Aston Programme for Small Business Growth – applications sought for cohort 2

The Aston Programme for Small Business Growth has been developed to support early stage business leaders, to achieve sustainable growth through a series of workshops, one-to-one support and networking. It is fully funded by SWM members Aston University and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The six-month programme provides practical workshops taught by experts in SME leadership and management and one-to-one support from an experienced mentor. It is for SMEs who have an operational address within the Black Country, Coventry and Warwickshire, Greater Birmingham and Solihull or The Marches (transitional area only) LEP regions. Open to SMEs and Social Enterprises, 28 business leaders from a range of sectors will complete the programme together, sharing their experiences and strategies, building a supportive network and working with an experienced business mentor to tackle any issues or challenges SMEs face as they grow. The team is now searching for SMEs and Social Enterprises who have been trading for at least 12 months and have at least one FTE employee (this can include yourself). The programme is suitable for business that are in their early-stage with identifiable growth potential. The application deadline is 5 June. Full details, including dates of forthcoming breakfast meetings about the programme, can be found on the dedicated web pages.