BUSINESSES in Redditch and Bromsgrove are being urged to join a programme that has already helped 50 small firms across the West Midlands realise their potential.
The Inclusive Commonwealth Legacy Programme (ICLP) is an initiative to support Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority (BAME) owned businesses in relation to both the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and wider business opportunities.
It is now looking for a second wave of applications from across the Greater Birmingham and Solihull area – including Redditch, Bromsgrove and Wyre Forest to take part in its next support package.
The programme specifically aims to help companies scale up and make the most of export and international trading opportunities.
Programme mentor and growing business consultant for Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP), Joel Blake OBE, said: ‘The biggest issue small businesses face when scaling up their activity is having the right leadership and management capability.
“Is the right team in place to take the business to the next level? And if not, how can we support that process and help fill in the gaps?”
Joel is now looking to repeat the success of the first round with more companies taking advantage of what is on offer.
The next cohort of businesses will undertake six modules delivered as half-day workshops, and six peer-to-peer mentoring sessions with topics including measuring social value, procurement and bid tendering, and disruptive digital marketing.
The ICLP is a partnership in collaboration with the GBSLEP, Aston University, Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, the Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce, and the Legacy Centre of Excellence Birmingham.
The businesses involved will also receive help and support to source wider global opportunities through a fully-funded bilateral trade membership to the Commonwealth Chamber, which offers additional support through events, training and opportunities to export to commonwealth countries.
Details of the programme and information on how businesses can apply for the next round is available at: www.gbslepgrowthhub.co.uk/commonwealthlegacyprogramme
