12 February 2014
Growth Vouchers programme
The Government launched the £30 million Growth Vouchers initiative recently to support business growth. Enterprise First are working in partnership with the Department of Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) and Enterprise Nation to deliver this new support programme for small businesses in the South East.
Over the next 15 months the Growth Vouchers scheme, which is part of a pioneering random control trial research initiative, will test what works best when giving advice to business. Small businesses will receive free advice from Enterprise First to help them assess their needs. Most participants will be offered match funding of up to £2000 to access strategic advice through the Enterprise Nation online marketplace of accredited private suppliers.
Most small businesses will be offered match funding of up to £2,000 to help pay for the advice they need. Businesses can spend as much or as little as they want on the advice but the maximum subsidy will be £2,000.
Private sector suppliers can register to be listed on the Enterprise Nation online marketplace, through which businesses can redeem their vouchers. Small businesses will pay the supplier and then claim back up to £2,000 from the government.
Vouchers are available to businesses in England who have been in existence for over one year, have fewer than 50 employees and have not paid for strategic business advice in the last three years. The programme aims to provide support to around 20,000 small businesses.
The Programme will use Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) to test what works best when delivering help to businesses. All firms taking part in the Programme will be participating in the largest business research project ever initiated by government. It will produce real comprehensive evidence upon which future policy will be built.
Any business who wished to apply for a Growth Voucher must do so by going to the website below. This is the only entry point.
Potential suppliers to voucher holders can sign up via Enterprise Nation at:
About Enterprise First:
Enterprise First is the leading Enterprise Agency in the south-east supporting all those considering starting a business and to existing small businesses. We are the exclusive delivery partner for Growth Vouchers, Virgin Start-Up loans, and the British Bankers Association Mentoring programme. We also provide local advice, mentoring, training, and flexible workspace for many local authorities.
Please get in touch if you have any questions but I hope you will share this information with your local contacts. If you require electronic or hard copy flyers these can be supplied on request.
Enterprise First, 11 Wellington Street, Aldershot, Hants GU11 1DX
Tel: 0800 652 6254
www.enterprisefirst.co.uk
