91ÖÆƬ³§

To apply, your business must:

• employ 5 or more people (FTE)
• be based in Worcestershire
• have been trading for at least 3 years
• be able to demonstrate growth ambition and potential outcomes

Please note: Some sectors are excluded (e.g. primary production such as agriculture, and publicly funded bodies)

Advance 91ÖÆƬ³§supports established SMEs to overcome barriers to growth and accelerate performance through targeted, specialist advice.

Through a structured, two-phase journey, businesses will gain the insights, tools and expert guidance needed to:

• improve productivity and operational efficiency
• innovate products, processes or services
• strengthen your investment readiness
• create higher-value jobs and drive sustainable growth

Support is focused across three key areas:

• manufacturing
• innovation
• investment readiness

Phase 1: Business Diagnostic and Action Plan

You’ll receive a minimum of 6 hours of one-to-one support with a specialist adviser to:

• assess your business performance, challenges and opportunities
• identify key priorities for growth
• develop a bespoke, actionable plan aligned to your ambitions

This stage is enhanced by GROWTHmapper, a structured bespoke diagnostic tool to turn business insight into clear actions. With support from GrowthCanvas, an AI-powered market insight tool to enhance competitiveness. 

Phase 2: Specialist Implementation Support

Select businesses with clear growth opportunities can progress to a further 8 hours of intensive expert support in either manufacturing, innovation or investment readiness to:

• implement your action plan
• address technical or strategic challenges
• accelerate measurable business improvements

Support is delivered by industry experts matched to your business needs. 

As part of Advance Worcestershire, you’ll also benefit from:

• peer networking and facilitated group sessions
• workshops and masterclasses on key topics
• access to wider local and national business support
• ongoing adviser support and signposting

Advance 91ÖÆƬ³§is designed to deliver real, measurable impact. By taking part, you can:

• remove barriers to growth and unlock new opportunities
• increase productivity and efficiency
• develop new products, technologies or processes
• strengthen your ability to secure investment
• build long-term capability within your leadership team

The programme supports outcomes such as job creation, improved productivity and innovation adoption. 

Delivered by Oxford Innovation Advice, the programme combines:

• specialist advisers with deep sector expertise
• proven diagnostic tools and methodologies
• practical, action-focused support
• strong links to funding, innovation and growth networks

We work alongside you to ensure support is tailored, impactful and results-driven.

This programme is funded and delivered by 91ÖÆƬ³§County Council in association with the District Councils (Bromsgrove District Council, Malvern Hills District Council, Redditch Borough Council, Worcester City Council, Wychavon District Council, and Wyre Forest District Council).