Business Support & Funding
in Westmorland and Furness, Cumbria
Support is available around the area, whether it’s information about finance, planning, licensing, broadband, recruitment, exporting or otherwise, there’s always someone who can help. Our partners each offer their own services, but please don’t hesitate to contact them with any of your questions, and we’ll be sure to point you in the right direction.
The UK Government’s Department of Business and Trade provide a Digital Business Growth Service at Business.gov.uk which provides easy access to trusted information, expertise and services for your business.
For information on the financial support provided by a range of institutions delivering and supporting
investment in the UK and helping UK businesses to export an overview of the wider public investment landscape is also available
Funding
Westmorland and Furness Council’s grant finding tool for communities and businesses
The funding portal is designed to help communities and businesses easily locate available funding opportunities. The tool is part of the council’s ongoing commitment to support local business growth, innovation and development, and to enable community groups and others to flourish, making Westmorland and Furness a great place to live, work and thrive.
We encourage all community members, businesses, and organisations to explore the new grant finding tool and take advantage of the funding opportunities available. With this tool, users can search for available grants tailored to their specific needs and projects, streamlining the process of securing financial support. Click here to start exploring available funding, and navigate to either the community or business portal.
British Business Bank – Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II
The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, run by the British Business Bank, offers a range of commercial finance options for small businesses. These include smaller loans and debt finance from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million. It aims to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the North of England. It is increasing the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for smaller businesses, providing funds to businesses that might otherwise not receive investment and helping to break down barriers in access to finance.
Business support
Enterprising Cumbria
Ready to enhance your business with fresh opportunities and expert support?
Whether you’re strengthening your established business or aiming for your next stage of growth, our programme connects you with experienced advisors who understand what it takes to succeed. They’ll work with you to overcome operational challenges, reduce costs, reach new customers, innovate, and scale with confidence – helping established businesses unlock new opportunities and achieve sustainable growth.
Your ambition deserves the right support. Let’s achieve it together.
For more information please visit Business support in Cumbria | Cumbria Accelerator or contact lucy.johnson@enterprisingcumbria.org.uk to start your journey today.
Cumbria Business Growth Hub
Cumbria Business Growth Hub, the business support arm of the Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, is a focal point for businesses looking to increase their competitiveness and grow by offering a great choice of advice, training, funding, networking and more, all tailored to your needs. Their services include:
- 1-2-1 Adviser Support: The Growth Hub has a team of expert business advisers who deliver advice and guidance to all businesses from start-ups to multinational corporations. The advisers will help you identify growth opportunities, tackle operational challenges, and develop strategic plans.
- Grants: Cumbria Business Growth Hub facilitates various grant funding schemes, enabling businesses to secure financial assistance to enable them to develop and grow.
- Supply Chain Support: The Growth Hub’s supply chain activity includes regular meet the buyer events as well as 1-2-1 support to businesses who are looking to enter new supply chains
- Training: The Growth Hub offers a range of both funded and commercial training, helping Cumbrian businesses stay ahead of the curve and adapt to the ever changing business landscape.
- Events: From meet the buyer events to site tours as part of its Food & Drink Network, Growth Hub events have something to offer all businesses
- Mentoring: The Growth Hub’s mentoring programme gives businesses of any size, age and sector the opportunity to work with a carefully selected, experienced and highly qualified business mentor.
Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership
Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership (CSEP) are a support organisation committed to increasing the formation, growth and sustainability of Cumbrian Social Enterprises.
The objectives of the Partnership are:
- To increase the formation, growth and survival rates of Cumbrian social enterprises.
- To improve information and communication between and outside the Cumbrian social enterprise sector in the North West of England and beyond.
- To grow market opportunities for Cumbrian social enterprises.
- To represent the interests of the Cumbrian social enterprise sector.
- To work with local, regional national and transnational bodies to strengthen the sector.
Support can be offered to social enterprises, charities, community businesses, CICs, and other purpose-led organisations.
