Small and medium-sized businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire have been advised to make the most of a plethora of business support programmes to help meet their short and long-term goals.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub is the go-to organisation to find out about the vast range of free support that is available throughout the area to help businesses just starting up or wanting to grow.
Some of the programmes are only available for a limited period so businesses are urged to contact the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub sooner rather than later to tap into the specialist advice and apply for grants that are available.
The programmes include carrying out free energy and resource efficiency audits to identify where energy, water and waste savings can be made, as well as low-carbon product development.
Businesses may be eligible for grants and loans for capital equipment, while there are start-up and capital grants for small and medium businesses (SMEs) to help with growth plans.
Support is also available to groups planning to set-up a not-for-profit community or social enterprise.
Craig Humphrey, CEO of Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, said the business support programmes were all designed to help companies become more efficient in their day-to-day operations and expand in the short or long-term.
He said: “The funding landscape has changed in recent months with the shift from EU funding to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
“But there is no need for businesses in Warwickshire to feel daunted or confused by these changes, or to think that there is no longer support available.
“There are a great many business support programmes running in Warwickshire, and our team at Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub is here to help businesses, at every stage of growth, to access these programmes.
“SMEs in Warwickshire should get in touch to find out what kind of support is available because some of the programmes are only available for a limited period and we don’t want anyone to miss out.
“We will work with them to identify the right support for their business and help with applications and paperwork, so the whole process is as seamless as possible.”
Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub can also provide support for those planning to launch their own business, with programmes offering coaching and workshops, to help pre-start businesses ensure they have the basics in place before launching.
Craig added: “Once you have made a decision to set-up your own business it is vital to have the fundamentals in place to make sure you have every chance of success.
“There is plenty of start-up support available which is also free, so any entrepreneurs in Warwickshire considering taking the plunge into the business world should contact our team to discuss their next steps.”
For further information about business support programmes, please get in touch with the Growth Hub at support@cwgrowthhub.co.uk or visit www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk
Caption: Craig Humphrey, CEO of Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub