UP GROW
GROW your business with structure
If you already have a business and want to strengthen it, GROW connects you to funded support, incubator programmes and practical guidance so you can move from surviving to building something more stable.
Who Grow is for
GROW is for founders and business owners who are already trading and want support to go further.
- You have been trading for a while, but growth feels slow or unpredictable.
- You want to make better use of digital tools and online channels.
- You are ready to look at systems, finance and strategy, not just day to day firefighting.
- You want to be part of a community of other founders who are also growing.
- If this sounds like you, GROW is the right place to look for support.
- TRADING
- STABILISING
- SYSTEMS & DIGITAL
- READY TO SCALE
Growth programmes you can access today
These are the main programmes that support businesses at the GROW stage. During this transition phase, detailed information and application forms still live on the Startup Croydon site.
Croydon Business Support Programme
A funded programme that helps Croydon based businesses review where they are, strengthen their foundations and plan for sustainable growth.
- Support with planning, finance and marketing.
- Designed for established small businesses in the borough.
One to One Business Mentoring
Free one to one mentoring sessions with experienced advisors, focused on your questions and next steps.
- Ideal if you need a sounding board.
- Helps you decide where to focus first.
UP CREATIVE for growth
For businesses that are ready to improve their brand, content and storytelling, UP CREATIVE offers studio space and production support for video, podcast and digital content
- Create virtual environments to reduce marketing spend in our state-of-the-art studio.
- Develop a podcast to raise your company profile.
How GROW usually works
Start with a conversation or a simple application
You tell us a bit about your business, where you are now and where you would like to go.
Join the growth programme that fits your stage
Depending on your situation, we will enrol you onto a programme that matches your needs or a mix of one to one support and content work with the Creative Digital Lab.
Work on the foundations and the next level
You work on the key areas that will make the biggest difference, such as planning, finance, digital or brand and content.
Stay connected for what comes next
As you grow, you stay connected to the wider UP ecosystem through space, events, partners and future opportunities.
How GROW fits with other parts of UP
GROW sits alongside other parts of UP that can support your business in different ways.
START
If you are at the idea stage or just starting out, START brings together programmes and mentoring to help you launch with more confidence.
SPACE
If you need somewhere to work, meet or register your business, UP Space offers serviced offices, coworking, meeting rooms and virtual office options.
CREATIVE
If you want to create content that stands out, UP Creative offers studio hire, podcast support and practical training to help you create with confidence.
NETWORK
Events, networking, mentors and a directory of trusted providers, the wider UP ecosystem around your business.
Not sure which GROW option fits you best?
If you are not sure what step to take next, tell us a bit about your business and we will suggest a sensible next step.