Havant Business Growth Scheme: here’s how firms based in the Solent area access support and help

Free workshops, mentoring and funding help for firms. Picture – supplied.

The Solent LEP Growth Hub provides all businesses in the Solent, no matter their size or sector, with access to advice and support via a free, impartial, ‘single point of contact’.

The Solent LEP Growth Hub offers a triage, diagnostic and signposting service, so that businesses can access the right support at the right time.

This can include national and local advice and support from the public, private and third sector, plus academia and businesses schools.

Havant Business Growth Scheme: here’s how firms based in the Solent area access support and help. Picture – supplied.

The Havant Business Growth Programme could even unlock financial help and grants to help businesses train their staff and grow their services, with spaces available on courses plus ongoing support available.[JM1]

The Solent LEP’s programme is there for small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Havant Borough Council area which have been operating a business for up to two years. Help covers a range of topics and is tailored to what your firm needs.

Mentoring can include things like:

– Identifying and accessing funding to help the firm grow

Does your SME need help to get to the next level? Picture – supplied.

– Finding new markets

– Developing your workforce’s skillset

– Engaging with customers in a more effective way

There are still a handful of spaces left for the next round of support which begins in early 2024. Paula Swain LEP Director and SME Lead, said: “We are excited to deliver this opportunity to small and medium sized businesses in the Havant area to support those who might be looking to reach new markets, to develop their employee's skills, to create a more effective customer engagement strategy, or even to devise an export strategy.

“The Solent LEP has extensive experience and understanding of local business needs, and we want to back Havant business owners who are looking to achieve their potential through expert business mentorship and support.”

That’s not the only support being offered to local firms.

There are free Business Support Clinics, offering practical advice and connecting firms to other services, including funding, skills or strategy.

The next few sessions include:

– Havant Business Clinic, in partnership with Havant Borough Council, is on 2 November from 9:30am - 5:30pm at the Public Service Plaza, Havant PO9 2AX.

– Southampton Business Clinic, in partnership with Southampton City Council is on 14 November from 9:30am - 5:30 at Central Library, Civic Centre, SO14 7LW.

– New Forest Business Clinic, in partnership with New Forest District Council, is on 7 December from 9:30am - 5:30pm at Appletree Court, Lyndhurst, SO43 7PA.

– Isle of Wight Business Support Clinic, with backing from , Isle of Wight Council, runs from 9.30am - 5.30pm, Thursday 18th January, at Building 41 Newport Rd, Northwood, Cowes PO31 8BX

There is no cost to attend the business clinic. Reserve your space by emailing [email protected]

Find out more at solentlep.org.uk/havant-business-growth-programme