Leicestershire Business Gateway’s Start-Up Business Support programme (SUBS) has so far supported over 150 small local businesses to get back on track after COVID forced them to put their plans on hold during the prolonged lockdowns.
The programme was commissioned by the Business Gateway specifically to support any business that had launched in 2018 or after and been interrupted by COVID. The support sessions were delivered by partners NBV, Leicester Start-Ups, So Very Creative and Incrementa. They covered areas such as mentoring, digital marketing, business planning, innovation and product development.
Sonia Baigent, chair of the Business Gateway Board, said: “Everything the Business Gateway does is designed to support Leicestershire small businesses and it’s fantastic to see that this programme really made a big difference to all the people who took part. We’re grateful also to our partners who did such a good job of rebuilding hope and direction among these businesses.”
Mandeep Nagra of Pay iO, who took part in the Leicester Start-Up Accelerator programme, said: “The programme helped us to define a business strategy by using start-up fundamentals. The entire team and mentors gave great advice because they have been there and done it. The Accelerator helped define our journey.”
Neel Thakrar and Dhruvesh Ranpura of Tuck added: “The programme really benefitted us and accelerated our growth. Our personal experience was great as we also were successful on the demo day and subsequently received our first funding.”
John Mitchell of Credit Recovery UK attended the SmartUp Programme delivered by So Very Creative: “Ben’s approach to the subject has been like having a light shone into the darkness, I really didn’t have an understanding of this technology. As it is now so important to compete in this area with our competitors, I knew I would be struggling. I’m in my fifties now and this is the first time I feel comfortable with Digital Marketing.”
Beryl Pettit of provider NBV concluded: “The 3-day Gearing for Growth programme really gave the attendees the space to think about the issues they are facing and the actions they needed to take to change things. As a trainer, it was rewarding to see them face their business challenges with renewed enthusiasm and focus, and a clear plan of action.”
