In summary
What a jam-packed month of events we have in store for you in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire. It’s always a pleasure meeting you at our local events and recently, I had the chance to show a member that their FSB membership already includes cover for a standalone service they were about to buy elsewhere. If you need a refresher on what your membership includes, please visit our website or drop us an email at [email protected]
Featured news and events
FSB Bootcamp comes to Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire
This year FSB is bringing you a series of bootcamps across the country, and I’m delighted to share that we are currently planning a bootcamp to take place in the area in November 2024.
FSB bootcamps are designed to benefit entrepreneurs, the self-employed and small businesses. On offer is:
- An inspirational Business Bootcamp. This is your chance to hear from inspirational speakers to help you develop and grow your business
- A series of workshops, which will give you the chance to find out useful information from our experts while engaging with like-minded businesses
- An opportunity be an exhibitor showcasing the services and products you provide
Please do keep an eye on the FSB website and on future communications for more information on this event.
Luton in person networking with UoB and FSB
Are you looking for a relaxed networking event to connect with local entrepreneurs and business owners around Bedfordshire?
Join the University of Bedfordshire and FSB at the university’s Metro Bar - Luton Campus on Tuesday 11 July at 10am.
This free, face-to-face networking event is open to both FSB members and non-members. On the day, there will be plenty of opportunities to set up one-on-one meetings and make new business contacts. Don't forget to bring and share your business cards! Register for the event here.
In other news
Calling Cambridgeshire Creatives!
FSB is excited to partner with the Create Growth programme, offering local creative businesses free workshops to help you grow!
Join Creative East’s community for tailored advice, mentoring, and industry introductions.
Starting in September, the next cohort at Anglia Ruskin University in Peterborough offers one session per week. Creative East has successfully run programmes in Norwich, Cambridge, and Ipswich, so don’t miss your chance to join the last cohort of 2024! Submit your Expression of Interest form now to start a conversation with the team.
All change in Bedfordshire
Bedfordshire based businesses have access to a newly re-vamped and re-branded SEM Growth Hub. Often working with partners across the southeast midlands the Growth Hub website provides a single point of access to discover free business support and advice, resources, events, and funding.You can find out more about the SEM GH website here.
Still in the news
When and how are grants granted?
Securing funding can seem like a mysterious art, but it can be crucial for small business growth. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be time-consuming.
Grant funding, often seen as "free money," requires as much effort as securing a sale or investment. To stand out, you need to make a compelling case for why your business deserves the funds.
Grant applications ask questions similar to those from investors or customers. Successfully securing a grant can boost investor confidence by validating your project.
To streamline grant applications, Innovate UK's Business Connects Investment team offers a free downloadable guide useful for most grant applications. Get it here.
For a comprehensive look at government grant funding, check out the Find a Grant service, which allows you to search and filter based on your needs. Explore it here.
For research and development grants, UK Research and Innovation offers a dedicated section consolidating opportunities across various sectors. Visit it here.
If you're in Cambridgeshire, an interactive map shows support and funding options in each of the six districts here. Bedfordshire businesses can find grant programmes here and Hertfordshire businesses can find support and funding details here.
Happy funding finding!
Double the recognition for the East of England
This year’s regional winners of the Kings Award for enterprise nearly doubled from last year, showcasing the area's thriving business environment. Efforts are already underway to increase the number of future entries. The diversity of winning enterprises highlights the UK’s export capabilities, crucial in today’s challenging economic climate. To find out how to enter your business for 2025 visit the website here.
More news and activity near you
- East Anglia
- Essex
- More from FSB East of England
Get in touch
Your FSB Development Manager for Bedford, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire is Suzanna Austin. If you'd like more information about the topics above, or if you have news about this area that you'd like to share, please get in touch.
- email us: [email protected]
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