University of Derby offers fully funded support for businesses across Derbyshire

Businesses across the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak areas can access funded support from the University of Derby between now and the start of the summer to help them recover, grow and innovate.

Working in partnership with East Midlands Chamber, Derbyshire County Council, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire and The Food and Drink Forum, the University is offering fully funded support to businesses in these areas, as part of the East Midlands Accelerator Programme.

Part-funded by the UK government through the UK Community Renewal Fund, businesses can access fully funded workshops, training, masterclasses and events, and networking through Derbyshire Accelerator until the end of September 2022. The University and its partners are urging businesses to register their interest soon to ensure they don't miss out on this opportunity.

Through Derbyshire Accelerator, the University is offering support to help identify the strengths and weaknesses of company’s business model, as well as develop a pathway to improvement or growth. This can be achieved through support to develop the skills of company’s leaders and workforce, make better use of digital tools and technology, or develop new processes, products and services.

The Derbyshire Net Zero Accelerator Programme can also provide an opportunity for businesses to improve their energy, resource and operational efficiency; reduce costs and greenhouse gas emissions; gain green business skills and take some giant steps in their journey towards Net Zero. Firms with membership will have access to a new sustainable business platform that will allow them to calculate and manage the carbon footprint of their company.

In addition, the University is offering SME's in the Derbyshire Dales, High Peak, Bassettlaw, Mansfield, Newark, Sherwood and Nottingham City areas fully funded places on its Help to Grow: Management programme.

Professor Kamil Omoteso, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dean of the College of Business, Law and Social Science at the University, said:

“We are delighted to be part of Derbyshire Accelerator and providing the support needed to help businesses recover, grow and innovate following the pandemic.

“By taking part in the programme, participants can access support with leadership and workforce development, digital innovation and adoption, product, process and service innovation, as well as the Derbyshire Net-Zero Accelerator to help them realise their growth ambitions.”

Find out more about the support available through Derbyshire Accelerator.