Business support and advice

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Local business support & advice

Learning Disabilities and Autism Business Grants

Applications are now open for round three of the Learning Disabilities and Autism Business Grants. With up to £25,000 available per business, this fund supports inclusive employment by covering costs like salaries, training, or equipment. Ideal for small and medium-sized businesses with innovative ideas to create meaningful opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism. (Applications close 12th August 2025)

To find out more information and request an application pack

Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce

The Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses through networking, collaboration, and advocacy. Joining gives you access to valuable connections, local insights, and a stronger voice in the business community.

The Epping Forest Female Entrepreneurship Programme

EFDC’s Female Entrepreneurship Programme empowers women in business with expert-led training, mentoring, and networking. They create a tailored support plan based on your business goals and personal development needs.

New City College – Free Adult Courses

As part of an exciting partnership with New City College, we’re pleased to offer free adult courses at the Epping Forest campus. These courses are designed to help local residents gain new skills, boost career prospects, and explore new opportunities in areas like digital skills, health and social care, and business.

Essex Police Commercial Burglary Prevention

Protect your business with expert advice from Essex Police and Secured by Design. These documents offer practical guidance on preventing commercial burglary and enhancing security measures tailored for commercial properties. Stay informed and keep your premises safe with proven strategies and best practices.

Your Business Community (YBC)

Your Business Community (YBC) is a nationwide business membership organisation based in the Epping Forest district. Their Business Essentials membership is free and offers lots of advice, discounted services and educational content. Upgrading to business premium offers even more advice and business protection.

Essex Federation of Small Businesses

The Federation of Small Businesses is non-profit making and non-party political and is the UK’s largest campaigning pressure group promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms. Epping Forest is further represented by the South West Essex branch of the FSB.

Let’s Do Business Start Up

The Let’s Do Business (South East) Group Limited is a Social Enterprise helping businesses to start-up and grow throughout the South East of England. It offers services such as finance and support for businesses starting out, training courses, advice and support as well as exhibitions providing an opportunity for small businesses to showcase products.

The Ongar Business Centre (OBC)

Let’s Do Business Group also operates and manages the Ongar Business Centre. The centre offers a stimulating, supportive and managed working environment for Essex businesses. They offer business workspaces from 14 to 57 sqm, and full-day or half-day meeting room hire for SME’s, start-ups, entrepreneurs.

Tenants and virtual tenants at OBC benefit from a full range of business support services including expert advice, funding, finance and access to academic and commercial contacts. If you would like to find about available space at Ongar Business Centre, please follow this link.

National business support organisations

Business Support Helpline

The free to access Business Support Helpline can help small businesses of all stages to find the right support and impartial advice, whether just starting out or growing a business.

Advisers provide tailored guidance and information on schemes and publicly funded business support programmes available in your local area and across England. The service is available via telephone, email, webchat and social media.

Farming & Rural Business Support

If you’re involved in farming or rural business, staying informed about funding and policy updates is essential. DEFRA’s official farming blog shares the latest news, guidance, and occasional funding opportunities.

GOV.UK – Business and self-employed

This page has dedicated information on starting a business as well as on exporting goods and services. It also provides information on government policy that may affect businesses.

GOV.UK – Self-employment

Information on what you need to do for tax and national insurance purposes when you start up a business as a self-employed person, a partnership or a limited company.

GOV.UK – Setting up

GOV.UK is the Government’s online resource for businesses. What you need to do to set up depends on your type of business, where you work and whether you take people on to help.

Department for International Trade

If you are a company based in Essex and interested or involved in exporting goods and services, the best organisation to contact is Department for International Trade (DIT) East. DIT East exists to support companies in the East of England that want to trade and invest overseas.

The Prince’s Trust

If you are interested in setting up your own business and you are aged from 18 to 30, unemployed or working fewer than 16 hours a week, the Prince’s Trust Enterprise programme can help you decide whether self-employment is right for you.

More information