The 2021 Budget announced the launch of the ‘Help to Grow’ scheme, and applications are now open.
The programme will help small and medium-sized businesses with management or digital training.
Help to Grow – Management
This is an executive development programme to help improve business performance and growth potential.
The government will cover 90% of the cost of the training.
What is it?
It’s a 12-week training programme delivered by business schools across the UK, and it starts in June 2021.
It will be a combination of peer-learning sessions, 1:1 support from a business mentor, a practical curriculum and an alumni network.
It’s supposed to be manageable alongside your normal full-time work.
The objective is to develop strategic skills, including:
- Financial management
- Innovation
- Digital adoption\
By the end of the course, participants will develop a business growth plan to lead their business to its full potential.
There are 30,000 places available over 3 years, and 90% of the cost is covered by the government. That means that participants need to pay £750 each.
Who’s eligible?
Any UK business, from any sector, as long as:
- You have been operating for more than 1 year
- You have between 5 and 249 employees
- You are a key decision maker, such as CEO or Finance Director.
To apply, go here.
Help to Grow – Digital
What is it?
This will start this Autumn, and will do two things:
- Provide free advice to businesses on how technology can boost their performance through a new online platform.
- Provide a discount of up to 50% on the costs of approved software, worth up to £5,000. The software should do one of the following:
- build customer relationships and increase sales
- make the most of selling online
- manage their accounts and finances digitally
Who’s eligible?
Any UK business, from any sector, as long as:
- You are registered at Companies House
- You have been operating for more than 1 year
- You have between 5 and 249 employees
- You are purchasing the discounted software for the first time.
To apply, go here.