Help is available for new businesses to start up and grow in Worcester City through a programme of grants and free business advice. The support package will encourage the occupation of vacant commercial premises, help regenerate neighbourhoods, stimulate entrepreneurship, create new jobs and enhance the sustainability of new businesses.
Worcester City Council works with Worcestershire Growth Hub to bring all aspects of business support into one place. Free guidance and support are available as well as lots of useful information for setting up and running a business
Worcester City Council business start-up grant
Businesses at the start-up stage or which have been trading for less than 12 months can apply for a grant of up to £1500 towards ‘one-off’ costs such as building works, fixtures and fittings, equipment, a new website or software to help set up. The grant must be match-funded pound-for-pound from the business’s own resources.
The new business must be based in Worcester.
Businesses applying for the Worcester City Council start-up grant will be expected to have received business start-up advice (ideally through the Enterprising Worcestershire programme) and must provide a business plan.
This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Business Start-up Grant is part of Worcester City Council’s allocation of £2.96m.
For further information, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01905 722106.
To apply and view the eligibility criteria, follow the button link below.
Apply for a Business Start-up Grant
Enterprising Worcestershire Business support
The Enterprising Worcestershire programme offers a range of support for new businesses from pre-start to early stage development.
Business Start-up Masterclass
The Start-up Masterclass workshops provide budding entrepreneurs with the essential knowledge, skills and confidence needed to turn their idea into a promising business.
Support is delivered face-to-face in local settings and provides the opportunity for like-minded entrepreneurs to share experiences while gaining advice and guidance from business start-up specialists.
The Start-up Masterclass runs for a total of 12 hours and includes signposting to further support.
Start-Up Coaching
Start-up coaching is available to businesses that have been trading for less than 3 years to help make informed decisions and provide guidance to develop and grow the business.
The bespoke support is delivered one-to-one either face-to-face or remotely.
The coaching support is flexible and businesses can access a minimum of 3 hours and, in some cases up to 10 hours, to meet the business needs.
Enterprising Worcestershire Business Support
Worcestershire Libraries
Business advice is available through the Business and Intellectual Property Centres at the Hive and other key libraries across the county.
Individuals and businesses in Worcestershire can access resources and databases to support them with marketing and business planning and incorporating support from the Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) can access specialist IP one to one advice. This includes access to co-working spaces, events and workshops.