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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for LOCAL SPARK TORBAY
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251104T160000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251104T180000
DTSTAMP:20260422T222718
CREATED:20251022T175830Z
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UID:255770-1762272000-1762279200@localsparktorbay.org
SUMMARY:Unlock Local Opportunities
DESCRIPTION:How social enterprises and charities can win more contracts \nIf you run a social enterprise\, charity\, or community organisation in Torbay\, you might be missing out on funding opportunities that could help you grow your impact. \nMany VCSEs want to bid for local contracts\, but procurement often feels confusing\, overly formal\, or only open to big players. \nThe truth? 50% of local contracts already go to Torbay-based organisations… and there’s room for more. \nJoin Local Spark Torbay for an engaging session with Torbay Council’s procurement lead\, Chanelle Busby\, Deputy Head of Commercial Services\, and Stuart Hardy\, Economic Development Officer as they break it down step by step\, helping you understand what to do\, where to look\, and how to finally feel confident about bidding. \nHere’s what we’ll cover: \n\nThe new Procurement Act and what it means for the VCSE sector.\nHow to find and access upcoming contract opportunities.\nWhat councils are really looking for in a winning bid.\nHow to build partnerships and tell your story effectively.\n\nYou can even submit your questions in advance when you register. \nTuesday 4th November\, 4–6pmParkfield House\, PaigntonDrinks & nibbles provided | Free on-site parking (limited) \nRegister now to secure your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/unlock-local-opportunities-tickets-1837793292209?aff=oddtdtcreator
URL:https://localsparktorbay.org/event/unlock-local-opportunities/
LOCATION:People’s Parkfield CIC\, Paignton\, TQ3 2NH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Local Spark event
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260124T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260124T150000
DTSTAMP:20260422T222718
CREATED:20251209T191844Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251211T191511Z
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SUMMARY:The BIG Community Ideas Hackathon
DESCRIPTION:The Big Community Ideas Hackathon \nA one-day creative sprint where brilliant ideas meet brilliant people.\nSaturday 24th January\, 10am–3pm | Parkfield House\, Paignton\nLunch and refreshments included.\n\n\nDo you have an idea that could become a social business? Something that helps people or the planet and has the potential to sustain itself financially\, but you’re not sure what the next step is? \nOr perhaps you love problem-solving\, offering practical support\, or helping purpose-led projects take off? \nThen this event is for you. \nThe Big Community Ideas Hackathon\, hosted by Local Spark Torbay\, brings together early-stage social enterprise ideas and a room full of skilled\, curious\, generous people who want to help them grow.\nIt’s a lively\, collaborative workshop where ideas are explored from every angle\, with structured guidance\, encouragement and little sparks of inspiration. \nWho should take part? \n\nIdea Holders / aka “Hackees” – You might be:\n\nA new or emerging social enterprise idea\nA community-benefit idea with the potential to earn its own income\nA solution that could help people\, nature\, climate\, animals\, wellbeing or the local economy\nEarly-stage ideas that need shaping\, testing or strengthening\nA vision that could become a sustainable social business\, not a grant-dependent charity\n\nIf your idea will benefit Torbay and you’re willing to explore it openly with others\, this day is for you!\nSpaces are limited – Idea Holders need to apply via an email to jay@localsparktorbay.org\nCollaborators aka “Hackers” – You might be:\n\nA marketer\, fundraiser\, designer or operations specialist\nA local business owner or professional\nSomeone with social enterprise experience\nA community-minded problem-solver\nOr someone who enjoys contributing ideas and helping purpose-driven projects grow\n\nIf you enjoy working with others\, meeting new people and putting your skills to good use\, you’ll love this day!\nCollaborators simply register via Eventbrite.  No application needed.\n\n\nThe agenda: \n\n\n\nWelcome & warm-up\nIdea Holders pitch their idea in a friendly\, informal way\nEach Idea Holder gets their own space with a team of self selected Collaborators\nCreative sessions and structured problem-solving\nExpert facilitators throughout\nLunch provided for everyone\nFinal share-back: each team presents their progressed idea\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat you’ll walk away with: \n\n\n\nIdea Holders\n• A clearer\, stronger\, more viable social enterprise concept\n• A developing value proposition and business model\n• Practical next steps to take your idea forward\n• New collaborators\, supporters and connections\n• Genuine momentum \nApply as an Idea Holder – Only 5 spaces available. Applications open now. Email: jay@localsparktorbay.org\nCollaborators\n• A fun day of creativity and meaningful contribution\n• New local connections and networking\n• A chance to share your skills for good\n• The satisfaction of helping ideas with real potential grow \nRegister as a Collaborator – Everyone welcome!
