March Edition of our Enterprising News
Business Information Point
Your local business advisors for over 20 years
Welcome to the latest edition of Enterprising News, bringing you up-to-date information on our workshops, business support, local grant funding and new resources on our website, as well as relevant small business news and events. If you would like some assistance with your business, you can find all out latest funded business support projects on our website.
BUSINESS SUPPORT
As our business support programme, Prosper concludes we still one event left this week, grab this final opportunity. Bookings close at 9am tomorrow (Wednesday 5th March) so don't miss out - book your place now! ?
Build a Thriving Team & Business
6 March | Padbrook Park Hotel 9.15am to 1pm Running a small business means wearing many hats, but when it comes to hiring and retaining great staff, the right strategies can make all the difference. We invite you to join us for a?free event?where expert speakers in HR and staff development will share practical strategies to help your business thrive. In this workshop, you will learn how to:
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain actionable advice to build a business where people want to work—and stay.? ?
Our final workshop, this week, ?from our free support Pathway to Digital programme for businesses in Plymouth.
Using Digital Tools to Improve Your Business
5 March | Online 1.00pm to 3.00pm
Discover how digital technology can streamline your business operations. Our upcoming session will explore the impact of digital activities and offer insights into optimizing processes. Topics include cloud computing, digital communication tools, and other solutions to enhance performance.
Learning Objectives:
Benefits:
Join us to acquire the knowledge and tools necessary to boost your business efficiency while supporting sustainability goals.
Empowering women in Devon and Cornwall to embrace entrepreneurship.
Her Vision, Her Venture, funded by NatWest, this programme inspires women to utilise their skills and resilience to become their own boss. If you're seeking independence and a better work-life balance, we're here to help turn your business idea into reality. Our Support Includes:
Take control, gain flexibility, and start your entrepreneurial journey with our dedicated support.
Do you have a Side Hustle?
Check Your Tax Obligations! HMRC’s 'Help for Hustles' campaign is here to help you understand when to declare extra income. If you make over ￡1,000 from self-employment—like online sales, freelancing, or content creation—you may need to file a Self Assessment tax return. Stay on top of your taxes and avoid surprises.
NEW BLOG FEATURE
6 Ways to Tackle Imposter Syndrome
"After writing 11 books and earning many prestigious awards, poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou stated, “I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.” As a small business owner, the weight of responsibility can sometimes make you question your abilities. But you're not alone—imposter syndrome affects many entrepreneurs. In our latest blog, we explore:
It’s time to embrace your worth and grow with confidence! ?
FUNDING
The Asda Foundation
The Asda Foundation has launched the ￡500,000 Young Futures Fund, offering grants between ￡500 and ￡1,000 to support the mental health and wellbeing of young people aged 13 to 21.? Eligible projects should focus on:
Charities and not-for-profit organizations with an income under ￡250,000 and existing services for this age group can apply. Note: Schools and academies are ineligible, but PTAs with their own bank accounts can apply.? Apply by noon on 13th March 2025. Applications may close early if funds are fully allocated.
Deutsche Bank Awards for Creative Enterprise
The Deutsche Bank Awards for Creative Entrepreneurs (DBACE) 2025 offers a ￡60,000 prize fund, with up to ￡20,000 for each winner, plus 12 months of business support. Open to UK entrepreneurs aged 18 and over with a strong idea or existing business in the creative industries aiming for positive social impact. Apply by 31 March 2025.
Sea-Changers Coastal Fountain Fund 2025
Community organisations in coastal locations can apply for a grant towards the cost of purchasing a drinking-water fountain. The grants are being made available by Sea Changers in order to reduce the use of non-reusable plastic drinks bottles which have a negative impact on UK coastal and marine environments. The grants are for water fountain bottle filling stations at or near UK beaches/marinas/coastal locations. The fund will cover the purchase of one fountain per successful applicant. The funding will only cover the cost of purchasing the water fountain unit up to ￡2,500 and does not cover installation or maintenance costs. The proposed fountain must be in an area that has significant public use, a lot of littering or is of particular environmental importance or status. Non-profit organisations of all types can apply, including town, parish, district/borough councils, community councils and schools.
Celebrating the Success of Future Farming Resilience
The Future Farming Resilience Programme which we've been running with a number of partners is drawing to a close and so we've put together a graphic to highlight the success of the programme in supporting farmers and their families over this time. We're delighted to say that over 1,600 farm businesses have been supported across Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset which included running over 200 workshops and more than 550 farm visits.
If you would like to learn more about our agricultural support you can sign up to our agri-specific email list on our website.
All the best
The Business Information Point Team
0800 592 872