Amazon Innovation Accelerator

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The Amazon Innovation Accelerator is a free training programme designed to help small businesses innovate and grow. It will showcase the latest trends and strategies on everything from tech adoption to leadership and management, with best-in-class guidance from across Amazon, Amazon Web Services, and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. You will also have the opportunity to network with like-minded peers as well as Amazon teams across a range of different fields. 

A cohort of 25 businesses will be selected to take part in this exclusive programme, with core workshops taking place at Amazon’s Sutton Coldfield robotics fulfilment centre which opened last year.  

The Amazon Innovation Accelerator is open to businesses with operations in the West Midlands that: 

  • Are in the manufacturing, engineering, logistics, retail or related industries  

  • Employ 50+ members of staff or a turnover of over £1 million  

  • Can commit to a senior member of staff participating in the full programme (two all-day workshops at Amazon: Friday 7th June and Friday 28th June 2024, participation in a 90-minute, virtual masterclass webinar). 

Apply for your via the form below by the 3rd May 2024. Successful applicants will be notified by 17th May.  

Over the course of the Accelerator programme, participants will develop their knowledge and skills on topics including:  

  • Creating a culture of innovation 

  • Continuous improvement 

  • Data, digitalisation and robotics 

  • Sustainability and social value 

  • The regional business support and innovation ecosystem 

They will participate in interactive workshops that will challenge them to apply their learning to their business and operations. 

Previous participants in the pilot programme of Amazon Innovation Accelerators reported significantly improved digital readiness and innovation capability as a result of their participation.  

 

"We know one of the top challenges, and opportunities, for businesses today is keeping pace with advances in technology and business practices.

"At the Chamber, we’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We are delighted to be working in partnership with Amazon on the Amazon Innovation Accelerator. They are world-renowned for their cutting-edge approaches to technology and innovation. The Accelerator is a valuable opportunity for businesses in the region to gain direct access to that knowledge and understand how to apply it in their own organisations."

Henrietta Brealey, GBCC, CEO

 

"The Amazon Innovation Accelerator is all about driving growth in small- and medium-sized businesses

"and we’re excited to be working with the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and companies from across this region."

Neil Travis, Regional Director at Amazon in the UK

 

Application Form

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To apply for the Amazon Innovation Accelerator please complete the form below. Please refer to the eligibility criteria above. Applications will close at midnight on the 3rd May and successful applicants will be notified by 17th May.

Please note: where all other criteria are met, priority will be given to Chamber of Commerce members.  

As part of our efforts to continue improving this programme and assess the impact it is having, we kindly request that that all applicants agree to take part in the following if they are successful in securing a place on the programme 1) Complete two e-surveys 2) Be open to selection for a 1-2-1 interview (virtually or at your premises).

This will help us to better understand your organisations’ goals, challenges and evaluate your progress/benefits you receive from the programme. The anonymised findings will be used to develop our reporting to local and national policymakers in business support. In some instances, case studies will be developed (with your permission) that illustrate your journey through the Amazon Innovation Accelerator.