Support with growth and innovation
We help Sandwell businesses to grow and thrive. As well as providing support to find finance we highlight opportunities for growth through mentoring, research and innovation. Get in touch to explore the programmes and resources available to support your Sandwell organisation.
Supply Chain Transition Programme
Support to help manufacturing SMEs win new customers and grow in emerging sectors
The Supply Chain Transition Programme is funded by the West Midlands Investment Zone and supports manufacturing SMEs across the West Midlands to diversify their customer base and secure new orders in high-growth sectors.
Through a mix of workshops, specialist one-to-one support and training, the programme helps businesses innovate, develop new products and strengthen their position within priority supply chains across the region.
What support is available
Businesses taking part can access:
- Specialist one-to-one coaching to develop a focused action plan
- Support with research and development and grant applications
- Accredited Level 4 and 5 training aligned to business needs
- Mentoring and peer-to-peer learning opportunities
- Risk analysis and planning support
- Opportunities to connect with buyers and key customers
The programme is delivered by the Supply Smarter West Midlands consortium, bringing together partners including the Manufacturing Technology Centre, WMG at the University of Warwick, Birmingham City University, Coventry University and the University of Wolverhampton.
It is open to manufacturing SMEs based in Sandwell and across the wider West Midlands area.
SWEDA: Community Led Business Support Programme
A targeted support programme for ethnic minority-led businesses in Sandwell, delivered in partnership with SWEDA, Business Growth West Midlands and Sandwell Business Growth.
Flexible support
Businesses trading for 12 months or more can access one of three levels of support, depending on their needs:
Option 1: light touch
- Initial business discussion and company status check
- General business health check
- One-to-one or small group sessions
- Catch-up sessions and signposting
- Access to training
- Guidance on employing staff and networking
Option 2: medium intensity
- In-depth business diagnostic and needs assessment
- One-to-one support, mentoring and training
- Site visits from SWEDA Business Advisors
- Joint support from BGWM and Sandwell Business Growth Hub
- Referrals for specialist support including finance, premises, exporting, IP, and energy audits
Option 3: direct referral
- For businesses that need a quick route to specialist help
- Initial needs assessment followed by direct referral to BGWM or Sandwell Council
To learn more or get started, contact us or Sweda.
Sandwell Business Growth Plan
Launched in November 2023, this plan sets out Sandwell Council’s strategy to support our local businesses over the next two years. Download it using the link below [the PDF will open in a new tab]:
Sandwell Business Growth Plan
Download
You can also download the 2023 growth plan here.
High Growth Programme (HGP)
Are you looking to continue and improve upon your businesses current growth?
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), through Gateley Global , is offering the High Growth Programme (HGP) to help companies growth and succeed in a challenging market.
Purpose of HGAP
The HGP will provide tailored support to high growth SMEs in the WMCA area, helping them to unlock barriers to growth and to manage growth in a sustainable way. Each firm will be provided with a dedicated Key Account Manager (KAM) who will work with them to agree a growth ambition, look at the current position and identify key challenges. Each company will then receive a tailored account plan, a map of the journey to success, that will detail activities, KPIs and interventions needed to achieve the desired growth target by the end of the programme. In addition to a dedicated KAM, specialist support may be accessed through workshops and events created to help participants on the roadmap to success.
Why should you enrol?
- It will not cost you any money – access to the KAM or specialists is provided free by WMCA.
- You will receive clarity about the direction of travel of your business. The HGP will help you look at, envisage and shape your future growth.
- The structure and rigour of the approach means you will know what to expect because it has been surfaced and planned for. With risks known and mitigated, any fears you have can be overcome and your confidence built before you embarking on your growth journey
Sandwell Start-Up Hub from Sandwell Business Growth
We have opened a co-working hub in Jack Judge House in Oldbury, where businesses in Sandwell can access fully funded office space in this financial year, plus ongoing support from our Business Growth Team. Don’t be misled by the ‘Start-Up’ title – we welcome established, growing businesses too!
Useful resources