URL:https://localsparktorbay.org/event/the-big-community-ideas-hackathon/
LOCATION:People’s Parkfield CIC\, Paignton\, TQ3 2NH\, United Kingdom
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260314T123000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260314T153000
DTSTAMP:20260422T222718
CREATED:20260128T175604Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T142937Z
UID:255795-1773491400-1773502200@localsparktorbay.org
SUMMARY:5th Torbay Local Entrepreneur Forum & Community of Dragons
DESCRIPTION:How do we create new livelihoods and make life better in Torbay? \nGreen\, social\, and local entrepreneurs make a big difference!  \nJoin us!\n\nA friendly Dragons Den pitching event for local entrepreneurs where anyone can invest their expertise\, money or enthusiasm.\nInterested in pitching? Three slots available for entreprises and startup who best meet the following criteria –\n\nenterprise is ethical\, sustainable and appropriately local\ndemonstrates competence through business plan and/or track record\nbusiness model does not rely on donations or grant funding\n‘investment’ required would allow venture to ‘get to the next level’ – investment could be financial and/or non-financial.\ncontributes to the long-term resilience of the community\none slot is reserved for a youth-led enterprise.\n\nThe LEF is designed so that everyone benefits! \nRegister\, here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/local-spark-community-of-dragons-supporting-social-enterprise-in-torbay-tickets-1982348589996?aff=oddtdtcreator\nWant to learn more about pitching?\nSend Jay an email expressing your interest: jay@localsparktorbay.org\nMarch 14 at People’s Parkfield\n12:30 – Food and networking\n1:30 – Speakers\n2pm – Pitching\n3:30 – Closing\nRegister\, here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/local-spark-community-of-dragons-supporting-social-enterprise-in-torbay-tickets-1982348589996?aff=oddtdtcreator
URL:https://localsparktorbay.org/event/5th-torbay-local-entrepreneur-forum-community-of-dragons/
LOCATION:People’s Parkfield CIC\, Paignton\, TQ3 2NH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Local Spark event
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260323T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260323T130000
DTSTAMP:20260422T222718
CREATED:20260309T134321Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T134321Z
UID:255810-1774260000-1774270800@localsparktorbay.org
SUMMARY:AI For Good – A Practical Introduction to AI for Beginners
DESCRIPTION:Monday 23 March | 10.00–1.00 | Parkfield House\, Paignton\nYou’re running a social enterprise in a world that’s changing fast. AI keeps popping up in conversations\, newsletters\, funding discussions\, and LinkedIn posts. You know it matters. You suspect it could help. But you’re not quite sure what it actually is\, how it works\, or where to begin. \nAI feels overwhelming. There’s jargon\, bold claims\, scary headlines\, and tools launching every week.\n“Am I behind?” “Should I understand this by now?” “What if I use it wrong?” “It’s too advanced for me”\n\nTechnology is here to help people\, not confuse or intimidate them. Especially in social impact work\, where trust and responsibility matter. \nAI For Good is a three-hour\, hands-on workshop designed specifically for beginners. The session will provide a clear\, reassuring foundation in AI. We’ll explain what AI actually is\, what it can do well\, where its limits are\, and the main types of tools available today. \nAddressing common concerns such as hallucinations\, data protection\, and environmental impact. The aim is to replace uncertainty with understanding. You won’t simply be listening to presentations. The session is designed to be practical and hands-on\, with time to apply what you’re learning as you go. \n\nHere’s how the session works:\n\nWe build a shared understanding of AI\, explore key issues\, and identify the human skills that matter most when working intentionally with this technology.\nYou’ll discover how to write effective prompts and communicate clearly with AI tools.\nUsing what you’ve learned\, you’ll create a simple AI assistant to help solve a real problem from your work or personal life. Something practical. Something you can use the very next day.\n\nIf you’re curious about AI but want a more human-centred introduction\, book your place now.\nhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScgH0SO9W2naqD04EdtqoY5fgPMvNVUzPQkW0rlqtyyEZ5Big/viewform \nPlaces are limited to 15 participants to keep the workshop practical and helpful. \nBring your laptop. We’ll provide the Wi-Fi. \nYou’ll leave with: \n\nA clear understanding of what AI is and isn’t\nConfidence to use AI responsibly and productively\nPractical prompting skills\nYour own simple AI assistant built around a real challenge\nA new way of thinking about how AI can amplify your impact\n\nInstead of feeling uncertain or behind\, you’ll feel informed\, capable and ready to experiment with purpose.
URL:https://localsparktorbay.org/event/ai-for-good-a-practical-introduction-to-ai-for-beginners/
LOCATION:People’s Parkfield\, Parfield House\, Paignton\, TQ32NH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Local Spark event,workshop
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