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Business Support – Latest Updates

RBKC News, 18.03.2022.

Business News

  • RBKC launch of K+C Co-works in April.  New in-house co-working spaces are being opened up at Brompton, Chelsea and Notting Hill Gate libraries.  If you’d like to be notified once the booking system opens or just find out more about the service, you can receive updates direct to your inbox with the new K+C Co-works enewsletter or contact the Libraries team at librarycoworks@rbkc.gov.uk .  Fixed monthly desk space can be booked from £200 (+VAT) and hotdesking from £20 per day (+VAT). Existing users of the previous provider of co-working spaces in the libraries are being invited to stay on.
  • RBKC Adult Learning/ Portobello Business Centre.  New free Fundamental Digital Skills remote training course to assist RBKC residents to promote themselves or their business venture. The skills gained would also be transferable to an employment setting. 12 and 14 April 2022.  Register here fully-funded by RBKC’s Adult Learning Service (ALS). 
  • RBKC in the news.  Al fresco dining in Kensington and Chelsea will be extended once legislation ends in September 2022. The Standard notes that the Council plans to grant five-year licences to restaurants, bars and cafés that want to offer the option of outdoor eating and drinking from next March.
  • RBKC Free food hygiene courses now on offer for your employees.  Check eligibility here and If you wish to refer a group of candidates, please email training@rbkc.gov.uk with group requests. 

Commercial opportunities

  • RBKC.  We’re commissioning a design celebrating the identity of the Notting Hill Gate area.  Go here for information, deadline 22 March.  Six teams to be shortlisted receive monies to develop proposal, winning team will have up to £100k to develop full design. 
  • RBKC.  We have a new Business Guide with Online Listings connecting local businesses with local customers free of charge.  Register your business now at www.itslocalrbkc.co.uk.  See attached flyer.  Be an essential part of our recovery programme in the borough.   Launching Spring 2022.   Want to advertise?  Contact Andrew Nice a.nice@mybusinessclient.com

Events, resources and support programmes

  • Enterprise Nation.  Wednesday 23 March, at 5:30pm, in person in King’s Cross.  Expert panel on ‘Access to Markets: at home and overseas’ for small businesses; RSVP using this private event link Access to Markets Eventbrite. 
  • London Business Hub.   Time Management for Small Business Owners:  10am to 4:30pm, Thursday 24 March – plan your time effectively, prioritise and manage competing tasks. Register Here
  • Amazon. Launchpad Sustainability Accelerator. Deadline 25 March, has a £10k cash component. The accelerator is free of charge and no equity will be taken, see here. 
  • London Business Hub.  Property Advice Service Webinar –Tuesday 5 April.  Provides SMEs access to free masterclasses to find the right space. Register here
  • London Business Hub.  Website Optimisation for Business Growth:  Two-day event, 10am to 4:30pm, Thursday 21 and 29 April – Learn how to optimise your website, attract more customers and boost online sales. Register Here
  • Portobello Business Centre.  27 April, see here. Introduction to Self-Employment with Laurie Bernard. 
  • Morley College Online.  8 May – 29 May Business Start Up For Artists, Designers and Makers.
  • Founders Factory + NEF + Programme in London. 6-month entrepreneurship programme during April – apply now.
  • London Business Hub.  Recover and Grow – 6-week intensive programme with Bayes Business School for business leaders looking to navigate the impact of COVID-19. Businesses – register your interest here
  • Federation of Small Businesses: BLOGS 10 tips for amazing business networking.  Find out how you can network like a pro and make meaningful connections in your local small business community.
  • Founders Factory newsletter.  Buy Now Pay Later—three StartUp ideas.  Web3—future of the internet or passing hype? Latest news from our portfolio & opportunities for founders.  Read in this month’s newsletter:
  • Founders Factory ff3 newsletter.   Dedicated to Web3; thought leadership and experiences in that area. Check it out, and subscribe, here.

Finance: grants, loans, competitions

  • Deutsche bank.  Deadline 31 March.  Supporting entrepreneurs 18-30  years old looking to create and sustain social value.  Fund of £60,000. Apply here. 
  • RBKC.  Arts grant scheme offering projects up to £3,000 now open.  Go here. Deadline 12 April Midday
  • Stelios Awards for Disabled Entrepreneurs.  Deadline: 5pm Wednesday 20 April.  Open to those with ownership of any for-profit business in the UK. Prize money totalling £60,000. Information here.
  • Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).  2023-26 Investment Programme.  The minimum amount that can be applied for is £50,000 (£150,000 over the three-year investment period).  Go here.  Deadline 18 May 2022. 
  • Foundation for Social Investment.  The Growth Fund finance of up to £150,000 for charities and social enterprises.