The government announced last month (15 December) that businesses don’t have much time left to apply for the Help to Grow: Digital scheme, following a decision to close the programme.

The scheme has supported businesses to grow, but with take-up lower than expected, the decision has been taken to refocus efforts towards other support mechanisms for small businesses.

The Help to Grow Digital programme was designed to give 100,000 SMEs free 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.

The government continues other schemes to support small businesses, such as Help to Grow: Management and the government-backed British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans.

The programme will close to new business applications on 2 February.

Councils are encouraged to share this information with businesses in their area.

• 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 2 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 SMEs free 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 1,000 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 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.