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Help for your business

Help for your business

Businesses are what drive the economy forwards, and the North Essex Economic Board (NEEB) recognises that businesses have faced many difficulties over the last few years, and wants to support them through their challenges and onto growth.

Illustration of a man building a house with bricks

In North Essex, there are over 30,000 businesses contributing significantly to the local economy. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make up approximately 99% of these businesses, highlighting the importance
of targeted support and development programs.

That is why NEEB over the last 4 years has provided a number of fully funded support programmes to help businesses survive and thrive.

Let's Do Business Group

Let’s Do Business Group (LDBG) were commissioned to provide Business Support to North Essex Economic Board members in the districts of Braintree, Chelmsford, Colchester, Maldon and Tendring.

Through the Backing Essex Business service, and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocated from NEEBs District and City Council partners, Businesses have been able to access FREE tailored support from Let’s Do Business Group on topics such as starting up, accessing finance, marketing and promotion, improving productivity, business planning, staffing (including recruitment and retention), digital skills and decarbonisation.

Through this programme

601 Businesses have accessed support
146 Jobs have been created or safeguarded

Let's Do Business Group
NEEB has supported 1,930 businesses between 2021-2025, investing over £2M into North Essex
Through NEEBs support programmes in 2021-2025 466 jobs have been created or safeguarded and 157 individuals have benefitted from IT/Literacy training
Tree lined path with grass and bushes

Read our case studies

Take a look through some of our case studies here. From financial support, network building and business planning – NEEB partners can help!

More about NEEB's work

Acessing Business Support

This programme came to an end on 31st March 2025. To access business support through other programmes please feel free to use the resources below

Best Growth Hub

The BEST Growth Hub provides businesses in Essex with a single point of access to a wide range of local, regional and national support.

Backing Essex Business

Fully funded by Essex County Council and delivered by Let’s Do Business Group, Backing Essex Business is here to provide help for your business to grow, through advice, access to business finance, and training.

Get Better in Chelmsford

Chelmsford City Council are delighted to partner once again with The Better Agency to bring you the third series of “Get Better in Chelmsford” — a series of free, practical marketing workshops designed to give small businesses the tools they need to succeed.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)

The Federation of Small Businesses is the UK’s leading membership organisation for small businesses and the self-employed.