Powys Family and Behaviour Support Service - Notice of tender

Powys County Council wishes to engage with a suitably qualified and competent provider to deliver a Family and Behaviour support service across the County of Powys. It is anticipated that the service will begin 1st April 2013.

Go to:
https://www.sell2wales.co.uk/notices/display.html?NoticeId=33122&activity=OTY3MzI%3d

Tender Opportunity - Builth Wells Integrated Health and Social Care Centre

PCC Powys County Council and PtHB Powys teaching Health Board are holding a

Provider Forum to inform the market of their Commissioning Intentions with regards to the

new Brynhyfryd Integrated Health and Social Care Centre in Builth Wells.

The new Brynhyfryd extension (currently at an advanced stage of construction) is designed to deliver an integrated, outcome focussed, reabling short term model of care.

The purpose of the Forum is to inform potential providers of the service model and scope of the intended service. Attendees will be given the opportunity to view plans of the site, and to ask questions regarding the requirements of the service which will tendered early in 2013.

The forum will be held at 14.00pm until 17.00pm on Thursday 13th December 2012 at the Media Resource Centre, Oxford Rad, Llandrindod Wells.

More information can b found on the sell2wales website at: https://www.sell2wales.co.uk/notices/display.html?NoticeId=32835 

Involving Young People in Fundraising

Are you looking to get more young people involved in activities and giving for your organisation?

Have a look at this article from the experts:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/voluntary-sector-network/2012/dec/04/young-people-charitable-giving

Have you got any tips you want to share with others?  Get in touch, we'd love to hear from you.

(source: Guardian Professional Network)

CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATIONS - UPDATE

The Charity Commission will start considering online applications for registration as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) from next Monday. The independent regulator has confirmed that applications for the new structure will be accepted from 12 noon on Monday 10 December 2012.

The CIO is a new legal form designed specifically for charities. The structure provides charities with some of the benefits of being a company, without all of the associated burdens. CIOs will be incorporated charities able to enter into contracts in their own right, whose trustees will have limited or no liability. CIOs will therefore only need to register with the Commission, not with Companies House.

No CIOs will be able to join the Register of Charities until 3rd January 2013, as the relevant Regulations do not come into force until 28 days after they are made. However, the Commission has confirmed that it will begin accepting and considering certain types of online CIO applications in advance of that date.

A timetable, setting out which types of applications will be given priority, is published on the Commission's website. This staggered approach, which was agreed by ministers, is designed to help the regulator manage demand for the new structure, despite its limited resources.

Applications for brand new charities with incomes of over £5,000 will be able to apply for registration from 10 December 2012. The subsequent stages are set out below:

• From late March 2013 - window opens for existing unincorporated charities (to set up a CIO and transfer assets into it) with incomes of over £250,000
• From May 2013 - window opens for existing unincorporated charities with incomes between £100,000 and £250,000
• From July 2013 - window opens for existing unincorporated charities with incomes between £25,000 and £100,000
• From October 2013 - window opens for existing unincorporated charities with incomes between £5,000 and £25,000
• From January 2014 - window opens for existing unincorporated charities with incomes less than £5,000 and for brand new charities with anticipated annual incomes of less than £5,000

The Commission has stressed that the timetable is indicative and may be updated according to demand. People considering registering a CIO are advised to check the Commission's website for any updates¹ .

The regulator is also reminding those considering setting up a new charity that the CIO structure will not be suitable for all. The Commission says CIOs will be most beneficial for small to medium sized charities which employ staff or enter into contracts. While running a CIO should be simpler than establishing a charitable company, it will not be as straightforward as running an unincorporated association or trust.

The Commission is urging those thinking about applying to register a CIO to consider carefully information available on the Commission's website before starting their online application.

(Source: Charity Commission)

WCVA Loan Fund

Unity Trust Bank in partnership with WCVA (Wales Council for Voluntary Action) has launched a loan fund for charitable organisations in Wales to support building infrastructure projects.
The WCVA Loan Fund aims to make it easier for charitable organisations in Wales to work together on building infrastructure projects to cut costs and share resources. It is hoped that the fund will stimulate the creation of syndicates of charitable organisations working together in communal business centres.
There is a total of £30 million in the loan fund which will be released over five years at £6 million annually. Loans will range from £250,000 to £5 million.
Rates are negotiable on a case-by-case basis, but typically will be Base Rate plus 2.25% with a minimum rate of 4%. Fixed rates are available for up to five years.
Applicants are advised that a 1.5% arrangement fee will be payable on acceptance of any loan offer.
Loan offers will generally be made up to the value of 75% of the property, but greater loan-to-values (LTVs) will be considered where there is sufficient security.
Repayment periods of up to 30 years are available.
Charities and voluntary organisations may apply as long as they are WCVA members.

