There is a broadening range of help and support available from Government, local Councils and others designed to support small businesses to grow their organisations:
Local help, support and grants available across the country
Grants and Financial Help for small businesses are available from many local councils and other organisations. Many of these grants are regional, others are specific for a particular area of the business, it’s worth looking through the long list as there is a lot available. Visit https://www.gov.uk/business-finance-support to find out more.
If you are a new business visit this link for advise on getting set up and links to useful areas in gov.uk https://www.gov.uk/set-up-business.
There are business support helplines in each of the 4 nations:
- England: enquiries@businesssupporthelpline.org Telephone: 0800 998 1098.
- Scotland: https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/ Telephone: 0300 303 0660
- Business Wales Helpline: Telephone: 0300 060 3000
- Northern Ireland: https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/ 0800 181 4422
Build Business Overseas
The Department for International Trade offers lots of help and assistance to start and grow your export business. See our Starting Up in Export blog for more information.
They also offer a UK Tradeshow Programme which offers government support to help UK businesses attend or exhibit at overseas trade shows effectively. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/uk-tradeshow-programme
Help to Grow: Management programme
The government-backed Help to Grow: Management is a 12 week programme delivered by leading UK business schools accredited to the Small Business Charter. Help To Grow: Management includes 50 hours of in depth training, 1:1 business mentoring, and support to grow your business.
Aimed at senior leaders in small and medium businesses, the course covers strategies for growth and innovation, leading high-performance teams and digital adoption, as well as financial management and responsible business practices. You will hear from inspirational business leaders and learn alongside local peers, with access to a national alumni network.
The 12-week programme costs just £750 and is 90% subsidised by the government. It is designed to fit around existing work commitments, with learning accessed through a blend of online and face-to-face sessions.
Small Business Minister Paul Scully said at the launch: “….our Help to Grow Management Scheme gives entrepreneurs the chance to access the very best advice on how to innovate, reach new customers and boost profits….I would encourage entrepreneurs across the UK to get involved and maximise the potential of their business.”
To find out more about the course click here
Help to Grow: Digital.
Help to Grow: Digital is a UK-wide government-backed scheme that aims to help you choose, buy and adopt digital technologies that will help you grow your business.
The Help to Grow: Digital scheme offers businesses:
- Free, impartial advice and guidance about what digital technology is best suited to your business and how it can boost your business’ performance
- Targeted financial support, if your business is eligible, worth up to £5,000 towards the costs of buying approved digital technologies
For more details see What support can I access through Help to Grow: Digital
Further Information
Visit the GCA Members’ Library for a wide range of targeted information to help you grow your greeting card business.
For information on exporting see our comprehensive Starting out in Export blog which includes contact details for your local DIT. Also see here for additional information and support on trading with Europe following Brexit .
We will continue to keep you updated with government and other external initiatives that are relevant to members. If you do sign up for either of these Help to Grow programmes do contact us and let know as it’s always good to have feedback.
