Amazon and Enterprise Nation look to help 200,000 businesses with accelerator

Online giant Amazon and support network Enterprise Nation have pushed the button on a support package to help thousands of small businesses and start-ups across Scotland and the rest of the UK.

Royal & Awesome is the Edinburgh-based purveyor of spectacular golf trousers – designed for the pars and the bars.

The Amazon Small Business Accelerator will launch with a free online training programme to help an expected 200,000 businesses “at every stage”.

Part of the initiative is an online diagnostic test to establish if a business is in “start”, “grow” or “turbo” mode.

As part of the accelerator, Amazon and Enterprise Nation will run week-long “bootcamps” to provide personal training and expertise for up to 1,000 mostly offline start-ups and small businesses to help them trade online.

Doug Gurr, UK country manager at Amazon, said: “Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy and by helping them we can help families, communities and the UK bounce back more quickly.

“We have a long track record of supporting 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.”

Emma Jones, head of Enterprise Nation, added: “Coronavirus has presented serious challenges for start-ups and SMEs, and never have more businesses called out for help, particularly with getting online.

“This package of critical support will include tailored guidance for start-ups, recovery advice, and then tools for growth to help businesses weather the storm and come out stronger on the other side.”

Graeme Smeaton, who owns and runs golfing attire outfit Royal & Awesome, said: “Our product translates really well to anyone who wants to have fun and enjoys the social elements of golf. Thanks to Amazon's ease to sell internationally, we’ve managed to reach that audience worldwide.

“The States is now our biggest single market, with Canada and Germany being other key locations.”

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