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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.

Pitch to Convince Programme

Pitch to Convince is a free online programme designed for small businesses who are ready to scale and stand out. Whether you’re seeking investment, new clients, or simply want to speak about your business with more impact, this programme will help you pitch with confidence.

Starting October 2nd

View Programme

Pitch to Convince

NEEB Link

NEEB Link is a dynamic new programme designed to empower and connect businesspeople across the five North Essex districts. (Chelmsford, Colchester, Maldon, Braintree and Epping Forest). Through a carefully curated blend of in-person and digital activities, the programme supports business growth, innovation and job creation.

The offer includes 10 in-person networking events, each featuring high-profile expert speakers, 10 co-working sessions, collaborative learning and cross-district business opportunity building.

View Programme

NEEB Link

Rebel + Business School

Ready to launch or grow your business? Rebel Business School has spent over a decade helping entrepreneurs like you turn ideas into thriving ventures. Their award-winning, no-nonsense approach strips away the jargon and gives you the tools you actually need to succeed.

Through our partnership with Rebel Business School, NEEB is giving you free access to Rebel+ — the all-in-one platform built for entrepreneurs who want real results.

Inside Rebel+ you’ll find practical training, on-demand workshops, and expert guidance designed to help you move faster and smarter in business.

What you’ll master:
✔ Start a business with zero upfront cost
✔ Sales strategies that win customers
✔ Build a website without breaking the bank
✔ Grow your audience on social media
✔ Navigate the legal essentials
✔ Pitch and persuade with confidence
✔ Stay productive and build powerful networks
✔ SEO that gets you noticed
✔ Negotiate like a pro
✔ Stay motivated when the journey gets tough

This is your chance to level up your business skills, build momentum, and take control of your entrepreneurial future.

Sign up today

Rebel +
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
Help for your business - Case Studies

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!

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

Ambitious Essex Growth Hub

The Ambitious Essex 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.