Innovative new programme to help East Midlands business ideas become thriving enterprises

New Start & Sustain programme will actively engage at least 2,000 aspiring entrepreneurs and start-up businesses each year across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. 

Thousands of people across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire who want to start their own business will be able to access practical support to help turn their ideas into successful, sustainable enterprises. 

The East Midlands Combined County Authority’s (EMCCA’s) new Start & Sustain programme will provide the tools, expertise and confidence needed to start and grow a business.

The programme, funded by EMCCA, will be delivered by East Midlands Chamber. It will provide practical advice, guidance and support for aspiring entrepreneurs, people preparing to become self-employed and businesses in their first two years of trading. 

Programme of support

Support will be tailored to the needs of each business and will include help with business planning, finance, marketing, digital skills, sales, leadership, and building the confidence and skills needed to run a successful business, alongside access to workshops, networking opportunities, online resources and mentoring. 

The EMCCA programme will be delivered with support available online, in person and through a mix of both, helping to make sure businesses and entrepreneurs can easily access support, through multiple channels, that suit them best. Targeted outreach will help ensure the service reaches people who have traditionally faced additional barriers to starting a business, as well as entrepreneurs in rural and underserved communities. 

East Midlands Chamber will be delivering Start & Sustain and will support entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses with clear, high-quality support that meets their needs. As part of EMCCA’s wider approach to business support, the programme will sit alongside an enhanced East Midlands Growth Hub to make it easier for businesses across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire to find trusted advice, understand what help is available, and connect to local, regional and national opportunities for growth. 

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “The East Midlands is full of people with the ideas, ambition and determination to build successful businesses. If we are to grow our economy, it is these people we need to back and support during those critical early stages. Everyone who starts a business is taking a risk to achieve more: they deserve our care and attention.”  

“This is what the Start & Sustain programme is here to do, delivered by East Midlands Chamber. It will give aspiring entrepreneurs and young businesses across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire access to practical advice, support, and connections: ensuring they are put in a strong position to grow and thrive.” 

 David Williams, chair of EMCCA’s Business Advisory Board, said: “Backing people at the very start of their business journey is one of the most important ways we can grow the East Midlands economy.  

“The Start & Sustain programme will help remove some of those early barriers by giving entrepreneurs and new businesses access to practical, trusted support. By helping more businesses get off the ground and stay on track, this programme can make a real difference to local communities, create jobs and support long-term growth across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.” 

 Diane Beresford, East Midlands Chamber deputy chief executive, said: “We’re proud to be working with EMCCA to deliver Start & Sustain helping more people across the region start, grow and sustain successful businesses. 

“Because no two businesses are the same, the support on offer is personalised, practical and impartial. Whether you’re considering self-employment, launching a new venture or looking to take an existing business to the next level, our locally based advisers will provide tailored support at every stage of your journey, making use of AI diagnostic tools like Growth Canvas to provide the best service and experience. 

“I’d encourage anyone with a business idea or ambition to get involved. By connecting with the Growth Hub community, you’ll gain access to the expertise, guidance and networks that can help turn potential into progress.” 

The Start & Sustain programme aims to create new enterprises and jobs, improving businesses’ readiness for funding and supporting at least 75 per cent of participating start-ups to remain in business a year after launch. Click here for more.