Norfolk Knowledge members are participating in the Business Growth Programme.

The programme is part of a wider project being run by Vital Rural Area.  The aim of the project is to develop pilot projects that will stimulate and empower SMEs in regional and rural areas to widen their raison d'etre and commercial perspectives by expanding the scope (diversification) and quality (improved skills) of their businesses, also in the fields of e-business, e-skills and e-learning.

The Business Growth Programme, running over two years, aims to develop, provide and evaluate an integrated package of growth support consisting of a professionally delivered series of workshops, complemented by mentoring offered by Norfolk Knowledge members for the duration of the project.  This will be delivered to twenty identified micro and small businesses with growth potential and growth motivation.

Norfolk Knowledge's partners are:

Norfolk County Council
North Sea Region Programme 2007-2013
Vital Rural Area

"This programme has been inspirational.  As a sole business trader it is difficult to recieve specific and direct constructive advice about how to move the business forward.  With some essential business theory, conrtuctive group discussions and the invaluable support offered by my personal mentor, this programme has put my business on a more secure foundation to progress further."

 Jane Pennington, Bussiness Growth Programme Participant

"I have found the mentoring a very positive experience.  The 3 businesses I have worked with have different issues and I feel that my advice has been well receieved and that I have added value."  

 John Chapman, Mentor