Loughborough University’s School of Business and Economics is pleased to announce that applications for the Small Business Charter Growth Vouchers Programme are now being sought from small business owners who are passionate about growing their business.

Thousands of enterprises have already benefited from strategic support from business schools. This new roll out of the Government’s Growth Vouchers Programme, through the consortium of six leading business schools holding the Small Business Charter, will allow small businesses to access world-class business support.  

Businesses can apply via the online application portal www.sbcgrowthvouchers.co.uk. This initiative offers £2,000 of Government-matched funding to small businesses, providing access to high-quality leadership and management training at one of the consortium schools.

Loughborough’s School of Business and Economics is a trailblazing member of the Small Business Charter Award scheme, being one of the first schools to receive an award in recognition of the key role it has played in helping to support enterprise activity among its student population and in recognition of its innovative approaches in driving growth in SMEs.

Teaming up with the Government’s Growth Vouchers programme is yet another way in which Loughborough University is helping to support the small business community.

Eligible businesses can apply for a £2,000 voucher to match fund the cost of strategic advice in the following areas:

• Review of growth opportunity – competitor analysis tools
• Cash flow and general financial management
• Marketing strategies for small business
• Managing people – HR strategies for a growing small business
• Process mapping – understanding where I add value in my business
• Raising the finance for growth
• Planning next steps – with a business mentor

Businesses can find the online application form by visiting www.sbcgrowthvouchers.co.uk, or by contacting Vicki Unwin at the SBE (v.e.unwin@lboro.ac.uk) for further information.