£2.8m of funding is to be invested in projects across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire which will preserve and protect the environment and promote more efficient use of resources (water, energy, land).

D2N2 – the private sector led partnership promoting economic growth and jobs creation across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire – has announced calls for project bids, from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), part of its €250million European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF). The deadline for applications is Friday May 27.

The two key activities under this call will be to encourage businesses to use resources more efficiently and improve the means by which land is protected environmentally. This would include measures to protect and restore biodiversity, soil quality and ecosystems, and to promote innovative technologies to improve environmental protection and efficient use of resources.

Organisations bidding for funding will need to provide at least half the costs of their projects, meaning a £2million project would receive £1million from the successful bidder and £1million from the D2N2 funding pot. Organisations’ matched funding must be from a source other than the European Union.

The minimum single bid which can be made to the D2N2 fund is £500,000, meaning projects costing less than a million pounds in total would not be considered. The project funding is designed to last for up to three years.

Free information sessions for potential bidders – which will cover ESIF’s strategic priorities in the D2N2 LEP area and an overview of the kinds of projects it is looking for – will be held in May on:

• Wednesday May 11, from 10am to 2.30pm – At the Enterprise Centre, University of Derby, Bridge Street, Derby

• Thursday May 12, from 10am to 2.30pm – At the Mansfield i-Centre, Oakham Business Park, Hamilton Way, Mansfield,

There will be a maximum of 25 spaces available at each session, with places allocated on a first come, first served basis.

David Ralph, Chief Executive of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Part of D2N2’s mission is to move its area’s economy towards operating in a more sustainable way, so that future generations can enjoy a strong economy and healthy environment.

“These latest major calls are for projects to tackle climate change’s effects, protect the environment and support business growth. D2N2 is looking for large scale projects which will have a lasting impact.”

Queries about the two funding ‘calls’ should be directed to Richard Kirkland, ESIF Co-ordinator for D2N2, on email: richard.kirkland@d2n2lep.org

More information about the criteria which applicants will need to meet is available by clicking here.

Further information on how D2N2 is investing its European Structural and Investment Funds can be found at www.d2n2lep.org/EUFunding.

Derbyshire businesses are being offered a unique opportunity to raise their profile by sponsoring the Aviva Women’s Tour − the world’s most prestigious women’s cycling event.

The Aviva Women’s Tour takes place in June, and Stage 3 heads for Derbyshire on Friday 17 June 2016 when the world’s top female cyclists will race from Ashbourne to Chesterfield. This is being billed as the toughest part of the race.

The stage will race through the heart of the Peak District National Park including Buxton, Chatsworth, Youlgreave and Matlock, before the finish in Chesterfield.

There are a variety of sponsorship packages on offer to enable businesses to get their name in front of thousands of people watching the race.

Organisations will be able to have their logo displayed at the start and finish of the event and VIP hospitality. Global TV coverage of the event is planned, and companies will be able to meet some of the competitors. Businesses will also be offered a track session at Derby Velodrome.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure, Councillor Dean Collins, said:

“We’re delighted to be welcoming the Women’s Tour to Derbyshire for the first time, and are keen to hear from any local business who want to make the most of this opportunity.

“Hosting this prestigious sporting event will put Derbyshire on the cycling tourism map, and we hope it will also give local businesses a chance to enhance their profile at the same time.”

More information on sponsorship packages are available from Stephanie Walsh tel: 01629 538464 or email stephanie.walsh@derbyshire.gov.uk

Entrepreneurs in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire who are ready to grow their business are invited to attend a free workshop for advice on first-time employment.

The free workshop – Becoming An Employer For The First Time – is organised by Destination Chesterfield and Chesterfield Borough Council’s Innovation Support Project and is being delivered by BRM Solicitors.

The workshop is being held on Thursday 5 May at BRM Solicitors based on Saltergate in Chesterfield. The free workshop is one of a number organised by Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield to provide advice and practical help to businesses.

As well as gaining advice on how to find the best candidates, businesses will also learn what to consider when taking on new employees, hiring and recruitment, basic employment law, writing job adverts, holding job interviews and financial considerations when taking on employees.

Dominic Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager explained: “It can be a big step for a business to start employing people as it represents a step change in processes and procedures. The workshop will help employers to show them that they are the ones in control and have nothing to fear.”

The workshop is open for any businesses in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire, however there is a maximum of one delegate per organisation as places are limited.

Book a place on the workshop