Derbyshire County Council is offering support for anyone who is starting up their own business this new year.
A free event will be taking place at Coney Green Business Centre in Clay Cross on February 7.
Vision Derbyshire is a business start-up support scheme which is operating across the county.
A spokesman for the scheme said: “If you’re thinking about starting your own business, but not sure how, then the Vision Derbyshire business start-up support and grant scheme can help.
“It is open to people who are starting their own business, or have recently set up a business in the last 12 months. They must be registered or planning to register and trade in Derbyshire.
“A team of local expert business advisers are in place to offer free and impartial advice and support tailored to your needs which includes: mentoring, business planning, financial planning, marketing, signposting to other suitable areas of support.”
There is also grants available for new business owners – up to £10,000 per applicant.
The spokesman explained: “Grant funding of up to 50 per cent of total project costs to a maximum of £10,000 per applicant is available, subject to meeting eligibility criteria. Our business advisers will guide you through the application process.
“Networking opportunities and help in securing a wide range of services necessary to help entrepreneurs turn their venture into a success are also part of the support package on offer.”
Vision Derbyshire is a collaboration of local authorities across Derbyshire which delivers priority projects which have a positive impact on people’s lives and achieve greater council efficiency.
A funding pot of £550,000, which has been raised through Derbyshire’s involvement in the government’s retained business rates pilot scheme, has been set aside to support start-ups in Derbyshire.
The programme is operating in Amber Valley, Chesterfield, Derbyshire Dales, High Peak, North East Derbyshire and South Derbyshire.
People considering starting up their own business or going into self employment, are invited to events that are taking place on the morning February 7 at Coney Green Business Centre. To find out more and book onto these sessions go to https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/780171232157 or https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/780171232157.
To find out more about the Vision Derbyshire scheme and request support email business@derbyshire.gov.uk with: a brief description of your business venture or idea; your current status – idea stage, first three-months of trading, three to 12-months trading; your contact details – name, address of your business, email, preferred telephone number
The spokesman continued: “You’ll be asked to complete an enrolment form. These details will enable us to allocate a business adviser who will contact you and outline the support we can offer. “Access to grant support will be discussed with you by your allocated adviser.

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