Delivered by social enterprise Let’s Do Business Group and funded by the North Essex Economic Board, the business support programme which spanned districts within North Essex came to its successful conclusion in March 2025. Key figures from the programme show over 600 businesses across the region supported, with 156 jobs created and safeguarded for local people.

In North Essex, there are over 30,000 small businesses – and with an aim to create economic growth and prosperity as part of our long-term strategy, in 2023 we commissioned a specialist business support programme to offer expert help and advice to small businesses to assist them in starting up, growing and innovating in the region. We are delighted to report the success of this programme, and its key achievements that have made a tangible difference to businesses operating within North Essex.

Delivered by Let’s Do Business Group, for 2 years the North Essex Economic Board’s business support programme has played a pivotal role in strengthening the regional economy, by equipping businesses with the tools they need to adapt, innovate and thrive in a rapidly evolving marketplace. Drawing on the diverse urban, rural and coastal characteristics of North Essex, our business support programme has empowered local businesses with critical guidance, funding opportunities and expert led training that prepares them to succeed, as well as enrich our region as a whole – creating real economic growth and prosperity aligns with our Delivering for North Essex strategy.

Driven by the expert team at Let’s Do Business Group, the initiative offered comprehensive support, including 1:1 mentoring and advice, access to finance, free access to workshops and events covering topics such as accounting, marketing, management and more, to aspiring entrepreneurs and established enterprises alike.

Over the course of the programme, 612 businesses received support – with over 848 hours of expert support delivered, creating a social value of over £90,000 for the region. 156 jobs were created and safeguarded as a direct result of the support received, with 89 businesses reporting their adoption of new technology and processes implemented in their operations.