Discounted Software On The Help To Grow Scheme

Last month the Help To Grow: Digital scheme was updated to include businesses with at least one employee, opening it up to the smallest of companies. It’s said that over 1 million businesses will now be eligible to take advantage of the scheme.

If you’re one of the businesses that’s now eligible, find out everything you need to know below.

What Is The Help To Grow: Digital Scheme?

The Help To Grow: Digital scheme is a Government initiative set up to help small and medium sized companies adapt, grow and boost their businesses using the latest technology. Through the scheme, eligible businesses can grab a huge discount of up to £5,000 on a software product of their choice from a selection of approved software products, and take advantage of various online advice articles across many subjects designed to help support businesses in their digital growth.

Which Businesses Are Eligible?

The eligibility criteria was updated last month to include even the smallest of businesses. Businesses now need to meet the following criteria:

• They must be UK-based and registered with Companies House or be a registered society on the Financial Conduct Authority’s Mutuals Register
• They must have between 1-249 employees
• They need to have been actively trading for at least 12 months, and have an incorporation date of at least 365 days prior to application
• It must be the first time that they’re purchasing the software

To learn more, visit: Am I eligible for the Help To Grow: Digital scheme?

Which Software Is The Discount Offered On?

The discount can be used on any software that has been approved for the scheme – this covers 30 different software solutions across eCommerce, Digital Accounting and Customer Relationship Management sectors. It’s worth mentioning that this includes several MTD-approved softwares, such as QuickBooks and Sage, so if you haven’t yet moved over to Making Tax Digital (MTD), now is a great time to start!

To find the full list of software that’s offered through the scheme, take a look at the Help To Grow: Digital software comparison tool. Here you’ll be able to compare software packages, pricing and features to help you decide which package is the best fit for your business.

How Can You Apply For The Discount?

You’ll first need to decide which approved software product you’d like to purchase before you can apply for the discount. You can find the full list of software products via the comparison tool. Once you’ve chosen, you’ll need to click the ‘Get discount’ button next to the appropriate product. You’ll then be taken to an application page where you can apply for the discount. Find out more about the application process here.

Spending Money Can Save You Money

Many small businesses will understandably feel apprehensive about paying out for new software (even if it is at a discount!), but investing in technology that improves productivity and accuracy can prove very cost-effective, saving you money in the long run. The common phrase “time is money” is very applicable to small businesses, so investing in software that frees you up to do what you do best usually results in a net gain!

The Government is also looking to provide one-to-one advice to support and guide small businesses in helping them adopt new technology and use it to their best advantage. This service should be available later in the year, so watch this space!

If you’d like further advice regarding the Help To Grow scheme or your eligibility, please don’t hesitate to speak to one of our experienced, friendly accountants who will discuss the requirements in more detail.