Start up your Business Programme
Get in touch
Get in touch to find out more about our business support offering.
Who’s it for?
The programme is open to Essex residents aged 25 and over (excluding Southend and Thurrock) who:
- Have a business idea they'd like to explore
- Are planning to start a business or side hustle
- Have been trading for less than 12 months
You can take part whether you're employed, self-employed or currently not working. No previous business experience is needed, just an idea and a commitment to learn.
What is it?
Start up your Business is a four-week programme delivered online through Zoom. You'll join a small group of up to 10 participants and take part in one-hour sessions each week, led by experienced Essex-based start-up specialists.
Over four weeks, you'll cover:
01 | Find the Opportunity: Shape your business idea, understand your customers and identify market opportunities.
02 | Make the Numbers Work: Learn the essentials of costs, pricing, cashflow and business finances.
03 | Test and Take it to Market: Explore ways to test your idea and start attracting customers.
04 | Connect, Fund and Launch: Discover funding opportunities, support networks and practical next steps for your business.
As well as the four online workshops, participants will receive:
- 10% discount on FSB membership
- Access to funding guidance from Allica Bank
- Optional access to Finance Foundations, an online learning course with a CPD certificate
- Opportunities to connect with other aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners
What’s required?
The programme is completely free to attend.
Places are limited, so participants are asked to commit to attending all four sessions to get the most value from the programme.
How does it work?
Once you've chosen your preferred group and completed the application form, you'll receive joining information for your online sessions.
All workshops are delivered via Zoom from 10:00am to 11:00am, giving you practical, bite-sized learning that can fit around work, family life and other commitments.
Choose your group:
Group 1 - 12 November 2026 to 3 December 2026. Hosted by Graham Broughton.
Group 2 - (Women only) 3 March 2027 to 24 March 2027. Hosted by Sarah Brockwell.
Group 3 - 13 April 2027 to 4 May 2027. Hosted by Graham Broughton.
Group 4 - 6 May 2027 to 27 May 2027. Hosted by Sarah Brockwell.
Next Steps...
Ready to take the first step towards starting your own business?
Choose the group that works best for you and complete our simple application form.
Stories of progress
Don't just take our word for it, hear from the local individuals who are scaling faster and thinking bigger.
“The Innovation Grant Mentoring Programme didn’t just help us write a stronger grant application, it changed how we tell KIGO’s story. That is the kind of support every early-stage founder needs and almost none can find.”
Innovation Grant Mentoring
“The support was incredibly helpful. I was able to step back, really look at where the business was going, and understand the financial side more clearly. It also made me realise the true value of what I was delivering - something I hadn’t fully recognised before.”
Ambitious Essex
“The Essex Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Service has been invaluable in helping us enable apprenticeship employers to secure funding quickly and easily, ensuring smaller employers and apprentices have the same opportunities as other learners.”
Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Service
“The team have been very supportive throughout the process and guided us through each step. Every question was answered in detail, and we would highly recommend the service to other businesses.”
Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Service
“It’s a valuable way to invest in our team and support business growth. The process was straightforward, and the support helped us up skill our team without the usual financial pressures. We’d highly recommend it to others looking to develop their workforce.”
Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Service
“Pitching to companies was the best, from a commercial and learning perspective. Secondly the other cohort members, I feel I've met like minded people going through or have been through similar challenges.”
Grow Essex Global
“My experience with the Essex Growth Agency through Ambitious Women in Essex has been transformational for my business. May it continue as an incubator of talent, driving growth and prosperity across the county.”
Ambitious Women in Essex
"From start to finish, the process was seamless. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, guiding me through every step. I felt valued as a customer, and the results were fantastic. Thank you for a wonderful experience!"
Ambitious Women in Essex