Start-up Advice
Do you have a new business idea?
If you have an idea but aren’t sure how to progress further or what steps to take – you’re in the right place!
Or browse the list below for details of Support Providers that might be able to help. Click through to find out more and apply.
Business Support Helpline
The free to access Business Support Helpline can help small businesses of all stages to find the right support and impartial advice, whether just starting out or growing a business. Advisers provide tailored guidance and information on schemes and publicly funded business support programmes available in your local area and across England. The service is available via telephone, email, webchat and social media.
Let's Do Business Group
Fully funded 1:1 Advice along with workshops, events and training
For residents and businesses in Braintree, Chelmsford, Colchester, Maldon and Tendring
For aspiring entrepreneurs looking to turn their innovative ideas into thriving enterprises, the Let’s Do Business Group (LDBG) offers a comprehensive support system tailored to meet their unique needs. With a wealth of experience and a proven track record in fostering business success, LDBG provides invaluable start-up advice and practical workshops designed to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills they need to launch and grow their ventures.
Our expert team at LDBG understands the complexities of the entrepreneurial landscape. We are dedicated to guiding you through every stage of your start-up journey, from initial concept development to market entry and beyond. Our workshops cover many essential topics, including business planning, financial management, marketing strategies, and legal considerations. By participating in our programs, you’ll gain access to hands-on training, expert insights, and a network of like-minded professionals who can offer support and collaboration opportunities.
- 1:1 advice from business experts
- Workshops and events
- Support to access finance
Colbea
Fully funded virtual business advice sessions and workshops for Colchester and Chelmsford
For residents and businesses in Colchester or Chelmsford
Colbea assists businesses of any age with planning, cashflow, marketing, business re-alignment, and much more.
Training courses are hands-on, interactive, and will help you take proactive steps towards business success.
Content includes:
- Getting yourself ‘business ready’
- Making your marketing work
- Business banking
- Managing your business money
- Preparing for business planning
Castle Point Business Accelerator
A free business support programme for Castle Point
Fully Funded by Castle Point Borough Council and delivered by Deyton Bell the Castle Point Business Accelerator programme offers FREE start up and business growth support for Castle Point residents and businesses. Providing tailored comprehensive support helping Castle Point businesses to grow. Whether you’re just starting or looking to overcome specific challenges, Castle Point Business Accelerator is your partner in success. With a mix of face to face and online support the programme provides free:
- Workshops
- 1-2-1 mentoring
- Peer group support
- Business advice
- A dedicated helpline & more…
Whether you’re seeking information, expert advice, or hands-on workshops, we have the tools and resources to guide you on your journey to success.
Empowering Epping Forest Female Entrepreneurs
Free Business Support for Female Entrepreneurs in Epping Forest
Fully Funded by Epping Forest District Council and delivered by Deyton Bell the Empowering Epping Forest Female Entrepreneurs programme has been designed to help Epping Forest based female entrepreneurs start a business and provide business help for existing businesses under 12 months old.
The programme provides:
- Empowerment to females with a start-up business idea – Providing you with the confidence and support to make your business dream a reality.
- Tailored business support for early-stage businesses – Help, guidance, and confidence to overcome business challenges faced in the first 12 months of trading
- Support through your business journey with a listening ear, a helpline, group support and cheer leaders to help you succeed!
This support is provided via free:
- Workshops
- 1-2-1 mentoring
- Peer group support
- Business advice & more…
The Empowering Epping Forest Female Entrepreneurs programme aspires to boost a thriving community of female entrepreneurs in Epping Forest.
Southend Business Lift-off
A free business support programme for Southend-on-Sea
Fully funded by Southend-on-Sea City Council and delivered by Deyton Bell the Southend Business Lift-off programme is designed to support entrepreneurs and enterprises in Southend-on-Sea to start, sustain and grow. Our expert and experienced team will work with you to understand your aspirations, plans and ambitions, and provide a tailored programme of support.
With access to a mix of FREE face-to-face and online support via:
- A dedicated helpline
- Business startup support
- Group workshops
- Up to 2 hours of 1-2-1 mentoring from our experienced business support team
- Peer group support and more
Whether you’re thinking of starting a business and need help to work out the next steps or have started trading and would like help with employing staff or developing your business skills, then it’s time to take advantage of the FREE help, advice, and guidance available through this programme.
Essex Cyber Resilience Centre
Protect your business from Cyber Crime
The Essex Cyber Resilience Centre is an initiative between the police, the private sector and academia, set up to help businesses protect themselves against cybercrime.
Enterprise Nation
Events and online guides to give you access to the advice and expertise your business needs
Enterprise Nation is a vibrant community of small businesses and business advisers that exist to shortcut your route to trusted business support.
Whether you’re starting or growing a business, they have the resources, expertise, and connections to help you get it right.
You can get access to support at a selection of events held up and down the UK, or online via a dynamic platform that gets you to answers and advisers fast.
Trading Standards
Trading Standards for businesses
Trading Standards will provide your business with advice on licensing, labelling, standards or registrations.
Better Business for All
Find out what you need to do to achieve or maintain compliance for your business
Better Business for All (BBfA) is a collaboration between business and regulators to enable simpler and more consistent compliance with relevant regulation, ultimately leading to a safer and more profitable society.
Their website acts as a one-stop-shop for businesses to check what is relevant to you and what to do about it.
Start up Donut
Tips and advice for starting your own business.
Princes Trust
The Prince’s Trust works with 18 to 30-year-olds living in the UK to turn big ideas into a reality. Their free Enterprise programme takes place in a centre near you and is broken down into three stages.
Small Business Britain
| Small Business Britain is the UK’s leading champion of small businesses, supporting all 5.8 million small businesses in the UK – no matter their location, their sector, or their ambition level.
Through a series of reports, events and campaigns, Small Business Britain champions, inspires and accelerates small businesses in the UK to foster growth and increased confidence Sustainability Basics – This free programme (and community of like minded businesses) gives each entrepreneur the basics they need to supercharge their sustainability planning, reduce their impact on the planet, and turn their sustainability plans into fantastic commercial advantage. Small Business Britain | Champion. Inspire. Accelerate. Small and Mighty programme – This six-week programme to supercharge sole traders and micro businesses, concludes with a growth plan to support the next year of business opportunity. It will be delivered entirely online, allowing access from anywhere in the UK with flexible learning enabling opportunities for all. Small Business Britain | Champion. Inspire. Accelerate.
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Learn with Start-Up Loans
A partnership between the British Business Bank and the Open University, Learn with Start-Up Loans is designed to help businesses get off the ground and stay there.
The courses provide a rich source of vital information for anyone who’s new to being their own boss, as well as would-be business owners who are considering taking the plunge.
Covering digital skills to bookkeeping and accounting, the courses are designed to help business owners understand more about the key aspects of running a business – from the day-to-day to growing a venture.
Alongside the business essentials, you can now find courses focusing on climate and sustainability, mental health and wellbeing, as well as trauma and grief.
The courses are free and you don’t have to take out a loan to access them.