12 Hours of Funded Support for New Business Owners
The South East Midlands Start-up Programme (SEMSUP) is a programme that provides funded support for new business owners in the south east midlands region. The programme, funded by the European Regional Development Fund, gives residents of Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire access to 12 hours of support for free.
The programme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund, and it is being delivered in partnership by Wenta and The University of Northampton and The University of Bedfordshire.
SEMSUP provides advice and support for entrepreneurs and self-employment, with a focus on increasing the number of startups, including social enterprises.
What's on offer?
This programme gives you access to 12 hours of funded business support to help you start your own business.
The support on offer is as listed below:
- one-to-one business advice
- webinars and workshops
- access to business start-up services
- business incubation workspace
- specialist social enterprise support
The support is provided by a business start-up advisor and covers areas such as searching for information, marketing your product, managing finances, developing business plans and accessing funding.
Wenta is working in partnership with the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, to bring our South East Midlands Start-up Programme (SEMSUP) clients an exclusive offer of 12 months FREE membership to the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce!*
Webinars & workshops
You can attend their interactive workshops and webinars, focused on some of the key elements needed to help support and grow any new business, learn new skills for you and your business.
The University’s topics range from cash flow management tips to social media tricks. There’s a variety of webinars and workshops to help you start, run or grow your business.
One to one business advice
Whether you have a business idea you’d like to explore or you’re already running a business, Wentas in-house team of advisors are here to help with funded, impartial business advice. All advice services are funded no matter what kind of business you have.
Incubation workspace
Shared workspace, hot-desking, co-working and business incubation available at our centres in Watford, Stevenage, Enfield and Potters Bar. All locations offer a flexible environment to work from, whether you just need a day away from home or you’re looking to stick around a little longer.
What region does this programme cover?
The South East Midlands Start-up Programme is for residents of Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire. All regions within the SEMLEP area.
What if I am outside the SEMLEP region?
SEMSUP is funded by the European Social Fund to provide access to Government support for businesses located in the SEMLEP region.
If your SME business is located outside of the SEMLEP region you can find out more about the available support in your area by visiting the LEP network website.
Once on the LEP site simply select your region’s Growth Hub from the menu and follow the link to your local Growth Hub website.
Here, you can register your interest to talk to a growth advisor who will help you access Government support.
How do I get started?
It all begins with the registration process. You will be asked if you would like to meet with an advisor, this is your opportunity to get a free needs assessment to find out how government support can help you grow your business.
Click here to register your business.
Follow our socials to stay up-to-date with future government business support developments or explore some of the recent blogs we’ve published for in-depth government support information.
