Grants available in Essex?

[majorbaka]

Hi All,

I'm starting a sole-trader PC repair/installation business in essex next month as being made redundant on Dec 10th.

Does anyone know if there is any finacial help (or free advice/services) available through the government or EU in Essex?

I'm going to start this whatever happens but any extra help would be appreciated.

Many thanks.

Regards,

Andrew

 

[FreelanceSEO]

This site has a lot of grants info: http://www.j4b.co.uk/

 

[majorbaka]

Thanks for the info - I found the site requesting £50 to see details of grant - are there any others that don't require payment?

Thanks,

Andrew

 

[domainguy]

I cant post the link but google uk business link and you'll find the government business link site. Thats a good place to start.

 

[DuaneJackson]

J4B is worth paying for - atleast it used to be.

Depends where you are on Essex. Do a search for Objective Two postcodes. If you'rs isn't listed, you won get much chance of any European money.

 

[Faith28]

If you base yourself in Barking and Dagenham you get:

£1,000 start up fund
£750 towards website designed by UEL student (uni of east london)
£600 towards a full time employee you hire for 4 weeks

The above is for a business in general

If you then set it up as a social enterprise for up to 18 months you get:

Free business address at Starting Point, 16 Pickering Road
£1,000 grant (additional to above) towards premises and marketing (after 3 months at Starting point
Help to acquire grants from Grass Roots ( up to £5k), Awards for all £10k, unltd £5k, Big Lottery Fund up to £500k depending on the project.
Business planning help.
Marketing Strategy
Financial Strategy

The above is set up because of some LEGI funding that only 2 boroughs in London acquired:

1. LB of Barking and Dagenham
2. LB of Croydon.