Business Support inCharnwood
Businesses drive growth in our local economy and we recognise that there are often occasions when different types of support can provide a boost to a business. Equally, you might have great business ideas but are not sure how to start a business. Or, you might need information and advice about how to grow your business or need to access information about regulations that apply to businesses.
There is a wealth of information and support initiatives provided by the Business Gateway service for Leicester and Leicestershire. inCharnwood supports the Business Gateway and recommends that anyone seeking business support and advice views its website as a first point of access. Click on the tile above to find out more.
Leicestershire Business Advice Service - Charnwood Scale-Up programme
Launching, expanding and sustaining your business can be challenging, especially when progress seems to plateau. How can you propel your business forward? The Leicestershire Business Advice Service offers the solution, providing tailored support to elevate your business to new heights. Through a dedicated business support programme designed for business owners in Charnwood, Leicestershire aiming to Scale-Up, we offer guidance and assistance to help you reach that next level of success.
It is being supported by the borough council using the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is being delivered by specialist expert advisors, Exemplas through the Leicestershire Business Advice Service.
Find out more about the Leicestershire Business Advice Service Scale-Up programme.
LUinc. Business Start Up Accelerator Programme
The Business Startup Accelerator Programme could provide you with free training, resources and connections to help you to establish, grow and succeed.
LUinc. empowers ambitious new businesses to start, establish, and scale up by providing tailored support, a vibrant community, networks, resources, and knowledge.
Loughborough University has partnered with Charnwood Borough Council to develop a new generation of businesses, rooted in Loughborough and more resilient to future challenges.
Find out more about: LUinc. Business Start Up Accelerator Programme
Economic Development Team
Charnwood Borough Council’s Economic Development Team are always happy to discuss potential investments or matters affecting businesses in Charnwood.
For all inward investment and general regeneration / business support / economic development matters: Regeneration and Economic Development Team
East Midlands Chamber
East Midlands Chamber provides a wide range of support services to help you and your business develop and grow. Whether you’re a sole trader or a well-established company, they can help you achieve your ambitions. Services cover every area of business, and also lead a range of community initiatives to help you improve your local area. Members have exclusive access to specialist support services, including advice lines and advisers.
Find out more about the East Midlands Chamber.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
The FSB established over 45 years ago to help members succeed in business, they are a non-profit making and non-party political organisation that’s led by members, for members. The FSB are experts in business, and offer members a wide range of vital business services including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice heard in government. The mission is to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions.
Find out more about the FSB.
Natwest Entrepreneur Hub
The NatWest Entrepreneur hub, offers a range of free programmes and helpful tools, plus you could tap into a network of specialists and like-minded peers who could offer help and guidance as you grow. You don’t have to bank with Natwest to access this support.
To visit the Natwest Entrepreneur Hub.
Prince’s Trust
Whether you want to work on your confidence, gain essential skills for work or start a business, The Prince’s Trust is there to support you. Offering courses, enterprise initiatives, mentoring opportunities, and much more for 16- to 30-year-olds across the UK.
Find out more about the Prince’s Trust.
Sir Thomas White Loan Charity
The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity has been in existence since 1542 and was founded by one of the City’s most generous (but least well known) benefactors, Sir Thomas White. The organisation provides loans for new business ideas and businesses needing investment.
Find out more about the Sir Thomas White Loan Charity.
British Business Bank
The British Business Bank is a government-owned business development bank dedicated to making finance markets work better for smaller businesses across the UK. Through the Finance Hub, they can help you overcome challenges, make the most of opportunities, and keep your business moving in the right direction.
Find out more about the British Business Bank.
Innovate UK
Innovate UK is the UK’s national innovation agency, they support business-led innovation in all sectors, technologies and UK regions. Innovate UK can help businesses grow through the development and commercialisation of new products, processes, and services, supported by an outstanding innovation ecosystem that is agile, inclusive, and easy to navigate.
Find out more about Innovate UK.
Made Smarter
Made Smarter East Midlands Digital experts will provide advice and support to manufacturing businesses on how to switch to advanced and automated technologies. The programme provides digital transformation road mapping, leadership development, grant funding and access to industrial digital technology expertise to help with implementation until 31st March 2025.
Find out more about Made Smarter.
Active Together
Whether you operate as a club, community group, business, sole trader, charity or limited company Active Together could support you. Their Business Support Network provides key links to business support opportunities including networking event and webinars. Whether you are a charity, business or just starting up in business these options are FREE of charge and here for you.
Find out more about Active Together.
