Together with our partners, we offer fully funded business advice and support for Essex businesses. Whether you're just starting out, or looking to grow your business, we can help.
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Free business support
Backing Essex Business offers up to 12 hours of free business support covering:
- finance and risk
- customer interaction and identifying your market
- managing your supply chain
- increasing productivity and up-skilling your team
- workplace operations
Support for women in business
Ambitious Women in Essex is a network that provides opportunities and support for women throughout their careers. It is run by Essex County Council and partners with organisations such as Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Natwest, Backing Essex Business and Innovate UK. For more information contact ambitiouswomen@essex.gov.uk
Grow your business
The BEST Growth Hub helps Essex businesses on the path to growth and prosperity. Their team of business experts provide free and impartial business support.
This service is funded by the UK Government. It is commissioned by Essex County Council on behalf of Greater Essex (including Southend and Thurrock).
Green Entrepreneurs' programme
The Green Entrepreneurs’ Programme supports new businesses and entrepreneurs with a green business idea. The fully funded programme offers virtual workshops led by business experts. At the end of the programme, you can pitch for funding to grow or launch your business.
The Green Entrepreneurs’ Programme 2024 launches in June. Follow Ambitious Essex on LinkedIn to stay up to date.
Tourism, leisure and hospitality support
Tourism contributes £3.6 billion per year to the Greater Essex economy. Visit Essex, the official tourism organisation for the region, supports local businesses to make the most of this opportunity.
Find out how to become a Visit Essex member and benefit from:
- marketing and PR opportunities
- training courses
- networking events
- expert advice and support
Contact us
For more information on any of these schemes, contact us at economic.growth.team@essex.gov.uk