http://www.unity.co.uk/

(Source: Grant Finder)

£30 MILLION FINANCE ANNOUNCED FOR WELSH SOCIAL ECONOMY LAUNCHED

http://www.wcva.org.uk/news/dsp_news.cfm?newsid=1962

(source:  WCVA)

CAN DO - UPDATE

Can Do Ideas into Reality is once again open. Up to £2000 per group is available for projects supporting identified local need and activity, for small scale capital projects, that will make a big impact.  Groups will also be expected to find match funding of 33%.  Funding must be spent by 1^st March 2013 – please bear this in mind when thinking about applying to the fund. 

Groups applying will go through a health check with a Development Officer, after which application documents will be given.

The deadline for applications to the scheme is: FRIDAY 11^TH JANUARY 2013. 

Don’t delay, call today on 0845 0093288 or e-mail:  info@pavo.org.uk

Examples of projects supported so far include: play equipment, café equipment, flooring, garden projects, and projects to help comply with Disability Discrimination Act legislation 

How to Raise Capital for your Social Enterprise

An interesting article from those who been there and done it themselves:

http://socialenterprise.guardian.co.uk/en/articles/social-enterprise-network/2012/nov/16/how-raise-capital-social-enterprise?CMP=

(source: Guardian Social Enterprise Network)

Britain's Top Real Role Model

Britain's Top Real Role Model is a competition that aims to identify and reward entrepreneurs who have ideas for social community projects in the UK and Ireland. The campaign will support projects that benefit local communities and the environment.

The winner will be awarded £10,000 to help them start their own social/community project. The winner will also be offered individual mentoring sessions from two leading social entrepreneurs; Jo Fairley and Melanie Bryan.

In addition to the above, the competition sponsor, Amway UK, will support the winner with their social project by offering training courses from the Amway Academy which helps business start-ups.

Amway will also donate, on the winner's behalf, a sum of £10,000 to a community project of the winner's choice. The winner may also receive nationwide recognition of the award through promotion in the media.

Social entrepreneurs from the UK or Ireland who are aged 18 or over may enter this competition. Entrants may be nominated by a third party or alternatively they may nominate themselves directly.

The judging panel will determine a shortlist of nominees by 3 December 2012. Finalists will need to submit a full and detailed business plan by 21 January 2013. The final winner will be announced publicly on 11 February 2013.

The deadline for receipt of all nomination forms is 12 noon on 26 November 2012.

(Source: Grant finder) 

Financial Support for Welsh Energy and Environment SMEs

The Energy and Environment Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SME) Growth Fund aims to support business development activity to help Welsh companies operating in the energy and environment sector.

The Growth Fund will run initially for two years. It is designed to provide revenue support to a maximum of £50,000 and will pay no more than 50% of the cost of each project.

The fund will provide revenue support and will not duplicate the existing Wales SME Investment Fund.

Applicants are not required to repay support given under the Growth Fund.

Further information and application forms are available from the Business Wales website or by calling 03000 6 03000.

Applications may be made at any time.

Go to:

http://business.wales.gov.uk/

(source: Grant-finder) 

Winning Contracts with Local Authorities

Looking to win contracts from Local Authority?  Follow the links for some top tips:

https://socialenterprise.guardian.co.uk/en/articles/social-enterprise-network/2012/oct/31/public-services-social-value-act

(source: Guardian Social Enterprise Network)

Social Enterprise Day 2012 - Social Media Marathon

Social Enterprise Day 2012 takes place on Thursday (15^th November). To celebrate, the Wales Co-operative Centre is running a Social Media Marathon! They’ve set up a twitter hashtag – #socentdaywales – to capture all the activities taking place throughout the day and to promote the diversity and impact of social enterprises in Wales to a global audience.

