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Deadline for applications to the Rural Business Grant is approaching

The Rural Business Grant supports rural businesses to invest in sustainable growth across the District, supporting new and existing rural businesses to develop new products, services and facilities that will benefit the local economy and rural communities.

Minimum grants of £5,000 are available and match funding is required, and to demonstrate value for money, applicants will be required to offer match funding.

Applications must be submitted by Friday 31st January 2025 and any proposed purchase/works must be completed by March 2025.

View more information on the Rural Business Grant.

The Rural Business Grant is being delivered by North Kesteven District Council for DEFRA under the Rural England Prosperity Fund. This allocation is an addendum to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Making the most of Small Business Saturday

Make the most of Small Business Saturday this year, see the suggestions below to gain further exposure ahead of 7 December:

  • Add your business to the Small Business Finder
  • Download logos, posters and other materials from the Small Business Saturday website.
  • Upload your business to our Shop Local business directory on Business NK.
  • Promote a special offer or discount ahead of Small Business Saturday.
  • We want to shine a spotlight on small businesses across North Kesteven! Email us if interested!

Craft a winning marketing strategy in just one day

Craft a winning marketing strategy in just one day, at an upcoming workshop on 5 November from 10am to 4:30pm at the Stallingborough Grange Hotel. By joining the workshop, you’ll receive expert guidance in developing a complete marketing strategy and tactical plan for your business.
 
 
Please note, eligibility restrictions apply; you must be in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors and will be ineligible if you previously participated in the Hospitable Boost or Your Business Boost.

Free support to develop practical skills

Two courses are available to support with developing practical skills for you, your colleagues or your staff.

The Skills Bootcamp

The Skills Bootcamp in Data Analytics will provide you with the ability to extract actionable insights from marketing data, helping you to drive effective marketing strategies. The course is free if you meet certain eligibility criteria. See more information here.

Skills 365

Explore Skills 365 for their online training courses, ranging from beginners level, through to advanced level. Only taking a few hours at a time, you’ll come away equipped with the knowledge to confidently use Excel, PowerPoints and other essential software. View the online courses.

Useful tools for tradespeople

If you’re a tradesperson involved in repair, maintenance, or home improvement, support is available, offering valuable guidance on identifying and managing risks.

View the document blow to discover key links to health and safety information, as well as a toolkit designed specifically for contractors.

CONIAC Guidance – Low Carbon Homes Improvements

An opportunity to highlight your business’ positive contributions

We saw at the Green Business event, and we see it every day in our high streets, trading estates and places where our businesses do business, that there really are some excellent enterprises in North Kesteven which care deeply about the environment and are committed to doing everything they can to contribute positively to Climate Action and build a Green Economy.

On November 27 we have the NK Community Champion Awards and through self-nomination, the nomination of others and sponsorship opportunities, these are a further way to showcase the amazing things happening within our communities that contribute to the richness of life in North Kesteven.

Whether as a community-focused business that gives generously of its time and resources to support others in the community, clubs or charities; through broad expression of community spirit; as a good neighbour or a young achiever; through longstanding commitment to a single initiative; or by contributing to climate action, health & wellbeing, a better environment, arts & culture or sport – we want to champion those individuals, groups, schools, organisation or businesses that make North Kesteven such a nice place to live.

It’s quick and easy at www.NKawards.org and doesn’t involve much more that heartfelt appreciation for whatever they do across any of the ten categories to improve live locally within North Kesteven. Deadline for nominations is noon on September 23. Nominate yourself if you think you deserve it or ask your customers too.

Already signed up as award sponsors are Lindum Group, Branston Ltd, the Sleaford Renewable Energy Plant, the Hub, GLL/Better our leisure partner, Ian Williams one of our housing repair partners and Lafford Homes – and there’s still room for other community-minded businesses like yours to join the party by emailing [email protected]

Enhance your business decisions with ONS Data: join the new webinars

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) provides essential data on the UK’s economy, including business performance, inflation, earnings, and investments. These statistics help businesses make strategic decisions, improve efficiency, and stay competitive. To further empower businesses and the public, ONS is launching a new series of webinars, designed to increase understanding of data and statistics, highlighting how official statistics play a vital role in everyday life and business operations.

By attending, businesses can learn how to better leverage ONS data to drive growth, make informed decisions, and gain a deeper insight into the economic factors that impact their day-to-day operations. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover how data can work for you.

View upcoming webinars and register your free place.

Your Business Boost

Your Business Boost is a fully funded business support programme designed to help those in Retail, Hospitality and Leisure achieve their business ambitions.

Join this cohort-based programme for the chance to work with your peers, 1-2-few and 1-2-1 support will also be available. Topics covered include Marketing, HR, Sales as well as bespoke support with subject experts.

Each participant is assigned a ‘Your Business Boost’ advisor who will work with them throughout the programme to ensure that they access the support that is right for them.

The programme takes 8-weeks to complete – each week has approximately 3 hours of learning opportunities for participants to access. Upcoming cohorts are planned for September 2024 & January 2025.

For more information and to register your interest, visit Business Lincolnshire’s website.

Join us for the Net Zero Workshop in Market Rasen!

Are you looking to make your business more sustainable and reduce its carbon footprint? Business Lincolnshire is hosting a free Net Zero Workshop in Market Rasen, and we invite you to be a part of it!

Event Details:

  • Date: 10 September 2024
  • Time: 9:00AM – 1:00PM
  • Location: Market Rasen Racecourse

This workshop is an excellent opportunity for businesses to explore practical strategies for cutting energy costs, enhancing efficiency, and contributing to a greener future. Whether you’re just starting your sustainability journey or looking to deepen your existing efforts, this event will provide valuable insights and actionable steps to help you achieve your net zero goals.

Don’t miss out on this chance to make a positive environmental impact while improving your business operations.

Register now to secure your spot and start your journey towards a more sustainable future!

The Help to Grow: Management Essentials

Small businesses can now benefit from a free online course launched by The Department for Business and Trade.

The Help to Grow: Management Essentials course offers practical tips and resources for small business leaders. This is the latest addition to the ‘Help to Grow’ toolkit, supporting UK small and medium sized enterprises.

Get started with the free support today.

The course consists of bite-sized videos and supporting resources, helping you to think more strategically about your business, your target market and your go-to-market strategy.