FoodEast

The Shell Technology Enterprise Programme (STEP) aims to help SMEs develop their potential by utilising the skills of undergraduates at an affordable cost.

STEP can help an SME to define a project and identify an appropriate undergraduate to work on it for the business during 8 weeks in the summer (July and August). Shorter non-summer placements and longer projects (up to 12 months) can also be arranged, subject to the availability of suitable undergraduates, especially on Electronic Engineering projects.

The student will undertake an agreed business related project pre-defined by the company. STEP projects are particularly suitable in an area where the company does not have the time, resources or in-house skills to devote to it.

STEP students are paid a weekly training allowance of Ł170 per week, free of tax and national insurance, for an eight-week summer project. Depending on local circumstances, businesses participating may be eligible for a subsidy. Companies may also be asked to make a contribution to the student's travel expenses.

Independent SMEs with less than 250 employees, and charities or community organisations are eligible.

Business Development Grant

A Business Development Grant is available to new or existing SMEs by applying to South Kesteven District Council. Only those businesses in the SKDC area are eligible through SKDC. Any type of business can apply.

If your application is successful, the grant will cover 50% of eligible expenditure up to a maximum of Ł5,000 (match funded). Applicants need to demonstrate that the grant will help in the development of the business.

The grant can be used for capital expenditure or marketing as well as training costs. The grant cannot be used for goods or services purchased prior to the approval of an application.

For more information contact Teresa Sumpter at SKDC at t.sumpter@skdc.com or on 01476 406358.

Learndirect Courses

Learndirect provide training courses that are often Government subsidised or free. A lot of the training is aimed at SMEs - using information technology; business and management; and much more.

Contact their Peterborough centre on 01733 747474 for more information.