Fancy getting involved?  
For more information go to:
http://walescooperative.wordpress.com/2012/11/12/get-involved-in-our-social-enterprise-day-2012-social-media-marathon/

(Source:  Wales Co-op Centre)

Free Social Enterprise Guide Available

A guide for charities on becoming a social enterprise has been produced by Pilotlight and Social Enterprise UK following a "significant increase" in enquiries from charities considering the route
It aims to provide practical tips and advice, highlighting such issues as charities not necessarily needing to change their legal structure, with many social enterprises being registered charities. (Indeed we would add many charities already operate the equivalent of social enterprises.) 'Why social enterprise, a guide for charities' is available to download (pdf, 811KB) from:
http://www.socialenterprise.org.uk/advice-support/resources/why-social-enterprises

(Social Entreprise UK)

WCVA EXPLORE INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME

If you have a project or short term piece of work which you would like completed if only you had the time or the available skilled resource, the Explore Internship Programme may be able to help you.

The WCVA Explore Internship Programme works with organisations to offer short term structured placements to volunteers with specialist knowledge or skills such as  Marketing, Media, Design,  IT, Sales, Business planning. Interns can be of all ages and come from all walks of life, the only criteria being they have the requested knowledge or skills. They may be seeking a career change and would like to test their skills in an alternative environment or just want to gain some valuable work experience.  At the moment the majority of our Interns are graduates and under graduates.

The feedback from Internships so far has been positive, highlighting the benefits as ‘Innovative ideas, new insights, hard working, reliable, competent  and enthusiastic interns’  The legacy of the intern is not only  the project they  deliver, but also the skills and knowledge they pass onto your permanent staff and other volunteers.

The possibilities are endless, driven by whatever is sitting on your ‘wish list’ and the creativity of your organisation. 

The placements are generally 1-3 days per week for 2-3 months, intended to run alongside job seeking or studies and provide something relevant which will complement existing knowledge and skills on the CV. The only direct cost to your organisation is the cost of travel expenses

If you would like to know more please contact Catherine Stephens-Ward, Internship Programme Co-ordinator. 02920 436594 cstephens-ward@wcva.org.uk

(Source: WCVA)

Should your charity become a social enterprise?

Follow the link to the article below:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/voluntary-sector-network/2012/oct/15/charity-social-enterprise

Is this something your organisation is considering?
Would you like support?

Contact PAVO for more information.  We offer a full menu of support around Social Enterprise.

Can Do - Don't Delay

CAN DO IDEAS INTO REALITY – ROUND 3 OPEN – LAST CHANCE FOR THIS FUND!

Can Do Ideas into Reality is once again open. Up to £2000 per group is available for projects supporting identified local need and activity, for small scale capital projects, that will make a big impact.  Groups will also be expected to find match funding of 33%.  Funding must be spent by 1^st March 2013. 

Groups applying will go through a health check with a Development Officer, after which application documents will be given.

The FINAL deadline for the scheme is: FRIDAY 16^TH NOVEMBER 2012. 

Don’t delay, call today on 0845 0093288 or e-mail:  info@pavo.org.uk

Examples of projects supported so far include: play equipment, café equipment, flooring, garden projects, and projects to help comply with Disability Discrimination Act legislation.  Several social enterprises in Powys have already benefited from this grant scheme - don't miss out!!

CAN DO IDEAS INTO REALITY – ROUND 3 OPEN – LAST CHANCE FOR THIS FUND!

Can Do Ideas into Reality is once again open. Up to £2000 per group is available for projects supporting identified local need and activity, for small scale capital projects, that will make a big impact.  For example, a grant could be used for sports equipment to encourage healthy lifestyles, or display boards for a community building.  Groups will also be expected to find match funding of 33%.  Funding must be spent by 1^st March 2013. 

Groups applying will go through a health check with a Development Officer, after which application documents will be given.

The FINAL deadline for the scheme is: FRIDAY 16^TH NOVEMBER 2012. 

Don’t delay, call today on 0845 0093288 or e-mail:  info@pavo.org.uk

Interested in applying to the Can Do Scheme?  

Come along and have a Can Do appointment on:

Monday 15th October, PAVO Offices, Newtown or Llandrindod Wells

To book contact PAVO:  0845 0093288

 

Time Out for Thinking

This is probably something we could all benefit from - time to think to be imaginative and creative.

https://socialenterprise.guardian.co.uk/social-enterprise-network/2012/sep/19/creativity-career-social-enterprise

What do you think?  Have you managed to do this?  Let us know.

What can not-for-profit organisations learn from the private sector?

An interesting article about how charities and not for profit organisations can benefit from being more business minded:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/voluntary-sector-network/2012/sep/18/not-for-profit-private-sector

Take a look, what do you think?  What's your experience?

The Edinburgh College Green Transport Prize

The Edinburgh College Green Transport Prize is committed to the development of green transport solutions that make use of renewable energy sources and have minimum impact upon the environment. The scheme operates as an annual award designed to recognise the innovative and enterprising contributions to green transport solutions.

