Small Business Innovation Support Framework Agreement

Tender description

Warrington Collegiate has been awarded funding for a substantial European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) project to support innovation activities and development of small and medium sized businesses in Cheshire and Warrington (SMART Cheshire Programme). The Collegiate is looking to procure individuals/organisations to deliver the activity required for the programme through this tender process. Please note that the contract created from this tender will result in a framework agreement, whereby we anticipate engaging suppliers, whose services will be called upon where required. In this instance, the creation of a framework of suppliers means the Collegiate cannot commit to a pre-determined volume of engagements throughout the contract duration. SMART Cheshire will support the development of SMEs looking to develop new products and services. The programme is focused on innovation and development of businesses, rather than a focus on individual skills. It is underpinned by practical expertise in facilitating and advising small firms. We will offer a high impact business support programme, based on workshops, peer-to-peer foundations, 1:1 consultation from business innovation specialists. We will develop links and synergies between enterprises and further education, focusing on the needs of SMEs. The requirements of this tender with respect to SMART Cheshire is to engage specialists with practical experience of supporting small business owners in areas such as, but not limited to, • Innovation Development and Risk • Product/Service Development • Finance for Growth & Innovation • Assessing Organisational Needs for Innovation eg staffing • Sales and Marketing • Culture and Change Management • Growing the Domestic and International Markets • Business Improvement Techniques Specialists will be required to deliver 3-hour sessions (at Warrington Collegiate) to groups of business owners within one, or more if possessing relevant experience, of the above categories. It is essential that applicants demonstrate practical experience and expertise in their specialism Potentially, there may also be a requirement for the provision of 1-2-1 support to individual participants from SMART Cheshire. Applicants are encouraged to detail their experience and expertise in providing mentoring and individual coaching The contract duration is for 24 months, with an indicative contract start date of January 2017. Should you be successful, suppliers will be expected to deliver a minimum of one 3-hour support session throughout this period. The distribution of one-to-one support will be determined by the needs of participants.