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Both Tech for Growth and the High Street Business Mentoring Programme launch on Monday 2 September.
They are the latest schemes being delivered thanks to funding from the central government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
Tech for Growth
Learn how your enterprise can adopt new technologies to improve operations, face tech challenges or explore new digital opportunities.
Up to 15 businesses in North Somerset have the opportunity to join Tech for Growth and receive free personalised support.
To be eligible, businesses must:
- be located and trading in North Somerset,
- qualify as a small or medium enterprise (SME) with fewer than 250 employees,
- employ at least three full-time staff, and
- have a minimum of £100,000 turnover.
Tech for Growth is managed by Business West in partnership with techSPARK, and is funded by £60,000 of our allocation of the UKSPF.
We’ll handle initial inquiries and check your eligibility before referring you to Business West and techSPARK.
To express your interest, email us at business@n-somerset.gov.uk
Mentoring for small High Street businesses
High street retail and hospitality businesses in North Somerset now have a unique opportunity to access free one-to-one mentoring.
Tailored retail support specifically for small enterprises is available covering a wide range of topics, including help to enhance profitability, optimising sales, introducing new processes in buying, marketing, cash flow planning, and financial control.
Riseley Consulting is offering free personalised sessions with one of their business advisers, along with follow-up appointments, help tracking progress and tailored action plans.
It is designed to empower retailers and hospitality businesses registered in North Somerset that employ less than 50 people.
The programme includes:
- a review of the business plan and social media before the mentoring visit
- an in-person two-to-three hour session with a mentor at the applicant's business premise
- a follow-up appointment to measure progress
- producing a tailored action plan.
Applicants must be available for the initial visit and be able to take up the advice and recommendations within the next six months.
Funding is limited and on a first come, first served basis. It will be prioritised on need and anticipated that there is capacity to support 27 enterprises.
We’ll manage all initial enquiries through an expression of interest and application process, and successful applicants will then be referred to Riseley Consulting.
To express your interest, email us at business@n-somerset.gov.uk