The winning project will be awarded £50,000 to develop their project, with the two runners-up receiving £25,000 each.

The best entries will be showcased at a Green Transport Prize event hosted by The Scotsman Conferences and Edinburgh College in May 2013, with the winners announced on the day.

The following themes included in the 2013 Prize have been chosen to provide regional, national and international benefits and examples of these themes include:

• Urban Transport Solutions
• Rural Transport Solutions
• Waterway Transport Solutions
• Low Carbon Logistics and Freight Transportation
• Sustainable Transport Options

Submissions will be accepted from individuals, community groups, public and private sector organisations from countries worldwide involved in the promotion of green transport initiatives.

The 2012 deadline for entries to the 2013 prize is 30 November 2012.

http://www.jec.ac.uk/

(Source: Grantfinder)

The Shell Springboard Awards 2013

The Shell Springboard Awards launched in 2005 and have since attracted over 1,000 applications from small business owners with ideas to combat climate change, allocating more £2.25 million to 62 businesses.

The programme provides a financial boost to innovative, low carbon business initiatives from across the UK. The objective is to encourage businesses to see climate change responsibilities as more than compliance and cost. Shell believes there is a marked business opportunity if society is to move from a carbon-constrained world.

Nine awards of up to £40,000 are available through the programme with the best two regional entries being forwarded for the overall UK award.

Applications are accepted from sole traders, partnerships, limited companies or community interest companies (including government or university spin-outs) that operate in the UK. Businesses must have been established for a minimum of three months and have less than 250 employees.

All applications must be made via a form on the Shell Springboard website.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 18 January 2013.

(Source: Grantfinder)

Stelios Award for Disabled Entrepreneurs

Sponsored by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou and administered by Leonard Cheshire Disability, the Stelios Award for Disabled Entrepreneurs in the UK seeks out and celebrates business ability by recognising an exceptional disabled entrepreneur.

The competition is open to disabled entrepreneurs on the management board, and with ownership, of any business in the UK. Eligible businesses must have an annual turnover above £10,000 and have been trading for between one and five years.

The Award carries a prize of £50,000. This money is to be reinvested in the winner’s business. The winner can spend this money however they like, for example they could:

• Buy a piece of new equipment that would enable them to increase production capacity.
• Fund new staff costs to expand a sales team.
• Embark upon an international operation.

The 2012 Awards are now open to applications.

The deadline for entries is 5pm on Friday 26 October 2012.

http://www.lcdisability.org/

(Source: Grantfinder)

Third Sector Awards Cymru

The Third Sector Awards Cymru, supported by Class Telecommunications, celebrate the inspiring work of voluntary organisations from all over Wales.
This year the number of categories has risen from four to six – the Class award for best communications; the Green award; the Health, social care and wellbeing award; the Most Admired Organisation and, new for 2012, the award for good governance and the award for innovative fundraising. Winners will receive their awards at a gala dinner in Cardiff in January 2013.
Jonathan Levy, Class Telecommunications’ Chief Operating Officer, said: ‘Every year the Welsh third sector continues to impress with its hard work and determination to make a difference to lives across the country. These awards are a way to give something back to the groups that make an often unheralded, but very real, positive impact on our communities.’You can find the nomination form here.
Forms should be returned to news@wcva.org.uk. The deadline for nominations is 16 November 2012.

(Source WCVA)

BBC One Shoe looking for community projects

The show is looking for community projects across the UK that need a helping hand. It wants to use its influence to galvanise volunteer efforts in different schemes for a new weekly feature on the programme in the coming months.

For example - Perhaps you have a community hall that needs a lick of paint and a good tidy up but haven't been able to organise a volunteer day to sort it out - Let The One Show see what it can do. Has your local fireworks display/concert been forced to cancel? Maybe The One Show can help. Is your community bus service at risk unless more volunteers are found? Let the One Show spearhead the search to keep it going.

Or maybe you have a dedicated community stalwart who deserves a big thank you? Let the One Show organise a suitable celebration.

Planning is currently at an early stage but please get in touch as soon as possible if you think you have suitable project or idea.  Email Richard.park@bbc.co.uk  and mark your emails ‘One Show Community Action’.

PAVO FUNDING SURVEY

PAVO wants to ensure that it is meeting the needs of our members in relation to the funding services we provide. Your views matter to us. Please spare us a few minutes to provide us with the following information. The survey is confidential. The survey can be found at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2GRVZLX

Thank you in advance for your co-operation.

