Manufacturing, engineering and logistics businesses in and around Boston, Grimsby and Scunthorpe can benefit from a package of business support and funding worth over £300,000, thanks to a new University of Lincoln growth accelerator programme funded by the ERDF.
Following on from the success of a previous pilot scheme, the University has launched a new Productivity HUBs programme aimed at micro, small and medium-sized businesses that are looking to grow in the three towns.
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 - either 12 hours free business support for any SME in and around the towns of Boston, Grimsby and Scunthorpe, or 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 who 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 or 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, the participants can expect to:
- Learn strategies to drive success and avoid failure
- Receive mentoring and advice from industry experts
- Develop a valuable network of business connections
- Learn the art of presenting and articulating their business
- Pitch to a panel of industry experts – with the best receiving cash awards and support to fuel business growth.
This year’s mentors will include experts in business growth and new business development, exporting, marketing, PR, trademarks and patents and presentation skills.
Interested businesses are encouraged to apply sooner rather than later as spaces are limited. For more information and to apply, please visit www.productivityhubs.co.uk
To keep up to date with this and future programmes, follow Productivity HUBs on LinkedIn.
