Hounslow Council launched a new Innovate & Grow programme today offering free support for businesses in the borough.

The programme is to help small local businesses bounce back from the pandemic and will include a range of free courses and masterclasses for different-sized businesses and sectors.

Running from the 6 January to 31 March, business owners can choose from a range of initiatives which are best suited to their needs.

The free support includes:

• Small business support grant funding.

• Green business support grant funding.

• Specialist support for town-centre businesses.

• One-to-one mentoring.

• In-depth tools and advice.

Cllr Shantanu Rajawat, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services, said: "We are delighted to be able to deliver this fantastic, accessible package of programmes to support our businesses most in need. 

 

"It offers a range of support to enable businesses to innovate and grow beyond the constraints of the pandemic.

"The Council is committed to supporting our businesses, helping to re-establish confidence within the local economy, while protecting jobs for local people." 

 

Find the right support for your business

Support for pre-start and start up:

• An intensive two-week programme for start-ups.

• An eight-week support programme for pre-start and start-up businesses.

• A support programme for BAME women - partnering with Shewise.

• A youth entrepreneurship programme – how to start your own business.

Support for small, medium and micro businesses:

• Business Masterclass series – five specific topics to support businesses to grow and learn new skills.

• Digital skills programme, with marketing guidance on how to get your business online.

• "Living a life without limits" – mental health and business course.

•  "Make peace with money" – decision-making in business course.

•  Creative sector support programme – support for small businesses.

•  Leadership and management series.

Support for high street businesses:

• Projects to engage town-centre businesses in new initiatives and promoting collaboration.

• Pop up space competition in town centre(s). 

•  Visitor economy support programme.   Support for businesses to grow and secure new business:

• Innovate and Grow grants for small and micro businesses to invest.

• Green Grants programme – supporting small businesses to reduce their carbon footprint.

• Business mentoring for growth programme.

•  Access to markets programme.

•  Support for micro and small business to pivot and grow.

•  Bidding for contracts programme.  Don't forget to log your business on our Brentford Nub News Local Listings! Find out more about the business support programme, here.