Here is a snapshot of the business news for Essex from your Development Manager, Ann Scott.
You can also follow us on Twitter for more regular updates: @FSBEssex
- Tendring's Shared Prosperity Fund & Rural England Prosperity Fund Launch
Join Tendring District Council for an informal networking event where new funding opportunities across the district will be launched.
Up to £5,000 available for town centre businesses and up to £20,000 available for rural business.
- Free webinar on the future of business waste in Essex
On Tuesday 23 April, Essex County Council will be hosting a free lunch and learn session on the draft Waste Strategy for Essex and what it means for local businesses.
Attendees will have the chance to:
- Provide feedback and ask questions
- Discuss the challenges around shaping future business support
- Hear about upcoming waste legislation changes
- Work with experts to help your business prepare for these changes and take action as soon as possible
Registration is now open for this virtual event, taking place from 12:30pm to 1:30pm:
- New digital support hubs in Brentwood
Four existing community hubs in Brentwood will soon offer digital support services.
These new hubs will ensure that no one misses out on digital opportunities due to a lack of connectivity - helping residents access vital support online, such as the NHS app and council services.
St Peter’s Church is the first site to launch its digital hub with three more sites at Maple Hall, Brentwood Theatre and Ingatestone Library coming soon.
- Flexible AI Upskilling Fund pilot
Through this pilot programme, eligible business can apply for funding for up to 50% of the cost of AI skills training. This is training which supports employees to develop their technical skills and/or understanding of AI to be able to develop, deploy, or use AI in their role.
Find out about eligibility and apply here.
- Go Connections Essex
FSB Essex members are being offered a 25% discount on Go Connections Networking.
- Start My Biz - Free Online Workshop
Are you thinking about starting your own business in Essex?
This free virtual workshop from Backing Essex Business will help you to:
- Explore and clarify your business idea
- Research your target market and understand your competitors
- Develop your business model and kick-start your business plan
- Help you to understand the numbers, create projections and explore funding options
- Start shaping your marketing strategy, including online and social media presence
- Set your business goals
- Overview of business types, tax and insurance, accounting software, bank accounts
- Tools to help with taking the next step
- Gain peer support from like-minded people
Find out more and sign up here by Wednesday 1 May.
