Manufacturing, engineering and logistics businesses in and around Boston, Grimsby and Scunthorpe can benefit from a package of business support and funding worth more than £300,000.
The University of Lincoln growth accelerator programme – funded by the ERDF – is offering the help for businesses in the area which includes support and advice from some business leaders and experts, through workshops on everything from strategy to business planning and marketing.
Following the success of a pilot scheme, the university has launched the new Productivity HUBs programme for micro, small and medium-sized businesses looking to grow in the three towns.
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This programme is part of a wider Productivity Programme aimed at SMEs across Greater Lincolnshire, and will run until June 2023.
It offers two options – 12 hours of free business support for any SME in and around the towns of Boston, Grimsby and Scunthorpe; and an Accelerator programme aimed at logistics and transport businesses in Boston and Grimsby, and advanced engineering and manufacturing businesses in Scunthorpe.
The first eight-week, part-time programme will start in Scunthorpe in June with a further nine planned in the three towns from September 2021.
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 and a location in Boston yet to be confirmed.
Businesses taking part will have access to the University of Lincoln’s research and network of contacts.
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They will also be able to apply for a seed fund grant of up to £10,000 to help grow the business.
Programme lead Rebecca Webster 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.”
This year’s mentors will include experts in business growth and new business development, exporting, marketing, PR, trademarks and patents, and presentation skills.
For more information and to apply, visit www.productivityhubs.co.uk.
Interested businesses are encouraged to apply sooner rather than later as spaces are limited.