Applications now open for innovative programme to stimulate economic growth

People in the Marches who are looking to grow their business and create new jobs are being offered fully funded training to help them achieve their goals.

Places are currently available on the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses programme that supports SME owners and social enterprise leaders unlock the full potential of their organisation.

The Said Business School, University of Oxford, in partnership with the Goldman Sachs Foundation, is delivering this blended online and residential learning opportunity. Of those who have undertaken the programme to date, 90 per cent have created new jobs and 88 per cent have grown their revenue.

The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), the private sector-led organisation tasked with helping to create economic growth across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, is urging companies to take advantage of the scheme.

Marches LEP board member Sonia Roberts, an experienced professional in the charity sector who chairs both the Shropshire Providers Consortium and Shropshire Disability Network, has completed the training.

She said: “No matter what sector you are involved in, there are valuable lessons you will be able to learn from the programme.

“It is designed to specifically address the support gap for small enterprises and businesses, helping them to unlock their economic and job creation potential. It can very easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operation of your organisation and miss opportunities to grow your business. I found the course incredibly useful and would recommend it to anyone.”

The four-month programme involves a combination of distance learning and residentials. Participants will benefit from specialist workshops, one-on-one business advising, business coaching, access to professional experts and networking opportunities.

For further information and eligibility criteria please click here