The Amazon fulfilment centre in Coalville is encouraging businesses across the region to sign up for their free Accelerator programme. 

Amazon and Enterprise Nation, the small business support network, are launching the major support package for more than 200,000 companies and startups across the UK.

In response to COVID-19 and the impact of the economic lockdown on small businesses, the Amazon Small Business Accelerator will launch with a free online training programme to help at every stage.

Businesses can take a quick online diagnostic test to find the learning path that best fits with the current stage of their business – 'Start', 'Grow' or 'Turbo'.

Participants will also access new benefits designed to help them, ranging from discounts on business supplies and protective equipment from Amazon Business, to dedicated Amazon Web Services (AWS) training and partner offers.

"Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy in Coalville and by helping them we can help families, communities and the UK bounce back more quickly," commented Martin Cox, General Manager at Amazon in Coalville.

"Amazon in Coalville is passionate about supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses, with more than half of all products sold on Amazon stores coming from our selling partners.

"Many businesses have found their way through the crisis by providing goods and services online.

"Now the Amazon Small Business Accelerator with Enterprise Nation will provide thousands of offline and online businesses with the skills, tools and support they need to succeed in the digital world, to reach customers through Amazon or any other service."

As part of the Accelerator, Amazon and Enterprise Nation will run week-long bootcamps to provide additional, tailored personal training and expertise for up to 1,000 mostly offline startups and small businesses to help them trade online.

Businesses across fashion, beauty & wellbeing, food & drink, services, and home & leisure will join a five-day live online course with access to experts and peer-to-peer networking.

Bootcamp participants can also access 12 months of support from a wide range of accredited advisors covering topics on marketing, operations and managing finances as well as a range of benefits including discounts and credits from Amazon and partners.

The first ever virtual Amazon Academy is taking place this Friday – a free two-hour event to introduce businesses to the world of selling online – ideal for people who want to learn more before they embark on the Amazon Small Business Accelerator.

Entrepreneur and former Dragons' Den investor Jenny Campbell will be sharing her business story and insights on what entrepreneurs should consider when looking for investments and scaling a business.

The event will also include industry leaders and talks from Amazon experts on the best ways to address the business challenges presented by the health crisis.

Small businesses across the UK can learn more about the Amazon Small Business Accelerator and sign up to the diagnostic here: Amazon Accelerator