Continued support offer for Essex businesses

Two women sitting at a desk in an office. They are both smiling while looking at a laptop screen and holding pens in their hands.

Essex entrepreneurs can benefit from specialist business support thanks to the relaunched Ambitious Essex Growth Hub.

New provider Smarter Society will offer training, mentoring and support programmes to help businesses to grow and develop.

Growth Hubs are established business support services funded by the Government. They play an essential role in growing the local economy and help businesses to thrive.

Previously the BEST Growth Hub, Essex’s service launched in 2015. From April 2024 to April 2025, it assisted with 321 business enquiries. 

The Hub helps business owners through free signposting, problem diagnosis and specialist guidance. 

The Ambitious Essex Growth Hub will offer:

  • information, navigation and signposting via a coordinated multi-channel service
  • structured support, including a diagnostic assessment of business needs and advice and guidance
  • expert-led mentoring
  • a series of hybrid workshops focused on key business topics such as growth, branding and AI

New additions to the Ambitious Essex Growth Hub offer will also include:

  • specialised support for women in business through a dedicated mentoring service
  • a Digitech competition offering five winners expert support, business coaching and increased publicity

Find out how to access support through the Ambitious Essex Growth Hub.