Help To Grow Scheme from UK Government

Help to Grow – what is it?

Help to Grow your business is a new initiative from the UK Government, to help boost business activity, and therefore the economy, as we recover from the pandemic. The scheme is split into two parts, Help to Grow Digital and Help to Grow Management, for which you will have to register yourself for. Whilst we cannot help you with this at this stage, we want to make sure that as many companies as possible register, especially as Digital may help you to get 50% off approved software worth up to £5k. We have also been pushing Microsoft to make sure that it registers it’s solutions for the scheme. 

See Help to Grow 

Help to Grow: Digital

What is it?

This Autumn, small businesses will be able to get free impartial advice on how technology can boost their performance through a new online platform.

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.

To Register Interest: Company registration number - Help to Grow: Digital - GOV.UK (register-help-to-grow-scheme.service.gov.uk) - Enter your Companies House number to register your interest.

Help to Grow: Management

What is it?

This June, small businesses will be able to access 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 small 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 and are based in the UK.

The participant should be a decision maker or member of the senior management team within the business e.g. Chief Executive, Finance Director etc. and be committed to completing all sessions.

Charities are not eligible.

A bit more detail:

The scheme will support senior managers of small and medium sized businesses to boost their business’s performance, resilience, and long-term growth. The in-depth high quality curriculum will support businesses to build their capabilities in leadership, innovation, digital adoption, employee engagement, marketing, responsible business, and financial management. Benefits include:

• Enhanced management and strategic capabilities
• Produce a growth plan for the business
• Build resilience to future shocks
• Learn how to innovate in within a business
• Adopt digital technologies to boost productivity and operational agility
• Develop the business’ value proposition and reach into growth markets
• Improve employee engagement and responsible business practices

The Program:

Facilitated by small business experts from leading university business schools, this practical programme takes place over 3-months and will include both online and face-to-face sessions, alongside peer support and mentoring. The programme is built around a practical curriculum which features:

• Eight facilitated online 2-hour sessions
• Four practical and interactive case study workshops
• One-to-one support from a mentor, providing you with personalised support to develop your business growth plan
• Peer networking, including peer group calls that give you the opportunity to share experiences with a small group of other small business leaders
• Access to the Alumni Programme featuring events with inspirational speakers, business clinics and networking events

About the Business Schools and Facilitators:

The programme will be delivered by leading small business and enterprise experts from a consortium of business schools, including our local Portsmouth Business School, with the support of leading figures from industry and experienced entrepreneurs.

The participating business schools have been accredited by the Small Business Charter, an award which recognises the high quality, tailored guidance they provide to support small businesses and their local economy. The consortium brings a huge amount of expertise and experience to support you and your business.

To Register Interest: H2GM Registration - Small Business Charter