A new growth accelerator has been put in place to support manufacturing, engineering and logistics businesses in and around Boston, Grimsby and Scunthorpe.
The package of business support and funding is worth over £300,000. Created by the University of Lincoln and funded by ERDF, the new Productivity HUBs programme is aimed at micro, small and medium-sized businesses that are looking to grow in the three towns.
Following on from the success of a previous pilot scheme, this new programme, which is part of a wider Productivity Programme aimed at SMEs across Greater Lincolnshire, will run until June 2023 and has two options: 12 hours free business support for any SME in and around the towns of Boston, Grimsby and Scunthorpe; and an Accelerator programme aimed at logistics and transport businesses in Boston and Grimsby, and advanced engineering and manufacturing businesses in Scunthorpe.
Successful participants in the Accelerator programme will receive support and advice from some of the county’s best-known business leaders and experts, including experts from Duncan & Toplis. Supporters will deliver workshops on everything from strategy to business planning and marketing.
The first eight-week, part-time programme will start in Scunthorpe in June with a further nine programmes planned in the three towns from September 2021 onwards. Each programme will be run from one of three HUBs: the North Lincolnshire University campus in Scunthorpe; E-Factor at The Enterprise Village in Grimsby and a location in Boston yet to be confirmed.
Businesses taking part in the programme will have access to the University of Lincoln’s world-leading research, innovations and network of contacts. They will also be able to apply for a seed fund grant of up to £10,000 to help grow the business.
Rebecca Webster, the programme lead, said: “Part of the University’s remit is to drive productivity and growth in Greater Lincolnshire, and we believe that there are real growth opportunities in these three towns, in particular in the logistics and manufacturing sectors. The Business Accelerator programme is there to support ambitious entrepreneurs in these sectors that are looking to accelerate the growth of their businesses.
“Our Business Development programme on the other hand is designed to help any SME in any sector in Boston, Grimsby and Scunthorpe, including start-ups, that are looking to grow and to increase productivity and profitability.
During the Accelerator programme in particular, the participants can expect to:
This year’s mentors will include experts in business growth and new business development, exporting, marketing, PR, trademarks and patents, and presentation skills.
“As we move forward from lockdown, it’s a very exciting time for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re at the very start of your business journey, or if you have an established business, good advice from a trusted expert can be extremely valuable. We’re very pleased to be supporting this initiative from the University of Lincoln and I hope that it can make a big difference in helping ambitious entrepreneurs and SMEs in our area to find success and grow their businesses.”
Interested businesses are encouraged to apply sooner rather than later as spaces are limited. For more information and to apply, please click here.
To keep up to date with this and future programmes, follow Productivity HUBs on LinkedIn.
If you would like professional advice, support or guidance about the new support packages please contact our team.
