Entrepreneurs in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire are set to benefit from Start and Sustain – a new programme providing practical support to help turn ideas into successful, sustainable enterprises, with at least 2000 start-ups expected to engage each year.
Delivered by the Chamber, The East Midlands Combined County Authority’s (EMCCA) Start & Sustain programme aims to provide the tools, expertise and confidence needed to start and grow a business.
Practical advice, guidance and support will be provided for aspiring entrepreneurs, people preparing to become self-employed and businesses in their first two years of trading. The programme aims to create new enterprises and jobs, improving businesses’ readiness for funding and supporting at least 75% of participating start-ups to remain in business a year after launch.
Support
The Chamber will support entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses with clear, high-quality support.
Tailored to the needs of each business, support will include help with business planning, finance, marketing, digital skills, sales, leadership and building the confidence and skills needed to run a successful business, alongside access to workshops, networking opportunities, online resources and mentoring.
Support will be available online and in person, helping ensure businesses and entrepreneurs can easily access support through multiple channels that best suit them.
Targeted outreach will help ensure the service reaches people who have traditionally faced additional barriers to starting a business, as well as entrepreneurs in rural and underserved communities.
Support can include:
- Business planning and strategy
- Understanding finance, funding and cash flow
- Marketing, sales and digital
- Legal and compliance basics
- Workshops and training
- One-to-one advice and mentoring
- Networking opportunities
- Practical tools and online resources
- Support to build confidence and develop leadership skills
East Midlands Chamber Deputy Chief Executive Diane Beresford said: “We’re proud to be working with EMCCA to deliver Start & Sustain helping more people across the region start, grow and sustain successful businesses.
“Because no two businesses are the same, the support on offer is personalised, practical and impartial. Whether you’re considering self-employment, launching a new venture or looking to take an existing business to the next level, our locally based advisers will provide tailored support at every stage of your journey, making use of AI diagnostic tools like Growth Canvas to provide the best service and experience.
“I’d encourage anyone with a business idea or ambition to get involved. By connecting with the Growth Hub community, you’ll gain access to the expertise, guidance and networks that can help turn potential into progress.”
Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward said: “The East Midlands is full of people with the ideas, ambition and determination to build successful businesses. If we are to grow our economy, it is these people we need to back and support during those critical early stages. Everyone who starts a business is taking a risk to achieve more: they deserve our care and attention.”
“This is what the Start & Sustain programme is here to do, delivered by East Midlands Chamber. It will give aspiring entrepreneurs and young businesses across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire access to practical advice, support, and connections: ensuring that they are put in a strong position to grow and thrive.”
The Start & Sustain programme is being delivered by East Midlands Chamber on behalf of the East Midlands Combined County Authority.
The programme, available across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, will be open to:
- Individuals considering self-employment or starting a business
- Individuals with a business idea who need help turning it into a viable business
- Early-stage businesses that have been trading for two years or less at the point of initial engagement
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