LSBU today launched Momentum, a free business support programme for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who want to learn more about growth and how to achieve it.

LSBU’s Momentum provides SMEs with a 12 week programme of expert advice, training and resources, it said in a statement released today.

The programme brings together a mix of independent consultants and LSBU’s academics  to deliver workshops, masterclasses, individual mentoring, networking events and online multimedia learning resources.

Last year, small businesses accounted for 99.3% of all private sector businesses, according to the Department of Business Innovation & Skills (BIS). It was also a record year for new business starts.

Participants on the programme will be trained in a range of areas including business planning and forecasting, efficiency management, digital marketing and leadership, said LSBU.

“LSBU is committed to fostering growth for the UK’s small and medium-sized businesses. This programme will take business-leaders on a journey that will prepare them for investment, expansion, and the rigours of running a successful business in an ever-changing economic landscape,” said Gurpreet Jagpal, director of research, enterprise and innovation at LSBU.

Momentum follows LSBU’s successful Investment Escalator programme, which concluded in December 2015.

During its tenure, the programme engaged with 594 London-based SMEs, of which 25 entered new sales markets. The programme also led to a total of £950,000 in finance raised, 22 new jobs being created and 68 jobs being saved, according to LSBU figures.

Like Investment Escalator, Momentum is being delivered by Research, Enterprise and Innovation at LSBU, which works with businesses and voluntary organisations helping them to innovate, grow and improve performance.

The team will run two Momentum cohorts, the first of which commences 14 March and the second on 16 May. Each cohort has 30 places available and applications are currently open for both intakes.

Get more information and apply on the Momentum website.