Locally, the area benefits from having lots of business support programmes available for FREE. Support varies and includes sector-targeted programmes in manufacturing and visitor, leisure and hospitality and general tailored support in themes such as start-ups, tech and innovation, energy and sustainability and business growth. These programmes are typically delivered through workshops, networking events and 1:1 coaching tailored to your needs. The following are the current business support programmes available.
Specifically designed to support businesses within their 24 months of trading, this programme provides guidance and fundamental skills to start and grow your business. The programme is delivered by experienced business advisors via 1:1 coaching and workshops.
For more information and to register, please visit Warwickshire Business Start-up.
Aimed at business trading for over 24 months, this programme offers a package of support designed to help you grow your business. Support may include, identifying new markets, financial management, sales and marketing and planning diversification. You will be guided by business coaches who will offer free, impartial and practical advice through 1:1 meetings.
If you want to know more and to register, visit Warwickshire Business Resilience and Growth Programme.
This programme provides specialist package support for businesses within the hospitality and tourism sectors. This includes 1:1 business coaching, networking and connectivity and workshops covering topics such as social media, marketing, SEO, recruitment and retention and business planning.
For more information, please visit Warwickshire Visitor Economy and Hospitality Support.
On behalf of Warwickshire County Council and its boroughs, Coventry City Council is delivering a programme aimed at supporting SMEs in reducing their emissions, maximising low carbon opportunities, understanding best practices and reducing costs. The programme includes:
For more information, please visit Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme.
This programme was developed to support SME manufacturing in identifying their improvement goals, while supporting their development in various areas including productivity, competitiveness, sustainability, job creation or adaptation of new products or services through digital implementation. Their support is tailored to your business need, and it offers:
If you are a manufacturing business and need tailored support, please consider visiting Warwickshire Manufacturing Growth Programme.
The aim of this project is to engage with tech based, innovation-led SMEs looking to grow. This programme provides access to finance, markets, skills & knowledge and incubation. To address skill gaps in businesses, the programme delivers monthly free workshops.
For more information, please visit Business ready.
As part of the business support programme, C&W Chamber of Commerce delivers business networking events across the county. Some of these events are free to attend also for non-chamber members.
For more information about upcoming networking events, please visit Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber's website.
Business buzz is a new approach to business networking and is great way to catch up with local business community in Rugby and Warwickshire. The meeting is on the second Thursday of each month between 10am - 12pm at The Windmill Inn, Rugby, CV21 2AB. There is no membership, no pre-booking required, just £10 + VAT payable on the Business Buzz app or at the event.
For further information, check out Rugby Business Buzz.
BNI is a networking group of local businesses that meets every Thursday morning from 6:45am at the Draycote Hotel, Rugby CV23 9LF. The networking event not only is a great opportunity for you to build relationships with the local business community but also allows you to access various learning resources.
For more information, visit BNI.