Support and training for East Suffolk businesses

Businesses in East Suffolk are encouraged to explore the wide range of business support programmes offered by East Suffolk Council.

As well as a refreshed website which provides a dedicated portal for businesses in East Suffolk, there are also several new services on offer to support start-up businesses, those looking to improve energy efficiency or those looking to develop their digital skills.

Comprehensive ‘start up’ support is available to anyone thinking about starting a business or who has already begun the process. Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered by MENTA and NWES on behalf of East Suffolk Council, the programme includes workshops and 1-to-1 support on business planning, marketing, book-keeping, sustainability, sales and more. Guidance is also available on financing a new venture and developing skills and confidence to ‘start well’ and help new businesses to flourish.

East Suffolk Start-Up Support Services has received £250,196 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The programme is open to anyone based in East Suffolk who is thinking of starting a business or has started a business within the last 12 months. To enrol onto the programme, or receive further details, please email bookings@menta.org.uk.

Support is also available for East Suffolk businesses hoping to create or improve their online presence. The Digital Springboard, which provides free advice, training and access to grants, is delivered by Menta and funded by East Suffolk Council alongside the LEP Innovative Projects Fund and has already successfully supported businesses with digital adaptations and upskilling. For more information and free digital insight tools please visit www.thedigitalspringboard.co.uk or email digitalspringboard@menta.co.uk

Businesses looking to improve energy efficiency or who need support with decarbonisation plans are encouraged to apply for the council’s ‘Business Move to Net Zero’ grant, which will launch on 11 April and is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Interested businesses are invited to email economicdevelopment@eastsuffolk.gov.uk for more information.

East Suffolk Business Move to Net Zero grant has received £138,696 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Cllr Craig Rivett, East Suffolk’s Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Economic Development said: “East Suffolk businesses are facing increased challenges and we want to continue to provide as much support and guidance as possible, whether this is to help build an online presence to reach more customers or for those looking to start a new venture. Regardless of size or sector, I would encourage business owners from across the district to explore the range of support services, training and grants which are available to help their business to thrive.”

To enable businesses to access the range of support and advice more easily, the East Suffolk Means Business website (www.eastsuffolkmeansbusiness.co.uk) has been relaunched.

As well as receiving a fresh clean look, the website also features several new tools to help businesses find information quickly and easily. This includes the Funding Finder which filters the current funding options based on the answers to three simple questions and presents the most relevant results, whilst the Growing Your Business feature selects the most relevant resources available based on chosen categories such as training, digital and net zero.

The website also features business events, information on land and premises, help with starting a business, and a wealth of guidance relating to key business issues.