The Business Growth Hub (BGH) wishes to appoint a provider to continue the co-delivery of the sector specific growth programme, Greater Connected, as well as design, launch and deliver a follow-up advanced scale-up programme for suitable Digital, Creative and Technology SMEs.

Over the past one and half years the BGH has been running a cohort programme called Greater Connected. The programme took up to 20 business owners at a time through an intensive growth curriculum specifically designed for the Digital, Creative and Technology SMEs in the Greater Manchester area. The programme involved 2 full day workshops from industry experts and practitioners as well as 1 half day coaching session in smaller groups. Topics covered during the programme covered:

— strategies for scaling up,

— sales and marketing,

— building strong work teams,

— communicating with influence,

— navigating conflict,

— leading others to succeed,

— overcoming financial obstacles.

Additionally, the programme also focused on creating and community for the alumni which benefited them by gaining access to bespoke events, pitch competitions, skill shares and collaboration opportunities.

Currently anticipated areas of support, based on findings of the Scale-up Institute and our knowledge to date, include but are not limited to:

— talent and skills,

— leadership capacity,

— access to markets,

— finance,

— infrastructure.