Department for Work and Pensions Youth Jobs Grant: £3,000 Available for Eligible New Hires

19 October 2026

Businesses can receive £3,000 per eligible hire through the DWP Youth Jobs Grant when recruiting a young person aged 18-24 who has been unemployed and claiming universal credit for at least six months. Alongside funding, employers can access recruitment support through Jobcentre Plus, helping them connect with local talent and grow their workforce. 

Contact Jobs.AmberValley@dwp.gov.uk for further information

Belper Businesses – you are invited to take part in this years living advent calendar

07 October 2026

Shops and businesses are invited to get involved by decorating a window and lighting it up from 4pm each evening. A new window will be revealed each day from 1–24 December, with all windows remaining lit through to 1 January. This year marks 25 years since the Derwent Valley Mills became a World Heritage Site, with Living Advent Calendars taking place in Darley Abbey, Belper and Cromford to mark the occasion.

🗓️ Apply by Tueday 20th October, 23:59.

Read more here Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site | Living Advent Calendars 2026

Derbyshire Makes Heritage Grant

02 October 2026

Derbyshire-based heritage businesses, museums, community groups and sole traders can apply for grants of £300 to £2,000 through the Derbyshire Makes Heritage Grant programme. Funding is available for projects that engage communities with Derbyshire’s industrial heritage through activities such as workshops, training, educational resources and creative commissions. Applicants must be part of the heritage sector, have a UK bank account and be based in Derbyshire (excluding Derby City). No match funding is required, and funding cannot be awarded retrospectively to projects that have already started.

🗓️ Apply by Wednesday 4th November 2026 Derbyshire Makes Heritage Grant

The Derbyshire Makes Creative and Community Grant is now open

02 October 2026

Offering grants of £300 to £2,000 to support creative and community-led projects that celebrate, promote and encourage participation in making across Derbyshire. Funding is available for a wide range of activities, including workshops, exhibitions, creative sessions, performances, high street initiatives and artist-led projects, with no match funding required. The scheme is open to eligible Derbyshire-based businesses, sole traders, charities, CICs and community groups, and applications are particularly encouraged from projects taking place in the programme's six hub towns, including Heanor. For full eligibility details and application information, visit the Derbyshire Makes Creative and Community Grant webpage.

🗓️ Apply by Wednesday 4th November 2026 Derbyshire Makes Creative and Community Grant

Applications open for 2026/2027 Visit East Midlands Tourism Awards – Derbyshire

19 June 2026

Tourism and hospitality businesses across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire are being invited to apply for the newly launched Visit East Midlands Tourism Awards 2026/2027, celebrating excellence across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire’s visitor economy.

🗓️ Apply by Sunday 26 July 2026, 23:59.

Read more here Visit Peak District & Derbyshire | Visit East Midlands Tourism Awards – Derbyshire

Get Involved in the Visit Peak District & Derbyshire Summer's a Big Deal Campaign

18 June 2026

Accommodation providers, visitor attractions, activity operators, heritage sites, hospitality venues and other tourism businesses across Amber Valley are encouraged to get involved in the Summer's a BIG Deal in Derbyshire campaign. Businesses are invited to submit summer offers, family-friendly activities, seasonal events, visitor experiences and accommodation packages to help attract visitors and benefit from county-wide marketing activity throughout July and August 2026. 

Read more here Visit Peak District & Derbyshire | Summer's a BIG Deal

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire Visitor Survey - Results and Ways to Get Involved

03 June 2026

A new destination visitor survey has launched as part of a VisitEngland and LVEP data project, helping gather valuable insights into visitor experiences and benchmark our destination against others across England. Businesses can support the project by displaying a QR code and encouraging guests to complete the survey.

Read more here and download your QR code. Visit Peak District & Derbyshire | Visitor Survey

Applications for the Nation’s Favourite Businesses are Open

03 June 2026

Businesses gain national exposure through Small Business Saturday's social media and media coverage, as well as invitations to exclusive London receptions at Downing Street, the House of Lords, and the Treasury.

🗓️ Apply by 30 June 2026
🔔Successful applicants will be notified by email in August.

For more information or help with applying visit Small Business Saturday UK | The Nations Favourite Businesses 

Cash Access UK: Brand New Cash Service Opens in Ripley

30 April 2026

Cash Access UK has officially opened a brand-new shared banking and cash service in Ripley, offering local businesses easier access to everyday banking support and cash services. The service, aims to support communities and businesses that still rely on cash and face-to-face banking. Open weekdays from 9am–5pm, the branch also features a free-to-use external cash machine and locally recruited staff on hand to assist customers with banking queries and support.

Read more here Cash Access UK: Ripley Branch

Amber Valley Business Newsletter December 2025

19 December 2025

Amber Valley celebrates a year of business success! Discover award winning acievements, growth opportunities and future plans in our latest Business Newsletter - read now December 2025 Issue.

Help Shape the Future of Amber Valley’s Town Centres

10 November 2025

Amber Valley Borough Council is working to improve Alfreton, Belper, Heanor, and Ripley through a Town Centre Benchmarking project. Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered by People and Places Insight, the project gathers feedback from residents, visitors, and businesses to guide future improvements. Share your views and help shape vibrant, thriving town centres.

