Glasgow Business Growth Programme

Glasgow City Council's Glasgow Business Growth Programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered by the Business Growth Team within Economic Development.

The aim of the programme is to help SMEs in Glasgow to grow by helping them to access a network of expert consultancy support. The Glasgow Business Growth Programme brings together the public, private, education and third sectors, to develop an unrivalled level of local support which will grow the city's economy in a fair and inclusive way.

SMEs will have access to a range of specialist support across Lots 1-8 including Business Structuring and Digital Development amongst others, through a tiered programme of support that rewards businesses based on their commitment to inclusive economic growth. This will enable eligible SMEs access to a framework of suppliers in a way that best suits their growth aspirations.

They will also have access to up to three days of additional expert support in Lot 9 which is the Green Business Lot.

The Business Accelerator Lot delivers bespoke programmes based on feedback and demand from stakeholders. A mini-competition approach is used to deliver these using the suppliers appointed to this Lot to ensure that the best supplier for each potential programme is appointed.

These programmes will combine traditional teaching methodologies with guidance and mentorship, meaning businesses can grow at an accelerated rate. 

Eligibility

To be eligible for support, you should be:

• A community interest company, limited company, limited liability partnership, public limited company, sole trader or legally constituted third sector organisation.
• Employ fewer than 250 employees.
• Operate from within Glasgow City Council boundary and, if in business premises, must be registered with the Non Domestic Rates office within the Council (Postcode checker: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council).
• Please also be aware there have been some recent changes to the Small Business Support Scheme. Details of these changes can be found here.
• Businesses must be compliant with Minimal Financial Assistance threshold of £315,000 over the current and the previous two financial years. The threshold will not be exceeded by the amount the business will receive if grant award is approved. 
• Must not be engaged in any activities such as gambling or other industries that could be deemed unethical.

The following are not eligible for funding:

• Businesses who possess undischarged bankrupts, subject to insolvency proceedings or an individual who has entered into an arrangement with his/her creditors (including a trust deed)

The following sectors are unlikely to be eligible for support:

• Retail, leisure and the service sector - such as restaurants, shops and hotels
• Sale of Motor Vehicles - Car showrooms and sales forecourt
• Real Estate / Speculative Property Development - Estate Agent, Letting Agent
• Professional Services - Solicitor, Accountant, Consultant, Doctors and Dentists
• Social and Personal Services - sanitation, recreational, artistic, cultural and sporting activities, close contact services
• Locally traded services - these are businesses whose trade is limited to a local area, and whose direct competitors are other local businesses

If you're unsure whether or not your business would be eligible, you can get in touch - T: 0141 319 4697, E: Business Growth

CLICK HERE for further information and to apply.