Regional Innovation Workshop - Cardiff 4th April 2012

The Technology Strategy Board and Defra are working together to support and promote innovation across the food and agriculture sectors, for both large and small companies and in partnership with Defra and BBSRC, is planning to launch a £multi-million competition to win funding for your business.

http://business.wales.gov.uk/bdotg/action/eventDescription?itemId=5001958225&site=230&type=EVENTS&tc=230EN015020&dm_i=8DJ,QVIR,1TWP8N,2638Z,1 

Defra and the Technology Strategy Board are also launching the Innovate for Growth competition, providing up to twenty £25k grants for innovative SMEs across the farming, food and drink industries. This funding will support the rapid development of an innovative idea and demonstrate its practical feasibility. The competition will open in April, with results announced in the summer. Full details will be given at the events. 

"Social Enterprise Could Rescue Charities from the Cuts"

Here's an interesting article - what do you think?:

https://socialenterprise.guardian.co.uk/en/articles/social-enterprise-network/2012/mar/23/migrant-forum-charity-social-enterprise

POWYS FUNDER'S FAYRE 2012 - DIARY DATE

Following on from last year's highly successful event, we will be running the 2012 Funder' Fayre in Newtown on:
FRIDAY 27TH APRIL 2012

If you want a chance to talk to funders face to face then put the date in your diary today.  PAVO Development Staff will also be available to talk to, and its a great opportunity to network with other groups.

Details will be confirmed via this blog, the e-brief and the PAVO website as soon as they are available.

Powys Conference a big success

Wednesday saw the 'Successful Social Enterprise' conference take place in Newtown.  It was a well attended event, with a vibrant atmosphere.
Delegates heard first hand from Daniel Heery from Cybermoor, in Alston Cumbria.  There are 14 social enterprises in this small town.  He provided a useful perspective on how rural communities and enterprises often go the extra mile fr the benefit of those around them.
Richard Marsh from Cae Post gave a powerful speech about Cae Post's work, and their work with the Council. he talked about how social enterprise wasn't " a different way to run a charity, but a different way to run a business".
The final speaker was Steve Garrett from Riverside Community Market Association.  He gave a very honest presentation about the barriers and issues they had encountered, and his passion and enthusiasm was infectious.

At the end of the day delegates got into workshops to discuss the potential for a Powys Social Enterprise Network.  If you couldn't attend and would like to feed into this discussion, contact us via the blog and we will pass it on.

We will keep you updated via the blog as things move forward.

Book your place now! Are We Ready, Commissioning & Tendering in Powys

Hafod a Hendre, Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd, 10am - 3.30pm

What will be covered?

●     Make sure your organisation is ready by finding out about the latest developments from the Welsh Government - Value Wales, Sue Lloyd Selby

●     Come and hear the Third Sector Perspective - Carl Cooper, CEO PAVO

●     Come and hear the Commissioner’s Perspective from Powys County Council and Powys (t) Local Health Board - Barbara Smith, Mike Green and others

●     Participate in a Q&A session and ask questions directly of Commissioners panellists include Welsh Government, Local Authority and Local Health Board decision makers

●      Find out about putting your organisation in the best position - Jon Matthews

●      Explore and prepare for collaboration through attending workshops

Who is this for?

●     3rd Sector organisations looking for opportunities to deliver services especially around health & social care, mental health, children, young people & families.

●     3rd Sector organisations who look to collaborate with others to bid for contracts

●     Local Authority and Health Board staff who wish to be updated on Commissioning and Tendering processes in Powys

Reserve your place urgently as space is limited by contacting PAVO Helpdesk

e-mail:info@pavo.org.uk  Phone:  0845 009 3288

PAVO COURSE - TRADING

(10am -1pm)  Wednesday 21^st  March 2012 

Cost £10 per person

Venue - DRC, Unit 30, Ddole Road Enterprise Park, Llandrindod Wells

By the end of this course participants will be able to:

·  assess their potential for trading goods or services;

·  understand the processes involved in developing a trading idea;

·  develop a competitive advantage;

·  know where to go for further information, help and advice.

Who should attend? 
It is intended for those with a responsibility for strategic direction and fundraising and is suitable for fundraisers wishing to gain an insight of how trading can assist organisations to become financially sustainable.

PAVO Tel: 01597 822191

Powys Volunteer Centre Volunteer of the Year Awards 2012

Do you know someone who has proved an inspiration to others through their volunteering?

Is there a group or organisation that you know of that has made a real difference to the community through their volunteering activity?

Is there someone that has made an outstanding contribution over the years that you feel deserves recognition?

Why not nominate them for a Powys Volunteer Centre “Powys Volunteer of the Year” award.

The nomination form and rules can be found here, if you require the form in word format please contact the PAVO Helpdesk on 0845 009 3288 or email: info@pavo.org.uk

Closing date for nominations Friday 27th April 2012

Leading Wales Awards 2012

Do you know someone whose leadership is making a real difference in Powys?

There are 8 categories to choose from, including a specific social enterprise category.

Deadline for nomination submissions is Monday 12th March at 5pm.

Download your nomination form from http://www.leadingwalesawards.com/ and follow the instructions.

(Source: WCVA)