The Government's help to grow scheme has now expanded to businesses with fewer than five employees.

Over a million more businesses will now be eligible for the scheme, which has also been expanded to include one-to-one advice and additional software.

Launched in January this year, the scheme was established to help smaller to medium-sized businesses purchase software and digital technologies to help them grow.

Eligible businesses can get up to 50% off approved technologies, worth up to £5,000 in related costs.

Previously, only businesses with more than five employees were eligible for the scheme, but, businesses with 1-249 employees can now access the discounts.

The scheme now also covers eCommerce software for the first time.

Alan Mak, exchequer secretary to the Treasury, said:

"Extending our help to grow: digital scheme will enable thousands more SMEs to become more innovative, competitive, and profitable."

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said lowering the threshold will help SMEs grow and build the economy.

The national chair for the FSB, Martin McTague, said:

"Reducing the threshold to one employee makes a difference in this space.

"Together with ecommerce software and one-to-one advice for SMEs on technology adoption, this will enable more small businesses to fulfil their growth ambitions."

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