The government’s new Help to Grow programme is now open for registrations and will launch in June. The programme will help small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) across the UK learn new skills, reach new customers and improve profits.
The ‘Help to Grow Management Scheme’ offers SMEs a 12 week programme delivered by leading business schools across the UK, accredited by the Small Business Charter. The programme will combine a practical curriculum, with 1:1 support from a business mentor, peer-learning sessions and an alumni network.
Designed to be manageable alongside full-time work, this programme will support SME business leaders to develop their strategic skills with key modules covering financial management, innovation and digital adoption. By the end of the programme participants will develop a tailored business growth plan to lead their business to its full potential.
30,000 places will be available over 3 years. The programme is 90% subsidised by government – participants will be charged £750.
Who is it for?
UK businesses from any sector that have been operating for more than 1 year, with between 5 to 249 employees are eligible. The participant should be a decision maker or member of the senior management team within the business e.g. Chief Executive, Finance Director etc. Charities are not eligible.
Register your interest here: Help to Grow – Management – Small Business Charter.
The ‘Help to Grow Digital Scheme’ will give SME businesses access to free impartial advice on how technology can boost their performance through a new online platform. The scheme starts this Autumn.
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 business that:
- employ between 5 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
Full details on the businesses and software eligible for the voucher will be published this summer.
Register your interest here: Company registration number – Help to Grow: Digital – GOV.UK (register-help-to-grow-scheme.service.gov.uk) This may be useful to help businesses preparing for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for income tax self-assessment and MTD for corporation tax. Please contact us if you would like to find out about our integrated, flexible and affordable tech-enabled management reporting, accounting and payroll solutions. Contact Mariske Byrnes or email info@bmconnect.co.uk.
