Free personalised support to help local businesses
We’ve been providing free one-to-one support for local businesses, through the ‘Thrive’ programme, overseen by the Heart of the South West Growth Hub.
It’s so far helped more than 600 local businesses across Devon, Somerset, Plymouth and Torbay, providing them with personalised guidance about their unique challenges and opportunities – refining marketing strategies, bolstering resilience, growth, recruitment and more.
And we’ve now been able to extend the Thrive programme until the end of July 2023.
Businesses new to the programme, or those who have attended previous Thrive workshops, are entitled to a complimentary one-to-one support session. And those businesses that have benefited already, have been very positive:
“The support I received was first rate. The expertise provided has made a tangible difference to our business,”
“Amazing! It was such a fantastic opportunity for our small business to receive the support we needed,”
“Brilliant! My discussions with the advisor were incredible helpful. I have successfully implemented multiple aspects of their advice and now feel more in control,”
If you are a sole trader or run a micro business or small to medium sized business in Devon, Somerset, Plymouth or Torbay, visit Thrive – Heart of the South West Growth Hub, and complete the short registration form, and one of our advisors will be in touch to arrange a one-to-one session.
Digital Leadership training for small businesses
We’ve launched a new training programme to help small businesses in the region to improve their digital capabilities.
Digital Leadership for SMEs (small and medium enterprises) has been designed to help small businesses to identify and embrace digital improvements for their organisation.
The training is available for senior leaders of SME organisations, who are located in and operate their business in either Devon, Plymouth, Somerset or Torbay in the following sectors: Health and Adult Social Care, Manufacturing, and Clean Growth (businesses that contribute sustainable and low carbon economic growth).
There are 150 training places available, providing up to 32 hours of free tutor training delivered by Cosmic. The scheme is part of the Heart of the South West local growth deal funded Digital Skills Series, supported by the Heart of the South West LEP.
Find out more on the website: Digital Leadership programme offers training to small businesses – News (devon.gov.uk)