Ambitious Worcestershire businesses are set to benefit from a brand-new, fully funded programme designed to boost innovation, improve operation efficiency and create high-value jobs across the county.
Worcestershire County Council has launched the Advance Worcestershire Pathway Programme, a new business support initiative that will provide tailored expert advice to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) unlock their next stage of growth.
Delivered by Oxford Innovation Advice on behalf of Worcestershire County Council, the programme will support businesses looking to innovate, strengthen their manufacturing capability or become investment ready, helping them build resilience and seize new opportunities.
Participating businesses will receive a minimum of six hours of one-to-one support from a specialist adviser to review their business performance, identify opportunities and challenges in relation to the three pathways of innovation, manufacturing, and investment readiness, and develop a bespoke action plan.
Businesses with the greatest potential for growth can then progress to a second phase, receiving at least eight additional hours of intensive support in manufacturing, innovation or investment readiness. This tailored assistance is designed to help businesses implement their plans, overcome strategic or technical challenges and accelerate measurable improvements.
Councillor Adam Kent, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Finance, Corporate Services and Business, at Worcestershire County Council said: “Businesses across Worcestershire continue to face significant challenges. Rising costs, economic uncertainty and the pace of technological change mean many business owners are having to adapt faster than ever before. That’s why providing practical, targeted support has never been more important.
The Advance Worcestershire Pathway Programme is about helping ambitious businesses do exactly that. Whether it’s developing innovative products, embracing new technologies, improving manufacturing processes or becoming investment ready, this programme gives businesses access to the expertise they need to unlock their next stage of growth.
Worcestershire has a proud reputation for innovation, engineering excellence and entrepreneurship. By investing in the businesses that are creating tomorrow’s products, services and jobs, we’re strengthening the foundations of our local economy for the long term. I would encourage any SME with ambitions to grow, innovate or become more competitive to take advantage of this fully funded opportunity.”
The Advance Worcestershire Pathway Programme forms part of Worcestershire County Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting business growth, driving innovation and strengthening the county’s economy.
The programme is fully funded, giving eligible SMEs access to expert, tailored support without financial barriers.
Businesses interested in taking part can visit the Advance Worcestershire programme webpage to find out more and register their interest.