South Cambridgeshire District Council has launched a new service to help businesses in the area to start up, grow and prosper during the tough economic times.

Based upon the success of previous business support initiatives, the District Council recognised that resident businesses continue to face real challenges and hardship as a consequence of the economic downturn and that, since the closure of Business Link last year, there continues to be a vacuum in business support in the area – especially for SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises).

Delivered by Exemplas on behalf of the Council, the South Cambridgeshire Business Support Fund offers free business advice and guidance to eligible SMEs and grants of up to £1,000 may also be available for further support.

In addition there are a range of quality workshops, also available to those thinking of starting a business, including topics such as Managing Money and How to Make a Profit, Finding and Keeping Customers, Planning a Website and Planning for Growth supplemented by further post-workshop support designed to embed learning.

As the previous deliverer of Business Link services in the East of England, Exemplas already has well-established relationships with other local support organisations, key partners and agencies to which it will provide referrals, ensuring a joined-up service across the district.

John Collier, Chief Executive of Exemplas, said, “These are unprecedented times for business, and SMEs and virgin entrepreneurs are finding it very difficult with the escalating effect of the double dip and continuing squeeze on credit.

"Even viable and bankable propositions are finding it ever more difficult with the lack of business support.”

Cllr. Nick Wright, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, said; “This business support fund is stepping in to fill the gap left by others.

"Supporting businesses is a key objective for the Council and this new drive is building on the successes we have already had. Places at the workshops are already proving popular, so make sure that you sign up to benefit from these practical sessions”.

The Business Support Fund is available to anyone that has been running a business within a South Cambridgeshire postcode for at least 12 months and can who demonstrate difficulties as a consequence of the recession. The workshops are available to all SME businesses and individuals thinking of starting one.

The free service will run until March 2013. For further information call 0844 346 0755 or email southcambsbusinesssupport@exemplas.com.

Details of the Service can be found by visiting: www.exemplas.com/southcambs or www.cambridge-plus.com/content/business-support – a website set up by the Council to help support existing businesses in South Cambridgeshire and promote the area to encourage new firms to set up.

There are four publications to download – please click on the appropriate file(s) near the foot of this page:

• Case study.
• Dates and useful contacts.
• SCDC support service – funding.
• SCDC support service – workshops.

Main SCDC contact

Nicole Kritzinger
Principal Lead: Economic Development & Tourism
South Cambridgeshire District Council
South Cambridgeshire Hall
Cambourne Business Park
Cambourne
CB23 6EA
 
Tel (Switch): 03450 450500
Direct: 01954 713454
Fax: 01954 713419
E-Mail nicole.kritzinger@scambs.gov.uk