Small businesses will be able to get funding for advice from business schools under a project run by the Small Business Charter.
The Growth Voucher scheme allows businesses to apply for a voucher to match funding of up to £2,000 towards the cost of advice provided by selected business schools.
Six schools have confirmed their participation in the award scheme:
- Aston University
- Loughborough University
- Nottingham Trent
- Southampton Solent
- University College London
- University of Nottingham.
These schools have a proven record in supporting small firms, having provided 800 start-ups with advice and mentoring.
Ian McNaught, Executive Director of the Small Business Charter said:
“I am thrilled and excited that business schools awarded with the Small Business Charter are now at the frontline of government’s support network for ambitious small businesses. Growth Vouchers are a great new weapon in our armoury as we work to link the expertise of Britain’s world class business schools with the dynamism of our ever growing ranks of entrepreneurs.”
Lord Young, enterprise adviser to the Prime Minister, said:
“Strategic advice is key to business success and I welcome the arrival of a number of the Small Business Charter Business Schools as a partner delivering the Growth Vouchers Programme. With their support, more small businesses will be able to access the advice they need to succeed and grow and create more jobs and opportunities.”
