ALPHAS Project

Small Business Grants ALPHAS project
Are you eligible?

ALPHAS Project - What is it? and What's in it for me?

Overview

The idea with the ALPHAS project is to create a conduit for Knowledge Exchange between Universities and SMEs in order to solve business problems, creating capacity within the business for further employment and supporting the regional aim to retain graduate talent within the local area.

What’s in it for me?

The ALPHAS project will help you secure a quick win by offering:

  • Small Business Grants of 30% towards the cost of equipment or academic expertise
  • The chance to upskill current staff through aa free 12-hour workshop programme on leadership & management, digital technology, staffing for the future and financing your own growth
  • Academic expertise from the University of Bedfordshire, University of Northampton or The Open University
  • Funding to cover 60% of salary costs for graduate for 3-6 months – including free academic consultancy to set your plans in motion

You can register as Company by clicking here.

What’s my commitment?

The University of Bedfordshire, in partnership with The Open University and The University of Northamptonshire, is running a series of 8 webinars focussing on Leadership, Digital, Finance and Staffing for the future with their business experts. These sessions are usually valued at £1,000 but if you are an eligible business they are free.

To join the next set of webinars please register and a member of their team will get in touch with you regarding eligibility and dates.

Get started

The University of Bedfordshire, in partnership with The Open University and The University of Northamptonshire, is running a series of 8 webinars focussing on Leadership, Digital, Finance and Staffing for the future with their business experts. These sessions are usually valued at £1,000 but if you are an eligible business they are free.

To join the next set of webinars please register and a member of their team will get in touch with you regarding eligibility and dates.

We specialise in providing access to Government programs to help you grow your business and the region bounce back.

Digital Future First is a part funded EU project; it’s partners (Supplaynt, DBFB and The Learning & Skills Academy) have access to many projects across the SEMLEP region and are here to support you and your business.

How to apply

Firstly if you haven’t already done so make sure you Register your business with us because that way we’ll ensure you are kept in the Government Small Business Support loop.

Once you have registered your business with us you need to book a needs assessment with an Advisor; they’ll get to know your business and provide you with a plan for accessing Government support and incentives.

How to book

Use our handy calendar right below the ‘Quick Fact Checker’ section.
Simply, choose your desired duration then select your preferred date and time slot and we will do the rest.

Find out more about Government Support

Although we have access to a range of Government programs and incentives, you may want to look at the Government website.

See guidance and resources on good work experience including:

Get support to deliver work experience for people with learning difficulties or disabilities from:

Quick Fact Checker

  1. 1
    What's the Scheme?

    The idea with the ALPHAS project is to create a conduit for Knowledge Exchange between Universities and SMEs in order to solve business problems, creating capacity within the business for further employment and supporting the regional aim to retain graduate talent within the local area.

  2. 2
    What's in it for me as Business Owner?
    • The ALPHAS project will help you secure a quick win by offering:

      • Small Business Grants of 30% towards the cost of equipment or academic expertise
      • The chance to upskill current staff through aa free 12-hour workshop programme on leadership & management, digital technology, staffing for the future and financing your own growth
      • Academic expertise from the University of Bedfordshire, University of Northampton or The Open University
      • Funding to cover 60% of salary costs for graduate for 3-6 months - including free academic consultancy to set your plans in motion
  3. 3
    How do I apply?

    Firstly if you haven't already done so make sure you Register your business with us because that way we'll ensure you are kept in the Government Small Business Support loop.

    Once you have Registered your business with us you need to book a needs assessment with an Advisor; they'll get to know your business and provide you with a plan for accessing Government support and incentives.

    How to book

    Use our handy calendar right under this section.
    Simply, choose your desired duration then select your preferred date and time slot and we will do the rest.

We'll keep you in the loop - have you registered?

ALPHAS Programme book a needs assessment with me today

The SEMLEP region
Our SEMLEP region

The South East Midlands is a region of strategic importance, linking the key economic hubs of Oxford, Cambridge and London to Birmingham.

The area consists primarily of local authorities:

  • Bedford Borough
  • Central Bedfordshire
  • Luton
  • Milton Keynes
  • Northamptonshire

In April 2020 Aylesbury Vale District Council was separated from the SEMLEP region.

Looking for TraineeshipApprenticeship Support?

Apprenticeships/

16 yr old and over can gain the skills and qualifications needed by businesses with a combination of flexible on-the-job and off-the-job learning.

Graduate Placements /

Coming soon Graduate programmes last up to 10 weeks. You only pay 40% of the total employment cost which gives you a unique chance to get some serious talent on a project.

In-work Training/

Coming soon Training that will help you refresh and build on your existing skills in order to help you in your job.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships/

Coming soon The Knowledge Transfer Partnership project is shared by the business and by Innovate UK who contribute 50-67% of support to help businesses grow.

Traineeships for employers

The intention of traineeships

Reduce the number of young people who are unemployed, not in education or in training.
Encourage 16-18 year olds to participate in training and education.
Secure young people’s progression to a positive outcome as quickly as possible
Helping the region bounce back

Speed up business. Reduce Risk.

GET IN TOUCH

Have questions?

Whether you have a question about traineeships, apprenticeships, training, eCommerce, or anything else, our team is ready to answer all your questions.

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    Digital Future First is part funded by the European Social Fund and led by Supplyant Limited, and co-developed in partnership with Database for Business Limited and the Learning and Skills Academy CIC

    ADDRESS

    34-35 Duncan Close, Moulton Park Ind Est, Northampton, NN3 6WL

    PHONE

    01604 679097

    EMAIL

    info@digitalfuturefirst.co.uk