Business Support

This page provides links to information which can help support a new business and help it get going.


Starting or developing a business

Business link  
This is a government funded organisation here to help people like you get started and succeed if you are already in business or not. All the help and advice given is independent and impartial and most services are free of charge.

Colchester Business and Enterprise Agency
They provide office and incubation space for new start ups and young businesses. The centre is also encouraging and helping businesses to develop their potential by providing one to one business counselling covering all aspects of business operation. The advice, training and support we provide helps thousands of people make a decision about setting up their own business, and gives them the foundation to make that business a success.

CompeteFor  
They provide a simple method of accessing opportunities to tender for contracts around the London 2012 Games. It is a free service that enables businesses to compete for contract opportunities linked to the games and other major public and private sector buying organisations.

Enterprise Europe Network  
This offers support and advice to businesses helping to make the most of opportunities in the European Union. Wherever you are in Europe, you can get access to all the information you need to develop your business and find the right business partners.

Enterprising Women
This is the home for women starting and growing businesses. It provides business support, information, help, training, inspiration, mentoring, news, business partners, networking events and new clients. Membership is free.

Essex Chambers of Commerce  
This is a membership organisation providing an extensive list of business support to Essex companies. This includes business networking, a directory of Essex businesses, a free legal helpline, a range of health and safety services, credit checks, translations services and business skills training.

Essex County Council Business Advice and Support  
These pages are useful if you are starting up a new business, are relocating to Essex, or have an existing business in Essex. There is a wide range of business advice and assistance available.

Essex County Council Libraries Business Information Service
This offers a range of business information solutions to support intending, new and established businesses in the country. As well as providing the information needed they also work closely with the local and regional business community and can put you in touch with the best sources of support. They have selected some of the best online information services available and subscribed to them so that you can use them free of charge from any Essex library.

Essex Innovation Programme
This offers a range of support under two programmes, 'New Ideas' (for entrepreneurs and startup's) and 'Developing Innovative Businesses' (for early stage and existing businesses). These programmes consist of expert advice and mentoring covering a range of businesses and product development issues.

Federation of Small Businesses  
This is a membership organisation offering free legal, tax and financial advice and support to businesses.

Lifestages UK Ltd
This is a company which provide finance Training, Disability Training, Access Audits, Diversity through Disability and Toolkits.

The lightbulb
They are based in Basildon and can help you source funding to invest in your staff's skills and to strengthen your business.

UK Trade and Investment  
This helps UK-based businesses to ensure their success in international markets. They also encourage the best overseas companies to look to the UK as their global partner of choice. Through its partner organisation East of England, it operates a team of professional international trade advisors and regional sector specialists helping businesses tap into a global network of trade specialists around the world.

University of Essex Business Hub  
This provides modern incubation facilities for start up businesses and young companies .The Business Hub is a purpose built facility that can offer you access to support, advice and training, IT equipment and modern conference suites, and your organisation a wide range of support services, all of which are specifically designed to deliver a sustainable, successful business culture.

Venture Navigator  
This is a free and impartial online business support service helping businesses and entrepreneurs who have an idea or a company ready for growth. It provides business assessments and feedback, resource referencing, advice and guidance and an online community where business owners and entrepreneurs can collaborate and exchange knowledge and experiences.

Finance for a business

East of England Development Agency
This offers funding to help businesses invest in improvements that will lead to long term gains in productivity, skills and employment.

Train to Gain
This offers part funded and fully funded training for apprenticeships, leadership and management skills, and in addition contributes to the costs of staff spending time away from work undertaking agreed training. With help from Train to Gain you can invest in skills, giving your employees the ability, confidence and motivation to deliver real business results.