Applications are now open for this year’s Aston Programme for Small Business Growth.

This free scheme will help 28 business leaders from a range of sectors develop their leadership skills and build targeted growth strategies for their own businesses.

The programme involves workshops, one-to-one support and networking opportunities. It aims to enable early stage business leaders achieve sustainable growth and will run from January to June 2017, with workshops delivered predominantly in central Birmingham.

The selected participants will complete the programme together, sharing their experiences and strategies, building a supportive network and working with an experienced mentor to tackle any issues or challenges their businesses face as they grow. It is a practical programme and participants will come away with a growth strategy that they have written for their own business and an action plan to achieve their growth goals.

The scheme is fully funded by Aston University and the European Regional Development Fund. To be eligible, you must be responsible for the growth strategy of an SME with an operational base in the Black Country, Coventry and Warwickshire or Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP regions. Your business must have been running for at least a year, have at least one full time employee and have potential for growth.

For more information, or to download the application form, visit the scheme’s website. You can also contact the team with your questions on 0121 204 3225 or centreforgrowth@aston.ac.uk.

Applications close on Friday 9 December 2016.

Don’t forget that Think Sandwell also offers a range of support services for SMEs in the region. Visit our ‘Growth for small businesses’ page to find out what we can do for you.