Staffordshire County Council has supported more than 1,000 people through its Start-up Mentoring Scheme since 2021, with a further 500 businesses receiving expert guidance through a second programme called Get Started and Grow, which launched in 2022.
What the schemes offer
The Start-up Mentoring Scheme provides friendly, practical support to help aspiring entrepreneurs build ideas, unlock potential, and turn ambition into reality.
Get Started and Grow offers free website builds, branding and logo design, and hands-on support to help new businesses build strong foundations and plan for the future.
Local success story
Sophie Shelley from Shenstone near Lichfield accessed Get Started and Grow after taking on a franchise with House of Colour UK. She said the programme's social media marketing session was particularly useful for her business.
"Being in Staffordshire has definitely been beneficial for my business," Shelley said. "There's a lot of support with networking, peer support and funding, which has been brilliant for me."
Council backing
Robin Hall, Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: "Getting the right expert advice and practical support at an early stage can make a real difference. These figures show that our business support programmes are making a genuine difference and we will continue developing the support available to meet the changing needs of Staffordshire businesses."
More information is available on the county council's business support programme webpage.