Business Wales

Have you had a look at the Business Wales website?  It is the Welsh Governments online information service for businesses.  The website covers every aspect of running a business, and you can sign up for the free e-newsletter to keep up to date with the latest developments.

To access the webpage, follow the link: http://business.wales.gov.uk/bdotg/action/home?r.s=m&site=230

VILLAGE SOS DEADLINE- 12TH SEPTEMBER 2012

Big Lottery Fund is urging other rural communities with populations of less than 3,000 across Wales to make the most of the funding scheme before it closes on 12 September. Grants of between £10,000 and £50,000 are available for enterprising projects from community-run shops and pubs to energy or transport schemes, and craft or food projects. For more information visit: www.villagesos.org.uk

John Rose, Wales’ Director of the Big Lottery Fund, said: “This is a unique opportunity for funding for community-run social enterprises so I would urge more rural communities in Wales to apply.”

(Source: BIG lottery) 

Crowdfunding Challenge 2012

Are you looking to raise money in a new way?
Perhaps you have a database of supporters in need of some attention?
Or maybe you’d like to make the most of the support of your community.

Then go to:

http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/crowdfunding2012

This is a unique opportunity to raise funds - let us know if you go for it!

(Source: NCVO)

Charities can ill afford to shun social enterprise

An interesting article based on Social Enterprise in Scotland, but its content is relevant to Wales:

https://socialenterprise.guardian.co.uk/social-enterprise-network/2012/aug/01/charities-scotland-social-enterprise
(Source: Guardian Social Enterprise Network)

How to grow a social enterprise while staying true to your principles

http://www.freshbusinessthinking.com/business_advice.php?CID=62&AID=10866&PGID=1

(source:  Freshbusinessthinking.com)

A legal framework is not necessary for social enterprise development

Interesting article:

https://socialenterprise.guardian.co.uk/social-enterprise-network/2012/jul/27/legal-framework-social-enterprise

(source: Guardian Social Enterprise Network)

What do you think??

Lankelly Chase Foundation - new programme launched

The LankellyChase Foundation is now focused exclusively on bringing about change that will transform the quality of life of people who face severe and multiple disadvantage. By severe and multiple disadvantage the Foundation particularly means the persistent interlocking of homelessness, substance misuse, mental and physical illness, violence and abuse and extreme poverty.

The Foundation wants to build a growing network of funded organisations, with 15 to 20 organisations funded in this first grant round. Funded organisations will be brought together on a regular basis (two to three times per year) to exchange knowledge, as well as connecting them with key thinkers and decision makers. Therefore, applicant organisations should be prepared to work in an open, problem solving way and to share their work with others.

The Foundation offers either project funding to enable organisations to pursue specific ideas or core funding to support the overall strategies of organisations. Most grants will be for one, two or three years but funding may be available over a longer period where there is a strong case. The size of grant offered ranges from large (approximately £150,000 spread over a number of years) to very small, depending on the proposition.

Funding is available for the following:

• Work that promotes people’s voice, power and rights.
• Existing positive practice and its evaluation.
• The development and evaluation of new and innovative ways of working.
• Work that promotes systems change at local and/or national level.
• Work that builds the social and economic case for change.

Registered charities, community interest companies, companies limited by guarantee without shares and industrial and provident societies in the UK are eligible to apply.

The first stage deadline for applications is 14 September 2012.

http://www.lankellychase.org.uk/

(Source: Grantfinder)

EDF ENERGY - GREEN FUND

Not-for-profit organisations, including registered charities, local community buildings, schools, universities, museums, and churches in England, Scotland and Wales can apply for funding to help cover the costs of renewable energy technology.

Any generation technology which produces heat, electricity or other power from the sun, wind, water, wood or another renewable source is eligible, provided it has passed a successful trial phase.

Grants of up to 50% of total project costs to a maximum of £30,000 (excluding VAT) are available.

The application rounds close at the end of August and February every year.

The next deadline for applications is 31 August 2012.

http://www.edfenergy.com/

(Source: Grantfinder) 

Future Tender Opportunity - Powys Training Tender

PCC is holding an open Provider Forum to discuss the Powys Commissioning and Procurement intentions for Training Services 1.45-4.45pm on Thursday 19 July at the Media Resource Centre, Llandrindod Wells. 

The Commissioning Workshop is open to all existing and all potential suppliers/providers to the council.  PCC request that you restrict attendees to a maximum of 2 people from your organisation.The estimated cost of the contract, excluding VAT is £1,600,000.

