A Keele University-led initiative that connected undergraduate and postgraduate students with dozens of small businesses to help them grow and innovate is entering its second phase, following the success of the initial rollout.

The Flourish project, which provided support to local enterprises in the borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme, is open for applications again to build on the strong impact and positive feedback from both students and business owners.

The University can facilitate 25 fully-funded projects in the borough, with students or recent graduates working with eligible businesses for up to 75 hours per project. The projects can be delivered virtually or in-person and provide an opportunity to trial new ideas or develop existing ones without long term commitment.

The Flourish initiative is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, secured by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council. The borough council was allocated funding across the three investment priorities: Communities and Place, Supporting Local Business and People and Skills.

Piccoloco, a coffee shop, bar and kitchen on Hassall Street, in Newcastle-under-Lyme, is one of dozens of organisations to already have received support from Flourish.

Ben Hill, company director, said: "For businesses, I would say that being part of this project is a really positive experience. The support from the students can be invaluable, and they can bring forward ideas that you might not have necessarily considered before."

Philippa Richardson, Digital Engagement Manager for Flourish at Keele University, said: said: "The first phase of Flourish was a great success, and we had some brilliant feedback from students and businesses on how the project had helped them.

"I would urge businesses across the borough to look into how they can be supported through Flourish because it can make a very real and tangible difference to their day-to-day operations and ambitions for growth.

"For our students and graduates, it is a paid opportunity for them to transfer and develop their skills and gain real world experience. We have skills glossaries showcasing our student talent which makes the programme easy to engage with."

Simon Tagg, Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said: "When the borough council won this funding on behalf of residents, the main aims included creating better opportunities for people and improving their skills, as well as supporting local businesses.

"I am delighted that Keele University and its students are building on the success of the first phase of this project and continue to make such a strong contribution to the community."

Any local Newcastle SME, charitable organisation or sole trader can find out more by emailing gateway@keele.ac.uk 

*The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ukshared-prosperity-fund-prospectus