyber sector business. Until 11 October 2018, they can apply to the Be Cyber Secure grant fund, a capital and revenue based grant scheme, for match funded grants of up to £20,000 to help improve cyber security or grow their cyber sector business.

The Be Cyber Secure programme, funded by the European Regional Development Fund and supported by Worcestershire County Council and local District Councils, is currently offering two separate grant funds.  Security grants will help SMEs to improve cyber security.  This may include complying with GDPR, investing in networking equipment or gaining cyber security certification – such as Cyber Essentials or ISO 27001.  Growth grants will help cyber sector companies to grow their business through capital expenditure, marketing and product development.

Eligible businesses can find further information or submit an application via the Worcestershire Business Central website.  For enquiries, please contact Wendy Garrad on 01905 844595 or email wgarrad@worcestershire.go.uk.

More information on the Be Cyber Secure programme and grant fund can be found on the Worcestershire Business Central website.

Worcestershire LEADER Programme Call 10 – don’t miss this opportunity!

Worcestershire LEADER has secured further funding for one final call for projects.  The expression of interest deadline is 21st September 2018.

Key Criteria for applications

• Create a job or increase the hours of current employees and/or improve business productivity.

• Be for a grant request for between £10,000 - £50,000, with match of at least 60% required.

• Be for capital equipment to grow/improve the business or service to the community.

• Be in rural Worcestershire.To check your eligibility please see the postcode checker.

Applications will be welcomed from all priorities across all sectors.

For more information please see the links below:

• Expression of Interest Form
• Information sheet on call 10, including deadline dates, key information and contact details.
• Expression of Interest Guidance
• LEADER Handbook

Please do call any of the programme team if you have any questions about LEADER.

Elspeth McQueen
LEADER Programme Manager
01905 846872
EMcQueen@worcestershire.gov.uk

Katie Ainsworth
LEADER Programme Manager
01905 843992
kainsworth@worcestershire.gov.uk

New Start-up funding available

BCRS Business Loans is delighted to be able to offer its support to viable, post-revenue start-up businesses operating in the West Midlands and environs.

This has been made possible since being confirmed as manager of the West Midlands Small Business Loans fund for the Midlands Engine Investment Fund. As part of this commitment, BCRS Business Loans have been allocated £17 million to support the growth of start-up and existing businesses.

For more information, download the fact sheet by clicking here.

Help for early stage businesses

Enterprising Worcestershire has launched the new Worcestershire Business Events Portal, helping you to access the free workshops that are available across the county.

Businesses in Worcestershire that have been established for less than three years and trade predominantly on a business to business basis have the opportunity to take advantage of this rolling series of free workshops.

The workshops have been developed to focus on topics pertinent to start-up enterprises, covering topic areas such as innovation and growth, sales and marketing, finance and business planning, and more!

To see the full calendar of events, please visit business events where you will also be able to register to attend the workshops.

For further information about the support that is available, please contact Worcestershire Business Central on 01905 677888 or visit their website. 

Useful information

Business Rates Consultation Presentations 2018

The annual Business Rates Consultation Breakfast meeting was held on Wednesday 24 January 2018. The presentations at this meeting can be downloaded as PDF's below.

Business Rates Update 2018-19

General Meeting Presentation

Worcestershire County Council Growth and Investment Team presentation

Wychavon District Council's Skills Officer presentation

Wychavon Business News e-newsletter

The Regeneration Team produce a regular newsletter, including updates on a variety of items including the latest activity, recent news, funding opportunities, networking events, important changes and other relevant communications.

To subscribe to this newsletter, please sign up by clicking here.

Our latest business services leaflet

An overview of the services  Wychavon District Council provides businesses in a convenient leaflet.

Contact

Details of the Regeneration Team