AMAZON bosses at Gourock are giving small Inverclyde businesses a helping hand to bounce back from the coronavirus crisis.

The online giant and partners Enterprise Nation have launched a Small Business Accelerator programme to support start-ups and small businesses damaged by the economic lockdown.

It will offer a free online training programme tailored to each firm.

Companies can also access new benefits designed to help them, ranging from discounts on business supplies and protective equipment from Amazon to dedicated training and partner offers.

Lorna Sharples, site leader at Amazon's Faulds Park base, said: "Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy in Inverclyde.

"By helping them we can help families, communities and the UK bounce back more quickly.

"Amazon in Gourock 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."

As part of the new scheme, there will be week-long 'bootcamps' to provide extra personal training on online commerce.

Businesses across areas such as fashion, beauty and wellbeing, food and drink, services and home and leisure can join a five-day live online course with access to experts and also pick up 12 months of support from advisors covering topics like marketing and finance.

A government minister has praised Amazon for lending a hand to local companies.

Oliver Dowden, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, said: "It is vital that small businesses are able to develop the digital skills they need to help connect with customers online, expand their offer and drive their company's growth.

"It’s great to see Amazon and Enterprise Nation joining forces to help thousands of small businesses and start-ups take full advantage of our dynamic digital economy.

"I encourage any entrepreneur or small business owner looking to boost their digital presence to get involved.”

Small businesses in Inverclyde can join the scheme by visiting www.enterprisenation.com/accelerator