We hope everyone had a lovely holiday weekend — despite the variable weather! For some businesses, it will have been spent getting ready to reopen, with some non-essential retail able to resume trading from Monday. Others will be waiting for the 26th in order to reopen, but whichever category you fall in to, our blog this week—as always— contains lots of helpful information on funding and other opportunities.
Digital Participation Charter Fund: This fund enables third sector groups and organisations to improve the digital skills of their members, digitise content and build networks through small grants, so that they can continue to thrive in the digital world. It will close for applications at noon on 22nd April. Find out more here.
Vattenfall Unlock Our Future Fund: This fund supports charitable activity in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire contributing towards a climate smart future. Small grants up to £2,000 are available, as well as large grants up to a maximum of £15,000 for a single year, with the possibility of awards of up to £30,000 for projects running across three years. Closes 12 April. Find out more here.
Enterprise Booster Programme: This is a new series of workshops for people aged 16-24 living in Aberdeenshire who are interested in becoming self-employed or running your own business, the Enterprise Booster will give you what you need to get your business plans off to a great start. This programme is free, fully-funded and all online. Find out more here.
Flexible Workforce Development Fund 2020-21, Phase 2: Small businesses across Scotland can now access training up to the value of £5,000 provided by the OU to help them respond to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, adapt to new ways of working and maximise the opportunities to restart, recover and renew. Businesses are advised to make an application as soon as possible, as access to the fund will be on a first-come-first-served basis. Find out more here.
Small businesses and collaborations of micro businesses in the Perthshire and Kinross area can also access Flexible Workforce Development Fund training locally at Perth College UHI.
Tay Cities Food & Drink Expo: This year’s virtual Tay Cities Food & Drink Expo will take place on Monday 10th May. This is a fantastic opportunity for hospitality industry suppliers from the Tay Cities Region to meet local hospitality businesses. Find out more here.
New and Improved Funding Scotland Website : Find funding for your charity, community group or social enterprise using the SVCO free online search engine. From small grants to funding for big capital projects, it can help you track down the funding you need to make a difference in your community. SCVO members and supporters get access to exclusive features and fund information. Find out more here: https://funding.scot