To book a place to attend the meeting contact Paul Smith 01597 826875 orpaul.smith1@powys.gov.uk. 

To view the notice of this meeting see: https://www.sell2wales.co.uk/notices/displayOJ.html?NoticeId=1499214&activity=Mzg3MTU%3d

More Nominations for National Lottery Good Causes Awards for Powys

Two other Powys organisation have been nominated for the National Lottery Good Causes Awards.
Melin Talgarth Mill is in the Heritage category.  Talgarth Mill Green Energy Project took a disused watermill in mid Wales and set the heart of village beating once again. They created a tourist attraction, educational centre, community meeting place and cafe.


WISE based at the Centre for Alternative technology in Machynlleth has been nominated under the environment category.  WISE educates thousands of people each year who visit the centre and gain the skills and motivation to adopt sustainable living and working practices.

To vote for any of  the projects go to:
http://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards

Local Project Nominated for National Lottery Good Causes Awards

Ten Green Bottles, Hands on Recycling, has been nominated for the Best Environmental Project by National Lottery Good Causes.

Please could you consider voting for them. Everyone who has been involved in this project has achieved extraordinary results and although everyone is a winner they would love your support

The best Environmental project:

*Manufacturing with social values
*People learn skills in the workplace
*Innovation creative design from recycling
=sustainability

Phone 0844 8369692 direct line calls cost 5p per minute from a landline.

Vote online www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards

(Source: WSEC)

HP Smart Business Awards - Imminent Deadline

The HP Smart Business Awards are designed to celebrate the achievements of the UK's best small and medium-sized businesses.

Awards will be made across a range of categories, recognising different areas of business, including social media, manufacturing innovation and green practices. One business will also be awarded the overall title of HP Smart Business of the Year 2012.

As well as the kudos and associated PR that comes with winning an award, the following prize packages are offered:

HP Smart Business of the Year Prizes

• A premium HP device bundle (PC, Printer and relevant software)
• The HP Smart Business of the Year 2012 trophy and branding with full usage rights
• PR support to help promote the business around the award win
• Free branding expert advice
• Trip with a Santander trade mission
• HP Business Mentor

Category Prizes

• HP device bundle (computer, printer and software)
• HP Smart Business Awards trophy
• LinkedIn pro account x1 seat (one year)
• Category winner logo and branding with full usage rights

Small and medium-sized enterprises operating within any business sector and located and operating within the UK may enter this programme.

Entrants may be nominated under multiple categories, including the overall award.

The 2012 deadline for receipt of entries is 29 June 2012.

http://www.hpsmartbusinessawards.com/

POWYS BUSINESS AWARDS 2012

The Powys Business Awards are designed to showcase the extent of business talent and the quality of companies and individuals that we have here in the county. Powys is home to so many exciting and diverse businesses, a number are well known, some with market leading credentials, but the majority are unsung heroes that given the opportunity have the skills and ability to rival anyone in their sector. Perhaps you or your business are one of these that just requires the spotlight of exposure to ignite your potential.

The Powys Business Awards are open to any business that have offices and/or manufacturing facilities here in the county and employ locally resident staff.

Size of business is not an issue either in terms of employee numbers or turnover. Indeed the majority of companies in the area have less than five staff whilst other have hundreds. You can be a sole trader or part of a large group.

Ideally entrants should have a track record of trading for a minimum of 12 months.

There are 13 categories including the Social Enterprise/Charity Award.

Entries close Friday 6th July 2012 and the Awards Dinner will be held Friday 28th Sept 2012 at Theatr Hafren, Newtown.

For more information go to:  http://www.powysbusinessawards.co.uk/

(Source:  Powys Business Awards 2012)

Smarta 100 Awards - 2012 Round Launched

The Smarta 100 Awards are an annual celebration of the most 'resourceful, original, exciting and disruptive' small businesses in the UK. Entrepreneurs who are involved with a face-to-face business, social enterprises or e-commerce ventures are invited to enter the awards, which carry a grand prize of £10,000 to boost operations.

Smarta differs from other business awards by championing not just the most profitable businesses, whilst unearthing a true cross-section of the UK's most enterprising small businesses.

Winners will benefit from publicity and PR as a result of being selected as successful candidates. In addition to the kudos and notoriety, winners will also receive a number of other benefits, including a financial reward and additional business support from industry experts.

