Free 1-2-1 business support and part-funded grants from Enterprising Ashfield, Notts

Here’s how local enterprises can sign-up for free 1-2-1 business growth support, plus part-funded grants for upskilling and specialist consultancy
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Published 11th Aug 2023, 08:09 GMT
Updated 15th Aug 2023, 10:18 GMT
Steve Abbot: “It has been helpful, supportive and made us think about the bigger picture." Submitted pictureSteve Abbot: “It has been helpful, supportive and made us think about the bigger picture." Submitted picture
Steve Abbot: “It has been helpful, supportive and made us think about the bigger picture." Submitted picture

While running your own business can be a rewarding and positive experience, it can also be isolating. Smaller firms may not have the in-house knowledge to grow and develop, while larger firms may struggle to find time and expertise to train staff or innovate.

The Business Growth scheme at Enterprising Ashfield, part of Nottingham Trent University and funded by The Towns Fund, is an innovative scheme developed in association with Ashfield District Council.

It can be transformative for eligible businesses looking for the support they need for the next step up.

The service is funded for any business in the eligible area which has been trading for six months or more.

Business advisor Adrian Williams is there to help, with a range of help for each firm as well as networking opportunities.

“Our service is there to help firms looking to develop. There are two particular programmes, the WOW scheme and the Boost programme.

“WOW is mainly for small businesses, and it stands for Work Out What; we fact-find what the business is doing and what its needs are, then tailor insightful help. That help is often 1-2-1 sessions with me as a business advisor, which business have found incredibly helpful.

“The Boost programme is for more established firms and is a deep diagnostic look at the business and what support they are looking for. That can involve signposting them on to other services with Enterprise Ashfield, as well as Business Growth.”

Who is eligible?

While there are other schemes within Enterprising Ashfield for individuals and businesses, the Business Growth strand is for businesses which have been trading for six months or more in Sutton in Ashfield, Kirkby in Ashfield, Huthwaite, Stanton Hill, Skegby, Annesley, Kirkby Woodhouse and Sherwood Business Park.

Is there a cost?

Enterprising Ashfield is fully funded, which means seeking support and 1-2-1 advice is completely free. There is also grant funding available for up to £1500 (match funded to what the firm puts in) which can be used for upskilling, specialist mentoring or consultancy.

Case study

Nana Print on Low Street in Sutton in Ashfield makes personalised gifts and is benefitting from the programme. Owner Steve Abbott says: “Having started our business in 2021 and opening our first store in Sutton-in-Ashfield in November 2022 we found ourselves very busy, becoming immersive in the day to day routine and taking our eye off planning properly for our future success. Spending time with Adrian and his colleagues from Enterprise Ashfield gave us the breakout time we needed to look ahead.

“It has been helpful, supportive and made us think about the bigger picture. We are certain this free support we have received has helped us be in a much stronger position for our future growth. We would highly recommend the Enterprise Ashfield scheme to anyone to help support their business.”

Find out more

If your firm needs advice, a sounding board or sign-posting to more detailed support, the friendly and approachable team at Enterprising Ashfield can help. Email [email protected] or visit the website ntu.ac.uk/enterprisingashfield

Related topics:Nottingham Trent University