The Supplier Skills Programme is open for business; Are you looking to develop your future Business Leaders and grow your business by upskilling your workforce? Training grants of up to a maximum of £50,000 per SME are available and training will be funded 50% by the SME and 50% by the European Social Fund grant. The £4m SSP has launched and is open for applications. SSP operates on a funding round basis, with rounds being held every quarter until programme closure in December 2023 (subject to availability of grant funding). Complete your application form now to be considered. SSP training grants support a wide range of qualifications and offer a flexible opportunity for you to implement your skills plans. SSP provides support for business confidence and enable SMEs to recover during the challenging economic period following the impact of COVID-19. SSP enables businesses to develop a ladder of progression for existing employees by increasing their skill levels and creating new opportunities for other employees. Part funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) and managed by Birmingham City Council (BCC), SSP is aimed at existing Small to Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) seeking to upskill new and existing employees. SSP responds directly to the skills and training needs identified by SMEs for their employees, thereby offering SMEs what they want and at the time they need It, to implement their skills and growth plans. The programme is open for application to all business sectors, including 3rd sector SMEs and social enterprises based in the “more developed” areas of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership area. All training must be accredited by the Ofqual Framework otherwise it must be recognised by industry and professional accrediting bodies. The grant will enable employees to achieve any of the following: Full qualifications from Basic to Level 7, or equivalent (including higher level management and leadership skills) Licence based qualification including HHGV, Food and Hygiene and Construction Tickets including Health and Safety CSCS etc. Units or a unit of qualification at Basic level Want to learn more? Link to the Cranfield online briefing - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sme-briefing-event-for-growing-businesses-greater-birmingham-and-solihull-tickets-465077658797For further information please contact Leslie Dunkwu, Business Development Advisor, Bettany Centre for Entrepreneurship Email: l.n.dunkwu@cranfield.ac.uk