Strive is an initiative of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth that will empower 650,000 British micro and small enterprises to thrive in the digital economy over the next three years and beyond.
The programme aims to empower micro and small businesses around the country to succeed in the digital economy through free guidance, helpful tools, and personalised, one-to-one mentoring.
A new report ‘Striving to Thrive: The state of play for UK micro and small businesses’ from the Centre for Business & Economic Research exposes a significant risk that the UK’s small and micro businesses will miss out on an estimated £827 billion growth opportunity over the next five years if they are not supported to digitise.
Technology has already played a critical role in supporting small businesses through the pandemic, with 41% of small business owners saying their company would not have survived without digital tools.
Kelly Devine, President, UK & Ireland, Mastercard, said:
“Small businesses are the beating heart of the British economy. The past 18 months have proved almost unendurably tough for many, and data shows that small businesses are in urgent need of support if they are to survive and grow post-pandemic.
Strive UK has been set up to act as a free resource for small business owners across the country, helping them to navigate the digital economy, build relationships and communities, and ultimately realise their growth ambitions.”
Alongside Enterprise Nation, Strive will also be delivered in partnership with Be the Business and Digital Boost.
Emma Jones CBE, founder of Enterprise Nation, said:
“Millions of people are currently starting or growing a business in the UK, and they know that access to support will help their business ambitions. But founders can be put off from getting help due to the volume of support programmes in the market and not knowing the part of the business that needs help.
The solution we are building as part of Strive UK will address this by taking the business owner through a basic diagnostic and then connecting them, in one simple journey, to all the support programmes and resource on offer. In short, it will make the business support market much more efficient.”
As from today on Enterprise Nation, small business owners can use the Make a Plan tool.
Simply take a quick questionnaire about your business and we’ll recommend the best resources to take your business to the next level.
An additional part of this programme, together with Mastercard, is the launch of Thrive Street – a physical pop-up event taking place in the Metrocentre in Gateshead in November.
Small businesses will have the opportunity to showcase their businesses, meet customers and make sales. Apply to take part for free in the pop-up today.
Source: enterprisenation.com