Take your business to the next level with the government’s new Help to Grow programme.
The programme is now open for registrations and will launch in June. It will help small and medium sized businesses across the UK learn new skills, reach new customers and improve profits.
There are 2 schemes, the Management Scheme and the Digital Scheme.
The Help to Grow Management Scheme
Firstly, the Help to Grow Management Scheme offers small businesses a 12 week programme delivered by leading business schools across the UK. It is 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. It is designed to be manageable alongside full-time work. This programme will support small business leaders to develop their strategic skills. It includes 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.
There will be 30,000 places available over 3 years. The programme is 90% subsidised by government and participants will be charged £750.
Who is it for?
UK businesses from any sector that have been operating for more than 1 year are eligible. They must have between 5 to 249 employees. In addition, the participant should be a decision maker or member of the senior management team within the business for example Chief Executive, Finance Director etc. You must commit to completing all sessions.
However, charities are not currently eligible.
Register your interest here.
The Help to Grow Digital Scheme
Secondly, the Help to Grow Digital Scheme will enable small businesses to get 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?
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
All businesses will be able to benefit from free online advice on the platform.
Full details on the businesses and software eligible for the voucher will be published this summer.
Register your interest here.
Importantly, this may be useful to help businesses preparing for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for income tax self-assessment and corporation tax.
Finally, if you have any questions or would like more information about digital accounting give us a call on 01332 292022 or e-mail.