Microbusinesses in Stone and across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent can apply for six hours of fully funded support with bids and tenders. Only six businesses will receive the bespoke support, which is being offered by the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub in partnership with RGC Solutions.
What the support covers
The Achieve and Grow programme is intended to help businesses applying for contracts, trying to join a procurement framework or preparing their first tender. Support can also be used to review paperwork, assess whether a business is ready to bid or examine why a previous submission was unsuccessful.
Who is eligible
The support is aimed at established microbusinesses based in Stone and elsewhere in Staffordshire or Stoke-on-Trent. Businesses can apply if they sell directly to consumers, do not pay business rates or have previously received other funding.
Expert delivery
The sessions will be delivered by RGC Solutions founder Sarah Colclough, a Staffordshire specialist in bid writing, contract submissions and funding applications. The Growth Hub says she has worked on more than 80 contract and grant submissions which have secured millions of pounds.
Growth Hub manager Rachel Wood said the support had been developed following requests from businesses attending its Meet the Buyer events. "There is so much out there to tender for, and although the complexities of a submission can be daunting, with Sarah's expert help, we can offer six businesses the support needed to win that next contract," she said.
How to apply
Eligible Stone businesses can register through the Tender and Bid Writing Support form on the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub website at www.stokestaffsgrowthhub.co.uk. Businesses can also contact the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Business Helpline on 0300 111 8002.