Derbyshire business support scheme

It is open to people who are starting their own business, or have recently set up a business in the last 12 months. They must be registered or planning to register and trade in Derbyshire or Derby.

Expert business advice

A team of local expert business advisers are in place to offer free and impartial advice and support tailored to your needs which includes:

• mentoring
• business planning
• financial planning
• marketing
• signposting to other suitable areas of support

Up to £10,000 per applicant

Grant funding of up to 50% of total project costs to a maximum of £10,000 per applicant is available, subject to meeting eligibility criteria. Our business advisers will guide you through the application process.

Networking opportunities and help in securing a wide range of services necessary to help entrepreneurs turn their venture into a success are also part of the support package on offer.

Contact

To find out more about the Derbyshire scheme and request support please email business@derbyshire.gov.uk with:

• a brief description of your business venture or idea
• your current status - idea stage, first 3-months of trading, 3 to 12-months trading
• your contact details - name, address of your business, email, preferred telephone number

You will be asked to complete an enrolment form and these details will enable us to allocate a business adviser who will contact you and outline the support we can offer. Access to grant support will be discussed with you by your allocated adviser.

Your personal information will only be used for the purposes of providing advice and support through the business start-up support and grant scheme.

Derbyshire is a collaboration of local authorities across Derbyshire which delivers priority projects which have a positive impact on people's lives and achieve greater council efficiency. A funding pot of £550,000, which has been raised through Derbyshire's involvement in the Government's retained business rates pilot scheme, has been set aside to support start-ups in Derbyshire and Derby.

Here’s what clients have said:

The business start-up grant has enabled Potters to purchase 8 new pool tables. This has generated extra income and allowed us to take on more pool teams. We have seen membership figures grow from circa 150 to over 1,300 members in just 9 months.

Philip Dayton,  Potters Snooker & Pool Club Swadlincote

“Working with a business adviser has helped me challenge my own perceptions of what opportunities may be available. Doors have opened that I didn’t know would be possible. The support I’ve received has been invaluable.”

Suzanne Lloyd, Virtue Virtual Assistance, Chesterfield

“It’s hard to put into words what the Derbyshire Business Start Up Support Scheme has done for my new business.  From the outset I felt supported and helped to achieve a dream I never knew I was capable of.”

Holly Hartley, The Calico Bazaar, High Peak

16 February 2023