Amazon launches "Amazon Small Business Accelerator" in the UK

Amazon has launched the "Amazon Small Business Accelerator" in a pledge to support over 200,000 small UK businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic.

The accelerator will be offering businesses free online training programmes and an array of benefits including discounts on business supplies and PPE equipment.

The initiative launched in partnership with small business support network Enterprise Nation. It encourages business to take an online "diagnostics test" to determine which learning path would be most beneficial to their company.

This include one of three options based on the size and stage of the business, including “Start”, “Grow” or “Turbo”.

In addition, the new partnership will also run week-long bootcamps to provide tailored training courses to almost 1,000 retailers who trade offline in order to help them transition online.

On Friday 26 June, Amazon will be launching its first ever virtual academy, a free two-hour event aimed to introduce businesses to Amazon’s online operations and its accelerator programme.

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

Enterprise Nation’s Emma Jones added: “We have worked with Amazon to support small businesses for many years, but this is our most ambitious and important programme to date. Coronavirus has presented serious challenges for startups 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 startups, recovery advice, and then tools for growth to help businesses weather the storm and come out stronger on the other side.”