£4m of Business Support Services to Escalate Growth Across the West of England

Bringing together a number of highly respected support organisations across the region to deliver a suite of support services, the programme is relevant to SMEs at every stage of growth.

 

It will take businesses on a growth journey, working closely with them from initial registration to taking on their first member of staff or their first product launch. Businesses can join the programme at any point, and access each service independently of the others.

 

The four support levels on offer are:

 

1. Start-up

 

Test your ideas, write a business plan and start your own business. Workshops and one-to-one sessions will help you understand what’s involved in starting a business, and once you’re ready, you’ll be supported in taking your first steps.

 

2. Improve or Grow

From workshops on marketing, finance or supplier engagement to resource efficiency sessions. Enterprising West of England is offering a range of business support activities in multiple locations so you can get the support your business needs at a location that suits you.

3. Get investment ready 

 

Take your business to the next level and create an investment readiness plan focusing on customer demand in the markets you’re hoping to break into. Identify, apply for and secure the money you need to generate sustainable growth for your business.

 

4. Scale up

 

It’s been proven that business coaching leads to great results, but good business coaching can be expensive, especially for a recently registered company or a small business with a tight budget. Take away the financial pressure with a ‘Scale Up Coaching Grant’ and choose the right business coach to help you realise your goals. 

 

Scale Up Coaching Grants are available to SMEs based in the West of England who are looking to grow or plan to create new jobs within 12 months.

 

A scale up coaching grant will give businesses the support they need to effectively develop their business. Whether this is through developing leadership skills, expanding management knowledge or advancing business strategy, a scale up coaching grant will give businesses the head start they need.

 

Tara Gillam, Head of Enterprise, Business West, said:

 

 “Enterprising West of England is a unique programme as it not only unifies the business support offering, but it brings together leading local business support providers. 

 

“To have such reputable organisations as The Prince’s Trust, YTKO Group, Business West and all four local unitary authorities collaborating on the project ensures that the support available to businesses will be second to none.

 

“A key objective of the Enterprising West of England programme is to provide equality of access to business support services, and we will have specific activities targeted at young people (18-30 years old), disadvantaged areas and ethnic minorities.”

 

For more information or to apply to receive support, visit www.businesswest.co.uk/enterprising-west-of-england

 

To apply for a scale up coaching grant, visit: www.businesswest.co.uk/scale-up-coaching-grants

 

The Enterprising West of England programme has been commissioned by the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) aimed at supporting SMEs to support business growth.

 

The programme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Business West, The Prince's Trust, YTKO Group, Bristol City Council, Bath and North East Somerset Council, North Somerset Council and South Gloucestershire Council.