Small Business Charter launches Growth Voucher programme for small businesses

GrowthVoucherSBC

We are pleased to announce the launch of our tailored Growth Voucher programme which will provide match funding to small businesses to access high quality leadership and advice from business schools.

Working with the Government’s Growth Voucher programme, this Small Business Charter initiative provides a fantastic way for small business to benefit from support from world class business schools who hold the Small Business Charter award. Eligible businesses can apply for a voucher to match fund up to £2,000 towards the cost of strategic advice provided by Small Business Charter business schools nationwide.

Six business schools have confirmed their participation in the scheme, which includes:

  • Aston University, Aston Business School
  • University College London, Department of Management Science and Innovation
  • Southampton Solent, Faculty of Business, Sport & Enterprise
  • University of Nottingham, Nottingham University Business School
  • Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham Business School
  • Loughborough University, School of Business and Economics

Small Business Charter business schools have an excellent track record of making a positive impact on small businesses with the provision of mentoring and other business support.These business schools have assisted 800 business start-ups and have also helped 4,700 students to find work placements in Britain’s exciting micro-business and start-up sector.

Executive Director of the Small Business Charter, Ian McNaught, said “I am thrilled and excited that business schools awarded with the Small Business Charter are now at the frontline of Government’s support network for ambitious small businesses. Growth Vouchers are a great new weapon in our armoury as we work to link the expertise of Britain’s world class business schools with the dynamism of our ever growing ranks of entrepreneurs.”

Enterprise Adviser to the Prime Minister, Lord Young said “Strategic advice is key to business success and I welcome the arrival of a number of the Small Business Charter Business Schools as a partner delivering the Growth Vouchers Programme. With their support, more small businesses will be able to access the advice they need to succeed and grow and create more jobs and opportunities.”

The Small Business Charter was formed following Lord Young’s report ‘Growing Your Business’,which was aimed at bringing business schools, business and entrepreneurs closer together to deliver support for small businesses and drive local economic growth.

For small businesses looking for more information, please click here www.aston.ac.uk/growthvouchers

For business schools looking to apply for a Small Business Charter award, please contact Marion Gaskell on growthvoucher@the-abs.org.uk