Businesses in North Tyneside are invited to join a fully funded growth program.
- The Innovation SuperNetwork’s GROW Program offers valuable mentoring and support.
- This initiative is open to businesses with at least 12 months of operation.
- Cheryl Tanner and Ingrid Wilkinson have shared their success stories from the program.
- Over 70 businesses have already benefited from the GROW Program’s offerings.
North Tyneside business owners are encouraged to participate in a unique opportunity to take their organizations to new heights through the Innovation SuperNetwork’s fully funded GROW Program. This initiative is designed to provide one-to-one consultancy and mentoring support aimed at helping businesses scale up and develop effectively. Open to all businesses operating for at least one year, GROW is part of The Business Factory’s support projects under the North Tyneside Council, aimed at aiding everything from start-ups to established enterprises.
The GROW Program, introduced in May 2024 and running through March 2025, has already extended its resources to over 70 businesses, assisting them in improving processes, securing new contracts, and introducing new products or services. This program is tailored to suit the needs of each participating business, ensuring comprehensive support throughout their growth journey.
Cheryl Tanner, one of the early participants, leveraged the program for her business, Menopause Fitness Coach. Her organization aids women in managing menopause through effective lifestyle changes. She praised the monthly support from her mentor, Laura Kemp, highlighting how the program transformed her business approach, enhanced her confidence, and helped her develop strategies to upgrade her social media and online presence. This support was instrumental in her decision to offer more classes and consider future expansion plans.
Similarly, Ingrid Wilkinson, the Director of OPAL Northeast, benefited significantly from the program. Her business saw rapid growth post-pandemic, prompting the need to scale up her operations and manage her expanding team. Her mentor, Sarah Cox, guided her in refining her marketing strategies and connecting her with additional support for funding and IT. As a result, Ingrid is now implementing systems to enhance her business infrastructure, with plans to launch a second business aligned with her current venture.
Leanne Miller, the program manager at ISN, expressed confidence in their ability to support over a thousand businesses in the region. She emphasized the extensive range of support offered, from business strategy to legal advice, and remarked on the program’s positive impact on local businesses. The success stories of participants like Cheryl and Ingrid serve as motivation for other businesses in the area to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the GROW Program.
The GROW Program presents a promising avenue for businesses in North Tyneside to scale and succeed, showcasing tangible benefits for participants.