2012 Prizes are as follows:

• Best Use of Innovation: iPad and mentoring from Smarta founder Shaa Wasmund.
• Best Use of Technology: £1,000 worth of Intuit products.
• Best Use of Resources: Up to £1,000 worth of business insurance.
• Best Use of Marketing: A three-hour PR and communications workshop worth £1,000 with founders Michael Hayman and Nick Giles.
• Biggest Social Impact: Prize to be confirmed.
• Best Use of People: £1,000 worth of training from NatWest Mentor.
• A £10,000 prize for the overall O2 Smarta 100 Business of the Year.

Entries are accepted from entrepreneurs running small social enterprises and businesses in the UK.

All Smarta 100 winners will be guests at an awards ceremony to be held in November, where overall and special awards winners will be announced.

The deadline for entries for the 2012 awards is 1 September 2012.

http://www.smarta.com/

(Source:  Grantfinder)

Money Advice Trust - Innovation Grants Programme - Open to Applications

Grants of between £1,000 and £30,000 are available to charitable organisations in the UK that provide free, independent, effective advice to clients on the strategies available to help them deal with their debts and financial circumstances.

Funding is available for work which will improve the quality and amount of money advice available in the UK, as well as work which creates resources and information which can be shared with other money advice agencies.

Projects must be innovative and look for new approaches to an old issue or the use of an established approach for new issues, needs or audiences.

The priority areas are as follows:

• Developing new information, resources and ways of delivering advice that can be shared with others, and replicated widely.
• Projects which combine money advice and financial capability for people who are usually excluded from society.
• Work which will assist those who are homeless or facing homelessness.

The deadline for applications is 11 July 2012.

http://www.moneyadvicetrust.org/

(Source:  Grantfinder)

Welsh National Business Awards - 2012 Round Open

The annual Welsh National Business Awards recognise and honour the breadth of business achievements in Wales, across a broad range of sectors and activities. Entries for the 2012 round are now being invited.

The 2012 Awards will be made under the following nine categories:

1. Company of the (Turnover Less than £10 Million)
2. New Startup Company of the Year
3. Go Green Environmental Award
4. Creative Marketing Award
5. Best Use of Foreign Languages in Business
6. Training & Developing Staff Award
7. Young Achiever
8. Company of the Year (Turnover Greater than £10 Million)
9. Entrepreneur of the Year (Key Category for 2012)

Winners will receive an award to commemorate their success in business and will also benefit from extensive coverage in the Western Mail and on the WalesOnline.co.ukwebsite.

Businesses and individual entrepreneurs that are setting up or operating a business that is located in and operating in Wales may enter this awards programme.

The closing date for entries is 21 September 2012.

http://www.iwa.org.uk/

(Source:  Grantfinder)

Launch of the 2012 Santander Social Enterprise Development Awards

The Santander Social Enterprise Development Awards aim to recognise and support social enterprises and Community Interest Companies in the UK that are working to grow their business and improve their local community but require additional financial assistance to help them realise their ideas.

Launched for the 2012 round today, the Development Awards have been split into segments to make sure a range of enterprises benefit:

• Segment A provides a prize of £50,000 to social enterprises with a turnover of £250,000 - £500,000.
• Segment B provides a prize of £30,000 to social enterprises with a turnover of £100,000 - £250,000.
• Segment C provides a prize of £15,000 to social enterprises with a turnover of less than £150,000.

In addition to the cash prize the winning social enterprises will have access to a range of other opportunities:

• Monitoring and evaluation support so the success of the business can be measured.
• Access to bespoke university training courses.
• Opportunity to have a three month intern working in the business to help implement growth plans.
• Networking with other Santander Social Enterprise Development Award winners.
• The chance to showcase the business and the community supported by hosting a Development Award visit.

The types of costs that relate to the following are eligible:

• Improving Social Inclusion
• Supporting Disadvantaged People
• Creating a Greener Environment

The Development Awards are targeted at established social enterprises in the UK with two or more years of trading, which have ambitions to develop their business but need a financial boost to help them realise their ideas.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 2 July 2012.

http://www.santanderseda.co.uk/

(Source:  Grantfinder)

Gorsedd y Dreigiau (Bard of Dragons) Competition - 2012 Round Open

The Gorsedd of Dragons Competition is based on the popular television series, Dragons' Den.  It invites entrepreneurs to put forward business propositions to a panel of Welsh 'dragons' in a battle for investment and professional business advice.

The aim of the competition is to support new business ideas (start-ups) and existing new businesses that have a chance of succeeding and demonstrate the entrepreneurial spirit of the people of Wales during a difficult economic climate.

