It is open to people who are starting their own business, or have recently set up a business in the last 12 months. They must be registered as trading in Derbyshire.
Expert business advice
A team of local expert business advisers are in place to offer free and impartial advice and support tailored to your needs which includes:
- mentoring
- business planning
- financial planning
- marketing
- signposting to other suitable areas of support
Grant funding
Grant funding of up to 50% of total project costs to a maximum of £10,000 per applicant is available, subject to meeting eligibility criteria. Business advisers will guide you through the application process, which will include creating business and financial plans.
Networking opportunities and help in securing a wide range of services necessary to help entrepreneurs turn their venture into a success are also part of the support package on offer.
Location specific information
The scheme offers free business advice and access to grant funding in:
- Amber Valley
- Chesterfield
- Derbyshire Dales
- High Peak
- North East Derbyshire
- South Derbyshire
And is funded through central government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
If you are based in one of these areas please email business@derbyshire.gov.uk with:
- a brief description of your business venture or idea
- your current status - idea stage, first 3-months of trading, 3 to 12-months trading
- your contact details - name, address of your business, email, preferred telephone number
You'll be asked to complete an enrolment form. These details will enable us to allocate a business adviser who will contact you and outline the support we can offer. Access to grant support will be discussed with you by your allocated adviser.
Your personal information will only be used for the purposes of providing advice and support through the business start-up support and grant scheme.
If you are based in Bolsover, Derby City or Erewash, business advice is provided by different organisations and you should make contact using the following details.
In these locations you will be required to pay an administration fee to access the grant funding.
Bolsover District Council
Email regeneration@bolsover.gov.uk
Derby City Council
Please contact East Midlands Chamber:
Erewash Borough Council
Erewash Partnership tel: 0115 946 8839.
Administration fee:
- £600 for grants between £1000 and £10,000
- £100 for grants up to and including £999
Testimonials
Suzanne Lloyd, Virtue Virtual Assistance, Chesterfield said:
"Working with a business adviser has helped me challenge my own perceptions of what opportunities may be available. Doors have opened that I didn't know would be possible. The support I've received has been invaluable."
Sarah Kenny Personal Training, High Peak said:
"I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Derbyshire team to anyone in the process of starting a business. They can only add value and their support has been a massive part of the successful launch of my business."
Careers advice service
If you'd benefit from speaking to a careers adviser, we offer free and impartial information, advice and guidance about career opportunities, learning and employment to any Derbyshire residents aged 19 years and over, and to those aged 18 who are not currently in education, employment or training.