Join the Devon Growth Club Programme
Announced at the Exeter Business Network event 11th January 2012
A partnership of Employment and Skills Boards have been successful in achieving funding from Devon County Council to launch a new skills initiative, which aims to help small business owners to grow their business.
Confidently named the “Growth Club programme”, the initiative offers businesses across Devon the opportunity to join a Growth Club in their local area and make use of over £500 worth of training and business support for the subsidised price of £150.
Devon Growth Club Programme (Leaflet)
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Action Learning Approach
Most business owners and managers would agreed that CPD is important for refreshing business plans, boosting skills and nurturing business growth, but in reality it can be difficult finding a training offer which hits the mark without being too rigid in content, too expensive or too much of a time commitment. With this in mind the Growth Club programme aims to offers a more flexible and cost effective approach. We recognise that “the most effective learning takes place when we are faced with real problems to solve” and have placed this philosophy at the heart of the programme.
The programme uses the Action Learning training method, which is a highly personalised approach that adapts and evolves to suit the needs and experiences of all members.
The approach uses participation driven sessions to reflect on real business issues, explore new approaches and encourage action. Self reflection and evaluation is core to the Action Learning approach and means that participants will already have begun planning and implementing changes to move their business forward by the end of the programme.
Programme Overview
Each Growth Club will bring together 8 like-minded individuals from your local area to participate in Action Learning sessions. Sessions are spaced 4-6 weeks apart, which enables enough time for new approaches to be reflected upon or trialled and then for experiences to be shared and challenged in groups.
Members will be guided through the process by a skilled Action Learning Facilitator, ensuring they get the most out of each and every session. To support individual development the programme also includes 1:2:1 time with the Facilitator, who will provide coaching, mentoring and support to help translate new learning into action.
Each Growth Club will be formed of members from a variety of sectors and industries, helping to foster collaboration and peer mentoring across sectors and building long term professional relationships.
Business Benefits
The programme could help you to:
- plan and make changes to improve your business
- make your staff more motivated and effective
- save money and improve your bottom line
- build professional relationships with like-minded people from your local area
Sustainability
After the programme of 6 sessions is complete each Growth Club will be given the option of continuing to meet as a group, either with or without a Facilitator. Action Learning groups frequently choose to continue meeting after their initial programme ends, often forming independent, self sustaining peer support networks.
How to join a Growth Club
If you are a small business owner operating in Devon, find out how this programme could help your business. Visit www.devongrowthclubs.co.uk
Gill Bishop, Project Manager
01392 265344
If you would like more information about the Employment and Skills Board or would like to become more involved please email: gillian.bishop@exeter.gov.uk or visit www.exeter.gov.uk/ehod-esb
Bristol Business Network 