10 Ways to grow your business in 2025
Chesterfield’s vibrant business community is offering a wide range of support to help local companies thrive.
With only 26% of UK SME employers reporting in 2023 to have sought external advice or information in the last year, we’re encouraging businesses across the area to find out more about the initiatives, expert advice, and funding opportunities available across the town.
Whether you’re a start-up or an established company, we want to ensure you have the tools, resources, and connections to help you achieve your goals.
Here are 10 fantastic ways to grow your business in Chesterfield this year.
1. Chesterfield Accelerator
The Chesterfield Accelerator, run by East Midlands Chamber and funded by Chesterfield Borough Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), offers a local business advisor, free workshops, and grant funding. Businesses can access digital skills training, leadership programmes, grant application support, networking, consultancy vouchers, and energy-saving audits.
Green business grants are also available to reduce carbon footprints. This initiative complements existing support, such as skills brokerage services, innovation workshops, and property advice.
Learn more about the Chesterfield Accelerator here.
2. Support to grow from the University of Derby
The University of Derby provides businesses with expert advice and practical solutions for growth. Eligible companies can access grants, loans, and funded programmes focused on innovation, decarbonisation, and skills development.
The University’s team can guide you to the most relevant support for your needs.
Visit their website or contact their advisors to learn more about these opportunities.
3. Upskill your workforce with the Chesterfield Skills Brokerage Service
Chesterfield Borough Council’s Skills Brokerage Service offers free advice to identify workforce development needs. Services include:
- Assessing training and skills gaps
- Accessing funding
- Securing apprenticeship support
- Developing talent pipelines
Courses available for companies in Chesterfield include green skills for construction and manufacturing businesses, English and Maths, and team leading.
Contact the team at 01246 210351 or email Destination Chesterfield to discuss your needs.
4. Join Our Community: Chesterfield Champions
Chesterfield Champions offers marketing and networking opportunities to help your business grow. Members benefit from senior networking events, media opportunities, and a profile on the Chesterfield business directory.
Champions also contribute to Chesterfield’s continued success. If you’re passionate about supporting the town, email Melissa Shaw at melissa.shaw@chesterfield.co.uk to learn more.
5. Innovation Support from Chesterfield Borough Council
The Chesterfield Innovation Support Programme provides funded support, including:
- One-to-one business reviews
- Workshops, seminars, and networking events
- Specialist innovation advisers
- Funding advice
For details, contact Adrian Williamson at adrian.williamson@chesterfield.gov.uk.
6. Promote Your Business Through Awards
Gain recognition by entering local, regional, or national awards. Destination Chesterfield celebrates success stories and promotes award-winning businesses.
Whether you excel in innovation, customer service, or sustainability, awards showcase your strengths. Explore award opportunities and promote your business via the dedicated Chesterfield awards page.
Did you know there is a business in Chesterfield dedicated to supporting companies with award applications and nominations? Find out more at: https://pureawards.co.uk/
7. Share Your Successes in Local Media
Another way you can promote your business is by sharing your latest successes in the form of a press release or news story.
Has your business recently expanded or moved to a new premises? Maybe you have taken on new staff members or apprentices? If your business has experienced growth, launched an innovative new product or collaborated with another local business, we want to hear about it!
Please submit your press release or details of your positive news to josh.marsh@chesterfield.co.uk
You can also submit news online to the Derbyshire Times for consideration by visiting the YourWorld website.
Wondering how to structure your press release, or wondering what information to include? Take a look at this useful guide!
8. Attend Business Events and Workshops
Businesses across Chesterfield are keen to support others by sharing their knowledge and expertise by hosting workshops, webinars and events in the area. On top of that, East Midlands Chamber, Chesterfield Borough Council, and University of Derby host regular events across a wide range of topics, all aimed at supporting business development and growth.
Keep up-to-date on all the latest business events in our area at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/events/
Is your business hosting an event in Chesterfield or North Derbyshire? We would love to hear from you to help spread the word. Email info@chesterfield.co.uk with the details.
9. Get Support from a New Government Initiative
The Business Growth Service launches in 2025 to provide streamlined support to SMEs. This UK-wide initiative, developed with local governments, simplifies access to advice and funding.
Look out for the revamped web portal in early 2025 and discover tailored resources for small businesses. More information at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-growth-service-to-save-small-business-time-and-money
10. Take Advantage of Chesterfield’s Professional Network
Need specific support or advice to grow your business? Our directory of Chesterfield Champions provides details on several different services to bolster your business.
Our directory includes businesses, consultants and service providers which specialise in the following sectors:
- Legal
- Financial
- Business advice, training and HR
- Marketing and Public relations
- Skills and recruitment
- Creative, digital, design and IT services
- Logistics and distribution
- Administration
- Sustainability
- Health, safety and compliance
So, if you’re in need of support or a particular area of expertise, we’d of course heartily recommend you choose one of Chesterfield’s friendly, down-to-earth and honest businesses… We’re all in it together!
To explore local business support options, get in touch with us today via our handy contact form at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/
