Business Support

Looking to grow your organisation? Several business support services are on hand to ensure you have the right tools and guidance to enable your growth.

A number of organisations also offer support on local tendering opportunities, skills and funding opportunities.

Find out below about the latest advice and funding schemes available to firms in Chesterfield or simply complete the following form and we will connect you with an advisor to support your business.

Find out how the Chesterfield Accelerator project can support you

A range of new business support programmes that aim to provide advice and funding for both established and start-up businesses has been launched in Chesterfield.

The Chesterfield Accelerator initiative, which will be run by East Midlands Chamber but funded by Chesterfield Borough Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), includes a dedicated local business advisor, access to a range of courses and workshops on a variety of topics which are free for local businesses to attend.

Chesterfield Borough Council has also launched a new business grant scheme funded through the UKSPF. The grants are open to any business based in Chesterfield and can be used to support initiatives designed to help the business grow.

The Chesterfield Accelerator is one of 16 Accelerator programmes being run by the Chamber across the East Midlands. The programme includes access to a dedicated business advisor who can provide advice on a wide range of issues relevant to businesses.

It also includes access to training workshops designed to support development in areas like digital skills; a subsidy for a 12-week executive leadership programme; support to apply for grant funding; networking sessions; vouchers for specialist consultancy programmes; and energy saving audits.

Green business grants are also available to help businesses to reduce their carbon footprint.

The new initiatives complement the existing business support offer in Chesterfield which includes a local business advisor who can provide advice and support on a range of relevant issues. These include:

An Innovation Support Programme which includes regular workshops designed to give business leaders information around new topics and industry standards.
A skills brokerage service which aims to provide local businesses with advice around skills development, including apprenticeships and will signpost them towards relevant training courses.
As part of Vision Derbyshire anyone in Chesterfield looking to start their own business can access specialist start-up advice and grant funding to help with the initial costs.
Chesterfield Borough Council also runs a dedicated commercial property service. Through this service landlords can advertise properties for free and business owners looking for premises can receive advice on the types of property currently available.

Find out more about Chesterfield Accelerator here.

Supporting innovation

The Chesterfield Innovation Support Programme is a Chesterfield Borough Council project which aims to increase the level of support available to businesses in the borough.

The project offers a variety of funded support which includes:

one-to-one business reviews
workshops, seminars and networking events
access to specialist innovation advisers
support to identify potential funding choices

For additional information on the Innovation Support Programme, please contact:

Adrian Williamson
Innovation Support Project Manager
adrian.williamson@chesterfield.gov.uk

Get your business idea off the ground with start-up support from Vision Derbyshire

Support is currently available to those wanting to set up their own business here in Chesterfield.

The Vision Derbyshire Business Start-Up and Business Support Grant Scheme is open to people who live in Derbyshire and are starting their own business, or have recently set up a business in the last year.

A team of local expert business advisors are in place to offer free advice and support. Additionally, funding of up to £10,000 per applicant is available.

Furthermore, Vision Derbyshire offers networking opportunities and help in securing a wide range of services. All of which are necessary to help entrepreneurs turn their venture into a success are also part of the support package on offer.

The scheme is particularly interested in helping entrepreneurs based in Derbyshire, as well as those aged between 17 and 30, or who are aged over 50 and who lost their jobs or livelihoods during COVID.

Find out more by visiting: Vision Derbyshire Business Support scheme – Derbyshire County Council

Get access to the support available to you through D2N2 Growth Hub

The D2N2 Growth Hub is designed to help identify local business support information to aid developing a business or starting a new business.

Furthermore, the Growth Hub provides links to key national sources of information and support across the country.

For more information, call 0333 006 9178 or visit: www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/

Growth and sustainability support available from the University of Derby

The University of Derby offers support for business growth with access to expert advice and practical solutions.

Your business could be eligible for grants and loans, as well as funded business support programmes. Most of these are aimed at local businesses who want to innovate, grow, de-carbonise or upskill.

Visit the University of Derby’s web page to find out about the latest initiatives. For further advice, get in touch with their team, who will be able to signpost you to the relevant support available.

Help to Grow: Management

Help to Grow: Management is a practical training course delivered by world-class business schools, accredited by the Small Business Charter focusing on building and strengthening your capabilities to lead your business and release its potential, delivered by the University of Derby across Derbyshire.

This course incorporates hybrid learning, peer group networks and mentoring and will support managers and leaders of small and medium-sized businesses to boost business performance, resilience, and long-term growth. The 12-week course is 90% funded and the fee payable by participants is £750.

Find the services you need from Chesterfield businesses in our directory

Image courtesy of Derbyshire Economic Partnership

Chesterfield is home to many professional service and business support organisations.

Our directory of Chesterfield Champions showcases the range of options available to you for financial, legal and other business support services in the area.

What’s more, we’re positive you’ll receive excellent customer service, and no-nonsense, practical advice from our town’s organisations.

Trusted Trader Scheme (Derbyshire County Council)

Trusted Trader Scheme can help individuals find honest and reliable traders who commit to doing a good job for a fair price. It includes plumbers, builders, roofers, decorators, joiners, electricians, gardeners, retailers and many more.

Businesses can use the Trusted Trader website to find out more about the benefits of being a Derbyshire Trusted Trader and learn how to sign up. Visit the website:http://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/community/trusted_trader/