 100% bursaries now available for the March Green Advantage Programme cohort!
Through six expert-led workshops, four hours of peer group mentoring, and personalised one-to-one coaching, you’ll develop the skills and confidence to embed sustainability into every part of your organisation. Green Advantage, based at the Aston Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, will help you boost investment potential, unlock new markets, and inspire both your team and community.
The programme offers a powerful springboard for sustainable business growth and community impact. You’ll join a community of like-minded changemakers and gain tailored support to develop your Sustainability Roadmap.
For more details click here
If you are wondering whether the Governments innovation arm - Innovate UK Business Growth - would be relevant to you why not take a look through some of their case studies here. You'll be surprised at the range of businesses from nearly all sectors that have benefitted from support. Follow this link for an insight into the full support from Innovate UK Business Growth
STEAMhouse, Birmingham City University's award winning innovation centre, also has a growing Innovation Toolbox full of handy interactive resources to help you innovate to solve problems!
 As a member of the Small Business Programme you’ll receive a 15% membership discount when you join the Federation of Small Business (FSB), helping you to access benefits and services to support long-term business success. Use code HSBC15 and save 15% off your first year of membership. For further details please see the FSB website and read the full FSB T&Cs. The programme also includes a variety of training, events, and insights to help businesses grow and build resilience - including the following
Succeeding in Business - a Digital event for Small Business
Thursday 20th March | 09:30–11:30 | Online
Looking for practical ways to grow your small business and stay ahead in today’s fast-changing landscape? Join HSBC UK and WIRED for a dynamic, insight-packed digital event designed for small business owners. Alongside a fireside chat with Dame Kelly Holmes, our fantastic line up of speakers will cover a range of key topics including:
- The economic outlook – HSBC Senior Economist
- Finance your growth ambitions - HSBC
- Leveraging tech and smart strategies to achieve more – Microsoft
- Upskilling your workforce – UpSkill Universe
- Creating a memorable brand that drives growth – Google
To book your place click here
 The University of Wolverhampton has an excellent track record in the delivery of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) and a strong commitment to improving the economic prosperity of the region.
KTPs are a UK wide programme designed to help businesses improve their competitiveness, productivity and performance through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills. The partnership's objectives are to help meet business goals, by working to implement an innovative, high impact project which is central to the company's strategic development.
Up to 67% of the cost of a KTP is met by funding from Innovate UK and other funding organisations. For further details of this and other great support from the University see their business support brochure here
 Register for the April 2026 cohort
With 16 successful cohorts delivered to date, and with a quarter of the last cohort from Wolverhampton, now is the time to register for the 2026 cohort of this great government-subsidised 12-week leadership course delivered by Aston University Business School - designed for SME decision-makers to boost resilience and drive long-term growth.
Over 12 modules, you’ll explore strategies for growth and innovation, leading high-performance teams, digital adoption, financial management and responsible business practices.
A blend of online and face-to-face sessions lets you complete 50+ hours of expert-led training around your business schedule. You also receive 8 hours of peer-group learning and 10 hours of one-to-one mentoring to embed change swiftly.
To learn more and register for the next cohort click here
 The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) regularly updates the rateable values of all commercial properties which aren’t private homes in England and Wales. The local council uses this rateable value to calculate your business rates bill. The next update to these values will take effect on the 1 April 2026. There are actions you can take now to:
- Check the details the VOA has for your property
- Add details of any changes
- Learn more about your current valuation
Find out more at Gov.uk
 Exporting can transform your business, driving growth, innovation, and competitiveness. By expanding into international markets, businesses can increase productivity, enhance resilience, and unlock new opportunities. Whether you're just beginning, building on early successes, or seeking to expand into new markets your local Black Country Chamber is a great point of contact particularly with its Exporting Starts Here Programme which can provide FREE SUPPORT to help you grow your business globally. For more details of the support available contact the Chamber
There is also great support from the Department of Business and Trade website and their International Trade Advisers team. For further details click here
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