Salford companies could access £1.6m fund in new programme

A new programme will offer Salford companies fresh skills, facilities and a £1.6 million Innovation Grant Fund.

Stephen Slater from GM Business Growth Hub aims to help local businesses through his programme ‘Innovation Navigator’. 

The business accelerator programme, which will be available in early 2025, will supposedly offer companies tailored guidance on technology adoption, commercialisation plans, IP maximisation and more. 

Running to March next year, Innovation Navigator is operated by the publicly-funded GM Business Growth Hub – which has helped more than 90,000 companies across Greater Manchester since being founded in 2011 – and is offered free of charge to businesses in Salford. Eligible businesses can also gain access to a £1.6million Innovation Grant Fund.

Stephen and the Salford-focused business support team will be at a drop-in clinic at the M60 Office Park on September 12 2024. At the drop-in clinic attendees can find out more about the region’s Innovation Navigator programme, as well as the wider network of opportunities.

Stephen said: “Having spent the year so far assisting dozens of businesses in achieving quicker commercial success, he said: “The innovation happening across Salford is remarkable. We’re a pretty unique place in terms of business strengths, which range from digital, creative and media, to clean energy, healthcare technologies and advanced manufacturing.

“What’s clear, though, is that plenty of businesses don’t know the breadth and depth of what’s available to them to help them commercialise their ideas. Whether it’s specialist research, knowledge transfer, facilities or funding, there’s support out there to drive innovation. I’m here to make sure companies are able to take advantage of it.”

Running to March next year, Innovation Navigator is operated by the publicly-funded GM Business Growth Hub – which has helped more than 90,000 companies across Greater Manchester since being founded in 2011 – and is offered free of charge to businesses in Salford. Eligible businesses can also gain access to a £1.6million Innovation Grant Fund.

Businesses can receive tailored guidance on technology adoption, commercialisation plans, IP maximisation and more, with the goal of accelerating their products and services to market.

Stephen will be joined at M60 Office Park in Clifton by workforce development specialist Jeannie Paschalis and enterprise specialist Vicky Bradbury, alongside local authority manager Simon Chapman.

All Salford businesses are invited and no booking is required. The event will take place from 10am to 2pm.

Salford businesses interested in finding out more about GM Business Growth Hub’s support can also call Stephen on 07407 427388, email Stephen.Slater@growthco.uk or connect with him on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/steslater.