Following the successful delivery of the Go for Growth programme in 2023, Digital Islands is now set to run an exciting new business support programme in 2024. The main difference for 2024 is that the programme will be run in partnership with the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce. This offers the opportunity for Island businesses to benefit from everything that the Chamber has to offer, plus a package of fully funded training and one-to-one business advice, all for free. Participants will benefit from a comprehensive 1:1 business health-check, conducted by an experienced business advisor, resulting in a Growth Action Plan. To help achieve the Action Plan, the initiative provides 3 hours of expert guidance in a chosen specialism, enhancing the practical knowledge of participants. The programme also includes a 1-day training workshop covering essential business pillars: Marketing, Technology, People, and Finance. As well as access to 6 bespoke e-learning courses, specifically developed for Isle of Wight business owners. Regular networking events and additional workshops will offer valuable opportunities for community engagement and skill development. Participants will also receive frequent updates on relevant business events, available grants, and other growth opportunities, ensuring they are well-equipped to thrive in the dynamic business environment. 
After a soft launch in February, the team is now preparing for a launch event on 26th March, at Building 41 in Cowes. Gavin McWhirter, who runs the programme, explains:
“I’ve been leading Go for Growth for 18 months now, and I’m very excited about the plans we have for 2024. Having provided advice, training and expertise for well over 100 business owners on the Island in 2023, we are taking things to the next level this year.”
Go for Growth is part of the wider council programme called Innovation Wight, with most support activity being delivered at Building 41 in Northwood. Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration, Culture and Leisure, praises the initiative:
“The collaboration between Go for Growth and the Isle of Wight Chamber is a fantastic opportunity for Island businesses. The Council has supported this project with funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund”.
For businesses with 10 or fewer employees, Go for Growth also includes a valuable addition – a 12-month membership with the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce. This membership grants unlimited access to HR and legal experts, specialist advice on tax and VAT issues, and essential legal coverage. Members will have access to an extensive range of resources for employment, health & safety management, and comprehensive insurance for managing HMRC enquiries. Steven Holbrook, CEO of the Isle of Wight Chamber is excited about the opportunity this creates for businesses on the Island:
“We’re very pleased to be working with the Go for Growth programme, and to be able to offer the many benefits of IW Chamber membership to businesses that are looking to grow and progress. Plugging into the Chamber’s wide network gives businesses a much broader reach, and the support on offer as part of their membership gives them the confidence to think bigger.”
Business owners can register for the launch event on 26th March at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/go-for-growth-launch-networking-breakfast-tickets-845819487857. Full details of the Go for Growth programme, along with the application form, are available on the Go for Growth Business Hub website https://go-for-growth-business-hub.mn.co/, which is open to business owners from across the Island. The website also provides access to a range of training videos, as well as a space for members to continue conversations after networking events, find connections, make introductions, and identify business partners.
