Time is running out for small businesses to take advantage of a fund that aims to help companies increase their turnover, create more jobs and develop new products and services.

The Gloucestershire Accelerated Impact Network Support program - or GAINS - is run by the University of Gloucestershire and supported by the European Regional Development Fund.

The program is nearing the end of its funding and will close at the end of 2019, although places are still available for firms to take advantage of the expertise.

GAINS wascreated specifically to help Gloucestershire-based small and medium enterprises with high growth potential and ambition.

The support offered to SMEs includes four days of high-quality coaching from a professional business coach.

It also offers an introductory Super Masterclass session, delivered by a senior University Academic and access.to regular monthly masterclasses.

GAINS also offers the chance to work with the University's academics and students on a project derived from the client's business needs.

Successful applicants for the programme receive all of this support at a subsidised rate in order to allow any business that has the capability to grow, the opportunity to realise their full potential.

Martin Douglas, GAINS Project Managers says "GAINS, after a slow start, has really picked up and gathered a high momentum within the Gloucestershire business community.

"We've created a program of support, unlike any other, by focussing on high quality coaching delivery, bespoke to the client's needs and providing access to a varied program of Masterclasses and most recently Super MasterClasses, delivered by senior UoG Academics.

"We are particularly proud of the pool of high quality business coaches, we work with and who have helped deliver the program to an increasing number of clients across the county.

"However, sadly, all good things come to an end and as our funding will expire in December, the program will then close."

The funding for the GAINS programme will run until December 2019 and there are still places available, provided clients can sign up before September 30th to allow for the three month delivery window of the program to take place.

To be accepted onto the GAINS scheme, a business must meet certain criteria, which includes being based in the area covered by GFirst LEP, reflect the definition of 'high growth', and be able to complete the course in time

For more information contact GAINS at GAINS@glos.ac.uk, call 01242 715475 or for more information visit the GAINS website .