Government launches Help to Grow programmes for small businesses – with more to come
15/06/21
The government’s new Help to Grow: Management and Help to Grow: Digital programmes are designed to help small and medium-sized businesses in the UK learn new skills, reach new customers and boost profits.
Help to Grow: Management has been launched this month. Help to Grow: Digital will follow in the autumn.
Help to Grow: Management
SMEs can now access a 12-week programme delivered across the UK by leading business schools accredited by the Small Business Charter.
The programme details and registration can be found here.
The programme will combine a practical curriculum, one-to-one support from a business mentor, peer-learning sessions and an alumni network.
The cost of the 12-week programme is £750, which is 90% subsidised by the government as part of its Plan for Jobs to help businesses drive growth and create jobs. Thirty thousand places are available over three years.
The programme is designed to be manageable alongside full-time work. There are a range of modules available, including:
- financial management
- strategies for growth and innovation
- leading high-performance teams, and
- approaches to digital adoption.
The stated aim is that by the end of the programme, you will have developed a tailored business growth plan to help lead your business to its full potential and have access to an extensive alumni network.
Who is it for?
The programme is open to small or medium UK businesses from any sector except charities that have been operating for more than one year and have between five and 249 employees.
The participant should be a decision-maker or member of the senior management team within the business such as a chief executive, finance director, etc and commit to completing all sessions.
Help to Grow: Digital
SMEs will be able to get free impartial advice on how technology can boost their performance through a new online platform, which will be available in autumn this year. Companies (only) can register their interest here.
Eligible businesses will also be able to get a discount of up to 50% on the costs of approved software, worth up to £5,000. Vouchers are initially expected to be available for software that helps businesses:
- build customer relationships and increase sales
- make the most of selling online
- manage their accounts and finances digitally
Who is it for?
All businesses will be able to benefit from free online advice on the platform.
The voucher is expected to be available to UK businesses that:
- employ between five and 249 employees and are registered at Companies House
- have been trading for more than 12 months
- are purchasing the discounted software for the first time
As only companies can register an interest, other businesses registered at Companies House such as LLPs may not be eligible for vouchers. We will keep an eye on this.
If you have any queries in relation to the Help to Grow programmes, please contact us.
Warning: The above is merely general guidance and should not be relied upon as formal advice. The advice we give to each client will depend on their specific circumstances. We suggest you take professional advice before taking any action in relation to the issues discussed above.
