New support launched for adult social care businesses
A range of new support has been launched by Devon County Council to help the development and growth of adult social care businesses and organisations in the county.
Free business support, training, development opportunities, and grant funding are being offered by the County Council with the aim of increasing provision of adult social care in Devon and encouraging innovation for adult social care businesses.
Businesses have the opportunity to access support, being provided by BIP (Business Information Point) and Cosmic. Up to 15 hours of free “focussed support” is being offered to develop a bespoke support plan, tailored to the individual needs of the adult social care business.
Up to 30 hours of free “intensive support” is also available for businesses seeking to plan or develop an innovative business solution, to grow, or to assist businesses in areas where there may be a gap in service provision.
Free training, guidance and mentoring will also be offered, covering a wide range of aspects of business, including sales and marketing, digital business, ethical organisational management and providing mental health support for employees.
The County Council has also established the Creative Innovation and Growth (CIAG) grants fund to encourage the development of “outreach” activities in the community to promote and support independence and keep people healthier for longer.
Revenue grants of between £5,000 and £40,000 will be available to support providers to implement innovative ways of diversifying their business to help people maintain their independence.
Capital grants of between £20,000 and £80,000 are on offer for providers, particularly social enterprises, to undertake capital work which enables them to make use of new technology where this will help grow or diversify their business or allow them to undertake additional outreach activities.
Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: “This raft of support is a great opportunity for businesses in this sector to develop and grow and diversify – whether it’s through the take-up of new technology, new ways of delivering care or developing new partnerships.”
Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “We want people to be able to maintain their independence, stay connected to their communities and stay healthier for longer. These programmes can enable businesses to diversify, helping them provide new services and activities in local communities in Devon.”
For more information on the business support being provided by BIP (Business Information Point) and Cosmic visit https://businessinfopoint.co.uk/ or email team@businessinfopoint.co.uk
More information on the Creative Innovation and Growth (CIAG) grants fund is available at https://new.devon.gov.uk/economy/business-support/creative-innovation-an... or email ciag@devon.gov.uk.
