What is Business Growth West Midlands?
Published: 04 July 2023
What is Business Growth West Midlands and how is it funded?
Businesses across the West Midlands can now get advice on funding and growing their companies through our new support service; Business Growth West Midlands. It’s funded by a £42 million investment from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. There is no cost to businesses who take advantage of the support, programmes and events we offer, such as the recently announced Innovation Accelerator, Made Smarter WM and a forthcoming Investor Readiness programme.
Net zero grants and support
Through tailored advice from expert advisers, business leaders can also get help to decarbonise, reduce energy costs and make their activities more sustainable. There will also be opportunities to apply for new grants that support innovation and growth.
How is the service delivered?
The service is delivered locally by the region’s seven authorities: Birmingham City Council, Coventry City Council, Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, Walsall Council and City of Wolverhampton Council. Meaning the advisers assigned to you will be experts in the local economy and supply chains, and can put you in touch with the right people to accelerate your growth.
“Small businesses help to drive forward our regional recovery - creating jobs, fostering innovation and developing new markets. It’s important we play our part in enabling them to thrive.”
Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, with members of the marketing and delivery team for Business Growth West Midlands
Is this service replacing what Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) did?
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA Chair, said: “As a former Chair of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP, I’ve had the opportunity to see first-hand the difference LEPs can make to the prospects of new or growing companies.
“That’s why we’ve worked to ensure that - when the announcement around our region’s LEPs closing was made - the WMCA and our local authority partners were in a position to take forward their role and maintain continuity of service right across our region.
“Small businesses help to drive forward our regional recovery - creating jobs, fostering innovation and developing new markets. It’s important we play our part in enabling them to thrive.”
To start accessing free support, call 0345 646 1352, or enquire online and be connected with a business adviser.
