Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme

The Welsh Ministers are seeking to engage with quality providers to deliver a key segment of their support to start-up businesses and Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs), typically trading up to 7 years (exceptions will be considered beyond this limit), that have high growth aspirations and potential.

The successful contractor will be expected to work with a range of start ups and existing SMEs within Wales. The ratio of start ups to existing SMEs supported will be in the region of 30/70. Welsh Government business support will be capped (amount to be confirmed) and support over and above this level will attract a fee. Tenderers will need to evidence how this will be achieved

The Accelerated Growth Programme will be delivered through one lead contractor on a pan Wales basis, who will need to demonstrate that they have the skill sets and resources required to support high growth SMEs and start-ups in all sectors. It is intended that the contract period will run from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2020. Annual break clauses will be included in the contract which may be exercised for non contractual compliance, reduction in Welsh Government budgetary allocation, change in service direction/policy or any other reason deemed appropriate by the Welsh Ministers to exercise the break clause.

Please note that consortia bids are encouraged for this tender exercise. Please refer to www.wales.gov.uk/jointbidding ↗ for advice and assistance on joint bidding. Furthermore, it is the intention of Welsh Government to host a workshop to provide support and guidance to potential tenderers on joint bidding opportunities. Support for potential consortium members will be provided by the Wales Cooperative Centre. Please note that this project is subject to European Funding approval. Funding has therefore only been approved for the first year of the contract term. Please also note that the value is indicative only and is dependant on demand for the service which cannot be guaranteed.