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
- Considering an apprentice?
The new Apprenticeship Hub service from Essex County Council can help you find an apprentice to suit your business.
The Essex Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Service, also from Essex County Council, can help you secure funding to pay for your apprentice training costs in full.
- 5 Steps To Grow Your Business - online workshop
Delivered and by West Essex Business Support, this workshop is free to attend for businesses located within the council districts of Harlow, Uttlesford and Epping Forest.
Expect to learn:
- Assessing and understanding your market
- How to develop a business growth strategy
- What are your areas of strengths and hero products
- How to target and win new customers
- Sources of investment available to your business
- Thurrock Green Business Grant Programme
Funding is still available for businesses looking to improve their energy efficiency.
Grants between £2,000 and £8,000 for small or medium sized businesses registered at a Thurrock address are available for new, more efficient equipment.
In addition to helping your business become more sustainable, the grant must help you to either employ a new member of staff, improve productivity, or introduce new to firm technologies or products.
Register your interest for one of Thurrock Council’s 50% match funded grants here.
- Master Local Marketing: A Webinar for Essex Businesses,"
Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand, FSB members ‘Blue Cactus Digital’ can help your business thrive.
Hear from industry experts, gain valuable marketing insights, and network with fellow business leaders on this free webinar.
What you can expect:
- Strategies to enhance your local visibility and achieve sustainable growth
- Insights into using digital tools to improve your brand and customer interactions
- A chance to network with other local businesses, sharing experiences and ideas
- Understanding Your Business Finances - online workshop
Delivered and funded through West Essex Business Support, this workshop is free to attend for business located within the council districts of Harlow, Uttlesford and Epping Forest.
Expect to learn:
- How to manage your cash-flow, profit and assets
- Sourcing investment to grow your business
- Grants and loans available to fund business growth
- The difference between capital and revenue expenditure
- How to manage your balance sheet and make your business attractive for investment
- Freeport East Growth Funds
Two new funds, with a combined value of up to £800,000 in support, are now open for applications, courtesy of Freeport East.
The Freeport East Clean Growth Fund will provide financial assistance to local businesses operating within clean energy and Freeport East’s other target sectors. Meanwhile, the Freeport East Innovation and Skills Fund will focus on building access to innovation and skills opportunities, particularly in underserved communities.
