Starting your business

People sat around a table with a laptop and a cup

Starting your business

A variety of support available for early-stage businesses and start-ups, as well as those considering self-employment.

Enterprising Worcestershire

Enterprising Worcestershire is an ERDF funding programme, offering a range of support for early-stage businesses and start-ups, as well as those considering starting a business across the region.

We are here to support you start, develop, and grow your early-stage business.

This programme offers a variety of support including:

Enterprising Worcestershire Start up logo, European Union logo, Worcestershire County Council logo and Midlands Engine logo

Enterprising Worcestershire Start-Up Grant

Boost your start-up with support from our grant funding. The Enterprising Worcestershire Grant Fund offers grants from £1,000 up to a maximum of £15,000. 

The grants are match funded and will provide 40% of the total cost of a project meaning 60% is to be funded by the SME. The business must be located in Worcestershire and trading for less than 36 months at the point of application. There are a limited number of grants left.

More information about Enterprising Worcestershire Start-Up Grant 

EnRich Programme

Two-day course proving young entrepreneurs the skills, knowledge and confidence to start a business. Whether you have a fantastic business idea, would like to set up a side hustle or fancy becoming a freelancer. The EnRich programme is here to help you unleash your potential. The final course takes place on 6 and 7 March.

More information about the EnRich Programme 

Start-up Club

A five-day course suitable for all aspiring entrepreneurs considering starting a business. The support is available to anyone, whether their business idea is B2B or B2C. The course promises to deliver engaging, informative, and interactive information and will cover a wide range of topics from sales and marketing through to pitching an idea.  Upon completion of the course, individuals can also access up to 2 hours of additional 1:1 support.

See when the next Start-up Club course is

Early-Stage business coaching

12 hours of free support to give B2B businesses in Worcestershire the guidance needed to take you to the next level. You must be an SME business located in Worcestershire and have been trading for less than five years. Places on this programme are fully allocated and a waiting list is now open.

More information about Early-Stage business coaching

High growth activate programme

Unique start-up business support programme designed to help Worcestershire high growth SMEs accelerate toward success. Support is aimed at those with the potential to create high growth/high value businesses, seeking to support the more informed start-up with a strong concept/value proposition.

This programme is now closed to new applications. Please contact ew@worcestershire.gov.uk for details of other support that is currently available. Thank you.

Other support

Business Mentoring Scheme

The innovative mentoring project matches local business owners with volunteer mentors. To be eligible to apply, your business must be situated in and trading from Worcestershire, your business can be either B2B or B2C.

More information about the Business Mentoring Scheme

Other support

Business and Intellectual Property Centre - The Enterprising Worcestershire programme has teamed up with Worcestershire libraries to provide information and advice through key libraries across the county.

Worcester City Council – Business Start-up grant

The Prince’s Trust - offers support with starting a business to young people aged 18-30.

Get in touch

If you would like the Enterprising Worcestershire team to contact you directly about this new and exciting support, please email EW@worcestershire.gov.uk

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