Innovation support for businesses

Innovation support from Essex County Council

Innovation and investment readiness service

Delivered by PA Consulting, this service is open to any business based in Essex. The programme will:

  • help you to secure innovation funding
  • provide you with mechanisms to grow
  • offer interactive sessions and networking opportunities
  • include an in-person innovation day
  • be flexible, based around your business needs

Applications for the 2023 programme are now closed.

To find out about future opportunities, follow Ambitious Essex on LinkedIn. You can also discover updates and achievements from this years cohort. 

Net Zero Innovation Network (NZIN)

NZIN is a group of local organisations working to maximise sustainable innovation in Essex. The network includes:

  • small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
  • academic partners
  • public sector bodies
  • large business and energy providers

The network’s objectives are defined by the Essex Climate Action Commission (ECAC). ECAC’s recommendations have helped to shape NZIN’s Task and Finish Groups:

  • built environment
  • waste management
  • energy
  • sustainable transport

The Task and Finish Groups work on bespoke projects, helping to accelerate the county’s net-zero ambitions. Projects include:

  • Great Start – a new scheme to help businesses reduce their waste and work towards a circular economy
  • Solar Feasibility Study – evaluating how we can enhance income from excess solar PV generation of electricity

Contact the NZIN team (NZIN@essex.gov.uk) to learn more or register your interest in joining the network.

Essex innovation events

Want to discover innovation inspiration?

Come along to our regular Ambitious Essex Innovation events!

Hosted across the county, these free, half-day events give you the chance to:

  • hear from local innovation experts
  • connect with likeminded business owners
  • understand what innovation means in your sector
  • discover innovation support and funding

Follow Ambitious Essex on LinkedIn or Twitter to be the first to find out about upcoming events.