Basildon Council Launches Comprehensive Business Support and Grants Programme: 'BASILDON BUSINESS BOOST'

Basildon, UK - 25 July 2024 - Basildon Council today announced the launch of BASILDON BUSINESS BOOST, a multifaceted business support and grants programme designed to empower local entrepreneurs and businesspeople and to create new jobs. Fully-funded by HM Government, and delivered in collaboration with The Consortium, this innovative programme aims to provide comprehensive support through a bespoke blend of peer groups, personalised coaching, expert-led workshops, access to finance and much more.

Businesses based in Basildon, Wickford, Laindon, Pitsea and Billericay are invited to apply now and choose their personalised support plan. Support is delivered free of charge from now until 31 March 2025.

Cllr Jessica Power, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Skills and Local Economy, welcomed the announcement: "Basildon Borough is built on entrepreneurial spirit and we have a long history of small businesses succeeding here. We know that when local businesses are supported, their success ensures the whole borough thrives. Today's announcement means even more start-ups and scale-ups can grow here, accessing dedicated support that is personalised to their needs. I would urge any business owner thinking about their next steps to contact Basildon Business Boost to see how they could benefit."

Programme Structure:

• Peer Groups - cohorts will meet for 2 hours every two weeks via ZOOM, with a total of four sessions facilitated by an expert business coach.
• 1:1 Business Coaching - complementing the peer group sessions, participants will receive 2 hours of personalised 1:1 coaching via ZOOM.
• Web-based Workshops - to provide additional expert insights, four 2-hour ZOOM workshops will cover critical themes such as Finance, Scale-up, Innovation, and Start-up.
• In-Person Workshops - six half-day in-person workshops will be held at high-profile, accessible venues across the district, with each workshop providing tangible takeaway outputs and action plans.
• 'Ask the Expert' Drop-in Sessions - confidential drop-in sessions provide advice on debt, finance, capital growth grants, and business growth.
• Specialist 1:1 Debt Advice - for businesses facing significant challenges, specialist 1:1 'in distress' consultancy will be available.
• Women in Business support - female-led and female-focussed business support for women in business or with a business idea.
• Business Grants - a limited number of £2,000 business grants are available for businesses to utilise to purchase new equipment (grants are subject to status and do not need to be repaid)

Eligibility:

The Basildon Business Boost programme is open to businesses at any stage, whether starting-up or established, located within the district of Basildon. Participants can have any trading status, including Sole Trader, Limited Company, or Community Interest Company (CIC). Especially welcome are:
• 'In Distress' businesses
• 'Scale-up' businesses
• 'High Growth Potential Start-up' businesses

The key requirement for applicants is a strong aspiration to grow the business and potentially create new jobs.

Join us on this journey to business excellence and economic growth with BASILDON BUSINESS BOOST.

Application:

Applications for BASILDON BUSINESS BOOST are open now. Group cohort sessions will commence in September 2024. The programme runs until 31 March 2025.

Link to application form:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheConsortium2/ApplicationForBasildonBusinessBoost202425

Link to website with more information:
https://basildonbusinessleaders.co.uk/boost/

Ends