Free business support for start-ups
Babergh and Mid Suffolk Councils have teamed up with MENTA to offer start-up businesses free expert support and guidance.
As part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the councils were allocated £90,000 to deliver the scheme and have partnered with MENTA to roll it out across the districts.
The programme is open to those in Babergh or Mid Suffolk that are thinking of starting a business, are in the process of starting a business or have recently started their business venture.
It's free to enrol on and is set to be open until the end of March 2025, including a range of workshops, 1 to 1 sessions, seminars and much more all designed to help new businesses flourish.
Councillor Derek Davis, cabinet member for economic development at Babergh District Council, said:
"Businesses small and large play such an important role in our district and that’s why it is vital to offer support to those just starting out or looking to set up within the district.
"This is an excellent opportunity to gain invaluable support and guidance, and I would encourage anyone who is eligible to enrol.”
Councillor Teresa Davis, cabinet member for thriving towns and rural communities at Mid Suffolk District Council, said:
"There are lots of things to think about when starting a new business and I am really pleased that, by partnering with MENTA, we are able to provide the very best level of support to all of those budding entrepreneurs in the district.
"Whether you’re thinking of starting a business or have been running one for a few months, this programme is the perfect chance to access bespoke support and advice which can help your business to thrive.”
MENTA CEO, Alex Till, said:
"We are delighted to be working with Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils to deliver this exciting programme of support.
"We recognise that small and micro-business are the lifeblood of the Babergh and Mid Suffolk economy and require nurturing and support to survive and be successful.
"Starting a business or going self-employed is a big step and access to high quality non-biased advice and guidance is vital to help individuals and businesses ‘start well’."
Find out more about the Babergh and Mid Suffolk start-up business support programme on the Heart of Suffolk website.
Businesses that don’t qualify for this scheme, such as self-employed social enterprises, can find other available support schemes on the New Anglia Growth Hub website
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund falls within the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda and has provided £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. For more information, visit the GOV.UK website
