- Last chance for businesses to access Help to Grow: Digital
scheme as government announces closure of the programme
- Last discounts on eligible software can be applied for on 2
February 2023
- Help to Grow: Management remains in place
Businesses have less than two months to apply for the Help to
Grow: Digital scheme, the government has announced, following a
decision to close the programme. The programme will close to new
business applications for discounts on 2 February 2023. Discounts
issued for eligible software must be redeemed within 30 days from
issue date.
The scheme has supported businesses to grow, but with take-up
lower than expected, the government cannot justify the continued
cost of the scheme to the taxpayer. The decision has been taken
to refocus efforts towards other support mechanisms for small
businesses, ensuring businesses get the backing they need in the
most efficient and productive way possible.
The Help to Grow Digital programme was designed to give 100,000
SMEsfree and
impartial advice on how technology can help their business and
vouchers worth up to £5,000 to cover up to 50% of the costs of
buying pre-approved software. Despite a marketing campaign,
expanded eligibility of the scheme and positive feedback from
users of the scheme, it did not have the take up expected, with
less than one thousand vouchers redeemed by SMEs.
The government continues to support small businesses, such as
through Help to Grow: Management and the government-backed
British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans, which are available to
help aspiring entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses.
Small businesses have also benefited from the Energy Bill Relief
Scheme which provides non-domestic customers with a discount on
their gas and electricity bills in light of the rise in global
energy prices.
As part of the Autumn Statement, the Chancellor also announced a
package of changes and tax cuts worth £13.6 billion over the next
five years. The package contains new measures to reduce the
burden of business rates on firms, including a freeze in the
multiplier, extended and increased relief for high street
businesses, an exchequer funded transitional relief scheme, and
targeted support for small businesses.
Notes to editors
Small businesses who would like to know more about Help to Grow:
Management and Help to Grow: Digital should visit https://helptogrow.campaign.gov.uk/.
Small businesses and stakeholders who have queries should please
contact helptogrow@beis.gov.uk.
Help to Grow: Management remains in place and has received
positive feedback from participating businesses so far.