For more information and to complete an online survey visit Help Shape the Future of Amber Valley’s Town Centres

Just Launched: Green Growth Awards & Green Growth 100!

7 November 2025

Small Business Britain, in partnership with BT, has launched an exciting new initiative to spotlight sustainability-driven small businesses. The Green Growth 100 will celebrate 100 inspiring enterprises using green practices to fuel growth, with two standout winners receiving a £5,000 Green Growth Award grant. Free to enter and open until 9 January 2026, apply now and help put Amber Valley on the green business map!

For more information visit Small Business Britain | Green Growth Awards

International Trade Week 2025 – 3 to 7 November

5 November 2025

Businesses across Amber Valley are invited to take part in International Trade Week (ITW), running from Monday 3 November to Friday 7 November 2025. This nationwide initiative is designed to help UK businesses explore international markets, boost exports, and grow globally, with strong backing from both East Midlands Chamber and the Department for Business and Trade. 

Amber Valley Businesses Thrive with Support from the Accelerator Project

10 October 2025

Amber Valley Borough Council's Economic Development Team are proud to spotlight the transformative impact of the Accelerator Project, a dynamic business support initiative delivered by East Midlands Chamber and funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). This programme is helping local businesses across Amber Valley to innovate, grow, and become more sustainable.

The Great British Pitch: Empowering Small Businesses to Go Global

9 October 2025

Launched during International Trade Week this November, The Great British Pitch encourages UK small businesses to explore exporting opportunities, especially with India through expert support and networking. With only 22% of small businesses currently exporting, this initiative aims to break down barriers and boost global growth.

For more information visit The Great British Pitch | Business Wales

The Digital Tour 2025

25 September 2025

Small Business Saturday’s Digital Tour is back this November, offering a full month of free online support for small businesses across the UK. With daily webinars covering topics like influencer marketing, accessible social media, and AI tools, it’s a fantastic opportunity to gain practical insights from industry experts. Visit the Small Business Saturday website to sign up.

For more information visit Small Business Saturday UK | Another year making a Big Difference!

Calling all creative businesses in Amber Valley!

4 September 2025

Creative businesses in Derbyshire and the East Midlands, this is for you! A fully funded support programme is launching this October to help you grow, connect, and thrive. With expert-led workshops, mentoring, and only 20 places available, apply by 19th September to secure your spot!

For more information visit D2 Hub - Create Growth

New Business Investment Strengthens Amber Valley's Industrial Sector

29 August 2025

BB&J Commercial has completed the letting of the former Cannoncraft Limited premises to Perfect Tow Ltd. The 3,454 sq. ft. industrial unit, just one mile from Derby city centre, offers secure yard space, offices, and mezzanine storage ideal for supporting business growth.

For more information visit BB&J Completes Key Letting to Perfect Tow Ltd | BB&J Commercial

The Net Zero Industries Awards is back: join the 2025 global call

14 August 2025

The Net Zero Industries Award 2025, supported by the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, is now open for submissions! They are looking for outstanding innovators involved in R&D for decarbonising industry sectors such as metals, chemicals or minerals.

The award ceremony is currently scheduled to take place during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), from 10-21 November in Belém, Pará, Brazil.

Deadline 14th September to apply or for more information visit Net-Zero Industries Award 2025 – Net-Zero Industries Mission

The Governments New Small Business Plan has launched!

01 August 2025

The Government has launched its new Small Business Plan as part of its wider Growth Mission and Plan for Change, setting out a bold vision to support and empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With £4 billion in financial backing, including £1 billion for 69,000 Start-Up Loans and mentoring, the plan tackles key challenges like late payments and aims to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, drive growth, and build a more resilient UK economy.

For more information visit Backing your business: our plan for small and medium sized businesses - GOV.UK

Chamber Secures EMCCA Funding for High Growth Accelerator

30 July 2025

The Chamber has secured funding from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) to launch the High Growth Accelerator Academy, supporting fast-growing businesses in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire. In partnership with local universities, the Academy offers fully funded workshops, forums, and access to Innovation and Talent Grants. Join the online launch event on Tuesday 5 August, featuring insights from Diane Beresford and university experts.

For more information visit High Growth Academy Launch - East Midlands Chamber

Your Business's Unused Tech Can Change Lives

18 July 2025

Help bridge the digital divide by donating your unwanted IT equipment to PCrefurb. They refurbish laptops, tablets, phones, and more, giving them a second life and passing them on to individuals and community groups in need. Your donation not only supports digital inclusion but also helps reduce electronic waste. Contact PCrefurb today to make a meaningful impact.

For more information visit Donate equipment for refurbishing - PCrefurb

Exciting Opportunities for Amber Valley Businesses!

11 July 2025

For more information and to apply visit Opportunities - Innovate UK Business Connect

Amber Valley Businesses Invited to Apply for King’s Award 2026

09 July 2025

For more information and to apply visit The King's Awards for Enterprise: Apply - GOV.UK

Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards

04 July 2025

For more information visit British Butchery Shines at Inaugural British Butchery Awards – National Craft Butchers