Business Support

Support Available

Visit the Invest in Harborough for an overview of the support available.

 

Leicestershire Business Advice Service

The Leicestershire Business Advice Service is a fully-funded programme available to entrepreneurs and business owners in Leicestershire. It provides those running or looking to start a business with expert advice and workshops, tailored to your current business stage. Workshops cover key business themes including; regulation & tax, marketing research, marketing and money management. 

Your business may also be eligible to benefit from the guidance and support of our experienced advisory team, as well as the ability to signpost you to other local and national organisations who can help your business or business idea. To find out more or get in touch, visit the programme website lbas.online

The Leicestershire Business Advice Service is delivered by business support experts Exemplas. It is funded by the UK Government via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), through the district councils of  Harborough, Blaby, Hinckley & Bosworth, Melton, North West Leicestershire and Oadby & Wigston.

Rise & Revive in Retail 

Independent retail shops in market towns, rural and local centres in Harborough district can access free business support and advice. Tailored expert guidance and training from a retail expert is on offer to help with planning, increasing profits, attracting new customers, help with marketing and promotions, shop layout and merchandising. It is funded by the UK Government via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). Email business@harborough.gov.uk to find out more and register. 

Harborough Innovation Centre

The Harborough Innovation Centre is a hub for business growth and innovation. With a varied range of office space, drop-in rooms and business support, the Harborough Innovation Centre is the place to start or expand your business. Business advisers are on site regularly, offering meetings to all businesses in the Harborough district. Email business@harborough.gov.uk to find out more or book. 

 

Business Gateway Growth Hub

Signposting service for businesses seeking advice, information and funding. New support being added regularly.

Get in touch today and discover the support available to grow your business:

 

Princes Trust

The Prince's Trust works with 18 to 30-year-olds living in the UK to turn big ideas into a reality. Their Enterprise programme offers free training, mentoring and resources. 

 

Digital Boost

Free digital advice for small businesses and charities impacted by coronavirus, provided by expert volunteers. They can help you with social media, websites, branding, marketing and more. 

 

Energy for Business

The University of Nottingham's Energy Innovation and Collaboration team can deliver funded support to businesses in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire or Leicestershire.

Businesses may be able to access funded support through the Energy for Business. Funded by the European Regional Development Fund, this low-carbon innovation project offers:

  • Specialist consultancy from world-class academics
  • Events and workshops
  • Student placements and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
  • A capital grant for business growth
  • Access to outstanding facilities and expertise

 

Made Smarter Programme

Made Smarter has launched a £3 million digital adoption push to drive growth in East Midlands manufacturing SMEs and help them boost productivity.

 

EMC2 Create Growth
Create Growth is a business support programme for the creative industries. The aim of the programme is to support businesses to become investment ready through a combination of workshops, peer support and mentoring. The programme begins by identifying organisations that have the potential to scale their impact through investment, but may not have the necessary skills or resources to do so.
The programme then provides targeted training and support to these organisations, covering topics such as financial planning, business planning, and pitching to investors. Participants can aim to tap into a £7m pot being managed by Innovate UK as well as introductions to local and national investors.

 

Export Readiness

It can be hard to know where to start if you’re new to exporting. And even if you export regularly, there’s always more to know. Get exporting guidance for your experience level.

 

The Business Support Directory

The Business Support Directory simplifies the search for business support across Leicester and Leicestershire. It creates connections between a business seeking support and available expertise, information, advice and funding.

 

Can't find what you are looking for? Email business@harborough.gov.uk to see if we can help. For business updates follow us on twitter, LinkedIn and sign up to our business newsletter.