Designed to support local businesses across the Borough of Havant and surrounding postcode areas, Havant Borough Council is proud to announce the launch of a new six-month business growth programme.
Aiming to empower local small businesses by equipping them with tools and knowledge to scale up and encourage networking and collaboration, the course will cover strategy, sales and marketing, business structure, financial planning, social media, and business goals.
The curriculum will also cover essential topics such as personal development, sustainability, intellectual property, responding to tenders, and creating social value.
Recognising the need to provide tailored support for growing businesses, the initiative using £15k of funding awarded by the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), will contribute to the economic development of the borough and wider region.
Councillor Gillian Harris, Cabinet Lead for Regeneration and Communities said, “We've seen considerable success with previous local business support initiatives and would like to develop this further with a formal and structured programme.
“Our other similar programmes have had a positive impact locally and we want to build on the momentum and encourage businesses to acquire the skills to be dynamic and enterprising.
“This programme is all about offering businesses clarity, focus, and the tools our local businesses need to succeed.”
Providing tailored support for growing businesses with less than 249 employees, participants will benefit from a combination of in-person workshops and one-on-one mentoring sessions, with the option to access digital resources and online training.
The programme will also explore the integration of AI tools to enhance business processes, it will foster collaboration, and measure growth over a 12-month period.
Delivering the business growth programme on behalf of the council will be Aspire4Business.com who have a track record of supporting businesses through council initiatives.
Beverley Poole, founder of Aspire4Business.com said, “It’s an absolute honour to design and deliver this structured business curriculum directly with Havant Borough Council, we will be offering two distinct pathways for early-stage businesses and those ready to scale up."
"It is designed to help businesses rethink their culture, strategy, and growth potential. Our aim is to equip participants with the insights and innovation needed to overcome obstacles. With as many as 60% of businesses struggling to reach their third anniversary, we need to understand why and provide the necessary support to improve their chances of success. It’s no longer a job, it’s a business."
The programme will support 20 companies, who have been operating for more than 18 months, to expand and thrive, with the additional benefit of having access to trader groups, business networking, and other fully funded training through government initiatives like bootcamps.
For more information or to apply please contact: economic_development@havant.gov.uk