The competition offers two prizes in 2012:

• £5,000 for the winner to help establish or develop the business idea.
• A Young Person prize of £2,000 for people aged between 16 and 25 (who will also be eligible for the main prize).

Professional business advice will also be provided to help turn ideas into reality.

The competition is open to Welsh speakers who wish to live and work in Wales.  Any sort of business idea, invention, product or service is eligible.  Entries may come from individuals, partnerships or groups of people - but there must be one named contact person.

Entries may be from new businesses established during the last five years or from those that have yet to be established.

The closing date for entries to the 2012 competition is 6 July 2012

http://www.menterabusnes.com/

(Source:  Grantfinder)

CAN DO COMMUNITIES OPEN

Up to £2000 per group will be available for supporting identified local need and activity, for small scale capital projects, that will make a big impact.

Groups wishing to apply will go through a funding health check with a PAVO Development Officer.

Groups will be expected to find match funding of 33%

·        Go to:            www.pavo.org.uk

·        Call the:         PAVO Helpdesk on 0845 009 3288

·        E-mail:           info@pavo.org.uk

First Deadline is: FRIDAY 29TH JUNE 2012

Arts and Business Cymru launch new Arts and Kids Investment Fund

Arts & Kids Invest is a new investment programme provided by Arts & Business Cymru (A&B Cymru). Through scheme, A&B Cymru aims to encourage new sponsorship and grow established business engagement with the arts for the benefit of future generations in communities across Wales.

The focus of the programme is on children and young people experiencing disadvantage. It will support projects that aim to combat this disadvantage and make a real difference to young people's lives through engagement with the arts.

Examples of such disadvantage include:

• Illness, distress, abuse or neglect.
• Any kind of disability.
• Behavioural or psychological difficulties.
• Living in poverty or situations of deprivation.

Funding levels are dependent on the length of time the business partner has been supporting the arts in Wales. The minimum business investment required is £1,000. The maximum Arts & Kids Invest funding is £15,000. The minimum is £500.

Eligible projects must identify new business money over and above any existing commercial relationship between the partners.

The scheme is open to not-for-profit arts organisation partnering with businesses in Wales. The arts organisation must be the lead applicant.

The deadline for applications is Monday 18 June 2012.

Go to:  http://www.artsandbusiness.org.uk/

(Source:  Grantfinder) 

Invitation to Tender

PAVO are inviting tenders from suitably experienced voluntary organisations for the delivery of a befriending service in the Brecon area.

The contract is fixed term, price and funded via BIG lottery under the AdvantAGE programme. The contract will start 2^nd July 2012 and will end October 31^st 2016

Closing date for submissions is 6^th June 12 noon

Requests for application packs should be made to:

Mandy Phillips

PAVO

Marlow

Llandrindod Wells

LD1 5DH

01597 822191

Mandy.phillips@pavo.org.uk

2012 Eco-Innovation Call for Proposals

Got a great business project that could make Europe greener but don't know how to get it off the ground? The 2012 Eco-innovation call for proposals may be for you!

The European Commission grants up to 50% co-funding to finance green ideas: the total budget available for the 2012 Call is 34.8 Million Euros.

The call will close on 06 September 2012 at 17:00, Brussels local time.

It’s primarily aimed at SMEs, including social enterprises, in five priority areas:

-       materials recycling

-       water

-       sustainable building products

-       green business

-       the food and drink sector

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eco-innovation/index_en.htm

(Source:  EU)

Hay on Earth - the Dragon Series 5-9 June 2012

Hay on Earth - the Dragon Series 5-9 June 2012

The Deadline for applications to this years Hay on Earth Green Dragon Series has been extended to 5.30pm on Thursday 17th May.

In 2012, the Green Dragon’s Den event will be running for the third year, with up to £40,000 grant funding from Welsh Government available to help winning projects in Wales (up to £10,000 maximum for the winning project in each of the four categories). Each day has a different theme, featuring specialist speakers, practical workshops, networking, learning and action, with the opportunity to contribute ideas and help others develop theirs. 

We are looking for projects that demonstrate one or more of the following elements:

• Introduce and prove new concepts that increase sustainability action
• Link projects, organisations and solutions in more effective ways
• Make inspired use of seed funding

Please email your completed application form to Darren Gibbs at TYF: 
hay-on-earth@tyf.com 

You can bid to the Dragons in one of the following categories:
1. The Power of Youth - Under 25s
2. Innovation for Sustainability
3. Sustainable Work & Travel
4. Sustainable Community Futures