Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub

At Business Lincolnshire, we are dedicated to nurturing the thriving business community of Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, an established SME aiming for expansion, or an industry leader seeking to innovate, we're here to propel your journey toward success. The Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub, the business support arm of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, is part-funded by Lincolnshire County Council, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), and the European Regional Fund 2014-20 programme. 

As your trusted Growth Hub, we offer comprehensive resources and support services tailored to your unique needs. Our team of fully funded advisers is committed to guiding you every step of the way, ensuring access to the right tools, training, and strategic insights to unlock your business's full potential.

What is the Business Support?

A Growth Hub Adviser will collaborate with you to conduct a business diagnostic, evaluating your finances, processes, people, customers, competitive positioning, and overall business strategy. This fully funded and impartial support aims to create an action plan that defines a tailored support package to help your business take the next step on its growth journey. Growth Lincolnshire supports businesses located within Greater Lincolnshire, including the traditional county of Lincolnshire and North and North East Lincolnshire. All businesses accessing the Growth Lincolnshire programmes must be based within this area.

The action plan may include:

• Advice from a team of Associate Advisers on Finance Readiness, Supply Chain, Resource Efficiency, and Digital topics.
• Support from the Lincolnshire Technology Hubs.
• Assistance from a Trading Standards Legislation Specialist.
• Specialist Scale-Up Business Support for high-growth businesses.

Programmes and Resources

Discover our range of fully funded programmes dedicated to accelerating your business growth:

• Low Carbon Lincolnshire: This programme focuses on sustainability, helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint and adopt greener practices.
• Scale-Up Programmes: Designed for rapid expansion, these programmes provide high-growth businesses with the support needed to scale efficiently.
• Startup Programmes: Essential for new businesses, these programmes offer foundational success strategies and resources.
• Your Business Boost: Tailored assistance for the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors, helping businesses enhance their operations and growth.

Events and Training

You can access valuable training and networking events that foster innovation and growth within our regional business community through our website. These events are designed to equip businesses with the latest knowledge and skills required to stay competitive. Additionally, you can utilise a wide range of downloads and resources developed to support your business from inception to global expansion.

Guidance on accessing grants, loans, and other financial support to fuel your business growth

Access to finance is crucial for driving business growth and innovation. At Business Lincolnshire, we provide comprehensive guidance on accessing various forms of financial support, including grants, loans, and other funding opportunities. Our expert advisers help you navigate the complex financial landscape to identify and secure the funding that best suits your business needs.

Grants

Grants are a valuable source of non-repayable funds to help your business undertake specific projects, such as research and development, technological upgrades, or expansion into new markets. We guide you through the application process, ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria and providing assistance in crafting compelling grant proposals to increase your chances of success.

Loans

Loans can provide the capital needed for day-to-day operations, equipment purchases, or business scaling. We offer insights into various loan options, including government-backed, low-interest, and commercial lending solutions. Our advisers will help you understand the terms and conditions, repayment schedules, and the potential impact on your business finances, ensuring you make informed decisions.

Other Financial Support

Beyond grants and loans, numerous other financial support options are available to businesses in Greater Lincolnshire. These include venture capital, angel investment, tax incentives, and crowdfunding. Our team will help you explore these alternatives, providing advice on how to present your business to potential investors and maximise your funding opportunities.

Tailored Financial Strategies

Every business is unique, and so are its financial needs. We work closely with you to develop tailored financial strategies that align with your business goals and growth plans. Whether you're a startup looking for seed funding or an established company seeking to finance a major expansion, we provide the expertise and resources to help you succeed.

Ongoing Support

Securing finance is just the beginning. Our support doesn't end once you've obtained funding. We continue to work with you to ensure that the financial resources are effectively managed and utilised to achieve your business objectives. This includes advice on cash flow management, financial planning, and reporting requirements.

Innovation and Technology

Staying ahead in today’s competitive market requires a commitment to continuous innovation and adopting cutting-edge technologies. At Business Lincolnshire, we offer comprehensive support to help your business harness the power of innovation and technology, ensuring you remain at the forefront of industry advancements.

Access to Cutting-Edge Technology

Our programs provide businesses with access to the latest technologies that can revolutionise operations, improve efficiency, and drive growth. Whether it’s advanced manufacturing tools, digital solutions, or innovative software, we connect you with the resources and expertise needed to implement these technologies effectively.

Innovation Hubs and Technology Centers

Through partnerships with local innovation hubs and technology centres, we offer businesses the opportunity to explore new technologies and collaborate on innovative projects. These centres provide state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, enabling you to experiment, prototype, and test new ideas in a supportive environment.

Expert Guidance and Consultancy

Our innovation and technology experts network is available to provide tailored advice and consultancy services. Whether you’re looking to adopt a new technology, streamline your processes, or develop a new product, our specialists will work with you to identify the best solutions and create a roadmap for implementation.

Research and Development (R&D) Support

Investing in R&D is crucial for driving innovation. We help businesses access funding and resources to support their R&D initiatives. This includes grants, tax incentives, and collaboration opportunities with research institutions. Our advisors assist with the application process and ensure you maximize the benefits available to your business.

Digital Transformation

Digital transformation is key to maintaining a competitive edge. We offer support in adopting digital technologies that can enhance your business operations. From cloud computing and data analytics to automation and AI, our programs are designed to help you integrate digital solutions that drive efficiency and innovation.

Collaboration and Networking Opportunities

Innovation thrives on collaboration. We facilitate networking opportunities with other businesses, industry experts, and research institutions. These connections can lead to valuable partnerships, knowledge exchange, and collaborative projects that drive innovation and technological advancement.

Testimonials

Hear from businesses that have benefited from our services:

"The support from Business Lincolnshire has been invaluable in helping us scale our operations and increase our market presence." - Local SME

"Thanks to the Growth Hub, we've accessed funding and resources that have significantly accelerated our business growth." - Entrepreneur

Ready to take the next step? Contact Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub today to see how we can support your business journey. Visit our website for more information or to book an appointment with a Growth Hub advisor.

We're committed to fostering a vibrant and successful business community at Business Lincolnshire. Our comprehensive support services, expert guidance, and tailored programmes are designed to help your business thrive in today's competitive landscape. Join us and discover how we can help you achieve your business goals and unlock your full potential.