Copeland MP Trudy Harrison is urging businesses in the constituency to access Government growth support.
The Help to Grow scheme is designed to help business owners or managers take their organisations to the next level – and this week its eligibility criteria has been expanded to permit more businesses to access the support.
The scheme is split into two strands, the first being the Help to Grow: Management course, which supports senior mangers of small and medium sized businesses to boost performance, resilience and long term growth.
The course is run over 12 weeks as a combination of in-person and online learning and is accredited by the Small Business Charter and is funded 90 per cent by the Government.
The second is the Help To Grow: Digital course, which offers eligible businesses discounts of up to £5,000 off approved digital accounting software. Businesses can also access free specialised advice on how to choose the right digital technologies to boost their growth and productivity.
Previously, the Help to Grow: Digital discount was only available to firms with five or more employees, but it has now opened up to all firms with a minimum of one employee.
Additionally, eCommerce software is now available through the scheme to help business increase sales of products and services online.
Mrs Harrison said: “I encourage business owners across Copeland to tap into these excellent resources.
“Whether it is managers of SMEs benefiting from the subsidised training, or firms accessing grants to expand their digital offering, the Help to Grow scheme is helping firms expand which in turn leads to high-skill and high-wage jobs in our local economy.”
