Small business programme leads to expected 200% turnover growth

Warwickshire entrepreneurs have the opportunity to "take your business to the next level" after applications opened for a new programme dedicated to promoting small businesses.

The Aston Programme for Small Business Growth, which will begin in the New Year, will help early-stage business-leaders based within Warwickshire, Coventry, Birmingham, Solihull and the Black Country to achieve sustainable growth. 

The programme of workshops, one-to-one support and networking is fully funded by Aston University and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) with the first group running from January to June 2017. It is open to SMEs and Social Enterprises.

Twenty-eight business leaders from a range of sectors will complete the programme together, sharing their experiences and strategies, building a supportive network and working with an experienced mentor to tackle any issues or challenges faced by SMEs as they grow. 

It is a practical programme, with participants working on their own business straight away and finishing with a growth strategy they have written for their own business that will provide an action-plan to achieve their specific growth goals.

All the 2015 participants surveyed after completing the programme are anticipating significant growth in turnover. Sixty per cent expect turnover growth in excess of 200% while 48% projecting employee numbers to grow in excess of 200% by 2018.

More information, eligibility criteria and the application form can be found on the programme website here. Applications close on December 9th, 2016.