Building Back Better Growth Programme: Learn more and apply now

About the Programme

The Building Back Better Growth Programme, a project funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund, aims to support Hertfordshire SMEs to sustain their recovery and growth following the pandemic, as well as helping to equip them with the skills and capabilities they need to develop their sustainable practices, net-zero literacy, and digitalisation.

To apply, visit here.

The package of support, delivered by Hertfordshire Growth Hub in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire, includes:

• Consultancy Grant Programme
• 121 mentoring from experts at the University of Hertfordshire
• Webinars
• The Herts Sustainability Accelerator (fully subscribed)

Consultancy Grant Programme

The Consultancy Grant Programme provides eligible SMEs with specific innovation challenges related to sustainability, technology adoption or digitalisation with access to grant funding that can contribute up to £4,000* (with a 20% SME match fund contribution) for an improvement project via targeted consultancy support.

For example, consultancy support to help:

• Develop a digital strategy
• Develop an app to improve online sales
• Develop a net zero strategy

* Grant eligibility criteria apply


121 mentoring from experts at the University of Hertfordshire

Micro SMEs (with less than 5 employees) looking for support to grow and innovate can benefit from a package of support including 1-2-1 mentoring. Eligible SMEs will receive up to 12 hours of 1-2-1 mentoring from a University of Hertfordshire expert, who will spend time with them to support in reviewing their business plan, help them to set milestones for growth and innovation, and assess training needs.

Mentoring expertise includes but are not limited to: resource efficiency including energy storage, low carbon design, Intellectual Property, and communication strategies.


Webinars

Eight free to attend educational webinars, delivered by Hertfordshire Growth Hub as part of the Building Back Better Growth Programme, will cover: net-zero/sustainability, technology adoption, and digitalisation focusing on next steps and bottom-line benefits. Find out more and secure your place on the events here.


Who is the support for?

This programme is aimed at helping Hertfordshire SMEs identify and understand their barriers to growth, enabling them to sustain recovery following the pandemic and focusing on specific challenges related to sustainability, technology adoption and digitalisation. Eligible SMEs are supported to make improvements through grant funding for tailored consultancy and a programme of business support.

To meet eligibility, businesses must be:

• Hertfordshire-based with less than 250 employees (SMEs)
• SMEs that are looking to achieve one or more of the following:
  • Scale up with an innovative and sustainable project
  • Re-assess their business models
  • Upskill in the areas of sustainability, net zero and digitalisation

Duration

This grant is open until the 30th June 2022, 17:00

Grant Programme eligibility

Examples of eligible consultancy might include:

• Rapid prototyping
• Programming and app development support
• Technical support
• Developing strategy - digital, net zero
• Internet of Things lab hire or consultancy with expert academics providing technical, strategic and/or commercial support

Next steps and how to apply

To apply, visit here.

For queries or further information, please email bbbenquiries@exemplas.com.