Over the next three years it will provide:

• An enhanced and ‘first port of call’ service where businesses can contact dedicated advisors for support and information about issues they may be facing
• A referral service where advisors assess the individual needs of the business to identify the most appropriate source of support and funding to help increase the resilience of the business, boost productivity and help the business to grow
• An intensive support programme of one-to-one support sessions, workshops and small seminars as well as access to grant schemes.
• Targeted support to help businesses improve their use of digital technology and apply for a grant of up to £20,000 to help them achieve this
• Access to a wider network of business support outside Derbyshire

Councillor Tony King, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration said: “Small and medium-sized businesses are a vital part of Derbyshire’s economy and we’re committed to helping them start-up, thrive and survive.

“By working together with partner organisations across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and beyond, we can help to make sure that local businesses have access to high-quality business support programmes to help drive economic growth and create more job opportunities for local people.”

Funding for the project is also being provided by other councils in the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, the European Regional Development Fund and the Government’s Department for Business, energy and Industrial Strategy.

Two additional staff will be employed to help run the project including a dedicated business advisor working through the services provided by the Derbyshire Economic Partnership.