Start & Sustain is a new business support programme for aspiring entrepreneurs and businesses trading for less than two years in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

Delivered through a mix of online and face-to-face support, the programme helps make business support more accessible for all. Find out more using the links below or complete a registration form for details.

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1. One Programme: Four ways to support you

2. Local Support: When and where you need it

3. Why join Start & Sustain?

4. Who can join?

5. Frequently Asked Questions

6. Take the next step today

1. One Programme: Four ways to support you

Explore: Is Self-Employment Right for You?

Not sure where to begin? Our friendly team can help you understand what's involved in running a business and whether self-employment is the right choice for you.

You'll have access to:

• Weekly "Is Self-employment right for you?" webinars - coming soon
• Start-up information and guidance
• Business idea discussions and reality checks
• Market and sector insights
• Access to expert helplines

Start: Turn your Idea into a Business

Gain the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to launch successfully.

You'll have access to:

• Practical Start-up Bootcamps - coming soon
• Business planning support
• Marketing and sales guidance
• Financial planning and cashflow workshops - coming soon
• Legal and compliance advice
• One-to-one support from business advisers
• Free access to the COBRA business information library - coming soon

Sustain: Build Strong Foundations for Growth

Already trading? If your business is less than two years old, we'll help you become more resilient, profitable and growth ready.

Support includes:

• One-to-one mentoring
• Financial management and pricing support
• Cashflow forecasting
• Marketing and customer acquisition
• Sales conversion and productivity
• Digital and AI adoption
• Innovation and exporting advice
• Growth workshops and specialist masterclasses - coming soon

Connect: Access a Powerful Business Support Network

Starting a business doesn't have to be a lonely journey. We'll connect you to a wider network of support, including:

• Growth Hub services
• Start Up Loans and finance providers
• Innovation and university support
• Peer networks and business communities
• Generation Next and Chamber events
• Regional and national business support programmes
• Specialist advisers and consultants.

2. Local Support: When and where you need it

In addition to online support, Start & Sustain offers access to:

Weekly Business Surgeries - coming soon

Meet with an adviser in your local area for personalised guidance and practical support. Available across:

• Derby
• Derbyshire
• Nottingham
• Nottinghamshire

Our flexible approach means you can access support:

• In person
• Online
• By phone: 0333 006 9178
• By email

3. Why join Start & Sustain?

Thousands of people have already benefitted from EMCCA business support programmes.

With Start & Sustain you'll receive:

• Free expert support
• Access to trusted advisers and specialists
• Practical workshops and bootcamps - coming soon
• Business planning tools and templates
• Market research and business intelligence
• Connections to funding and finance opportunities
•  A supportive entrepreneurial community
• Clear progression into wider Growth Hub and other business support services.

4. Who can join?

The programme is open to:

• Individuals thinking about starting a business
• Businesses, sole traders and self-employed individuals trading for less than two years
• Entrepreneurs from all backgrounds and sectors.

You must:

• Live in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham or Nottinghamshire; or
• Have a business trading address within Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham or Nottinghamshire

5. Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost?
   All support provided through the Start & Sustain programme is completely free to eligible participants.
    
2. How quickly can I access support?
   Once registered, our team will contact you to discuss your needs and identify the most appropriate support pathway.
    
3. Can I receive funding to start my business?
   The programme does not provide direct grant funding, but we can help you explore funding, finance and investment opportunities available to your business.
    
4. My business is more than two years old. Can I still get support?
   You may be eligible for alternative Growth Hub and other business support services. Contact us and we'll help identify the most suitable support available.
    
5. Who delivers the programme?
   Start & Sustain is funded by EMCCA and delivered by East Midlands Chamber, working alongside a network of trusted partners and specialist advisers.

6. Take the next step today

Every successful business starts somewhere.

Whether you're exploring an idea, planning a launch or building momentum in your first few years of trading, Start & Sustain can help you move forward with confidence.

Complete a registration form to begin or develop your business.

 

Register Now

 

Funded by East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).
Delivered by East Midlands Chamber

 

Start & Sustain is a fully funded business support programme available across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire until June 2028, subject to programme eligibility and funding conditions.