SEMSUP

Overview

Start Up Business Grants led by Wenta, who has partnered with the University of Northampton and the University of Bedfordshire to deliver this programme.

This project focuses on social enterprises and startups across the South East Midlands region.

What’s in it for me?

SEMSUP provides advice and support along with Start Up Business Grants for entrepreneurs and self-employment, with a focus on increasing  the number of start ups, including social enterprises.

The support includes:

• One to one business advice
• Webinars and workshops
• Access to business start-up services
• Specialist social enterprise support
• Match funded grants of up to £3,000

Grants

Seed finance start up business grants for eligible businesses and social enterprises.

1. All applicant enterprises must be less than 3 years old.
2. Start Up Grants are available from £500-£3,000. To be eligible applicants must have completed 12 hours of support from the project. 
3. The application process is managed by Wenta and the applicant is required to match the requested amount of funding.

The Start Up Business Grants can be used for consultancy associated with:

• Improving marketing or sales
• Supporting website development
• Managing or raising finance 
• Developing or improving systems and processes
• Recruiting and managing staff
• Business planning and professional and/or legal advice relating to the business.

The startup business grants are delivered under the De Minimis state aid vehicle.

Webinars, Masterclasses and Networking

You can attend their interactive workshops, focused on some of the key elements needed to help support and grow any new business. The University’s topics range from how to start a business to specialist GDPR and social media training.

Their events are free to attend and due to COVID19, they are only hosting online events at this time.

How do I access SEMSUP Start Up Business grants?

Step 1

Firstly, we recommend that you register with us because when you do we’ll ensure you are kept in the loop with all the latest Government incentives as they are announced.

Step 2

Once you have registered your business with us you can book your free needs assessment with an Advisor by selecting one of the three durations above, then choose your preferred day and time and we’ll do the rest. 

The service is free of charge. 

Digital Future First is a part-funded EU project; its partners (Supplaynt, DBFB and The Learning & Skills Academy) have access to many projects across the SEMLEP region and are here to support you and your business.

Find out more about Government Support

Although, we have access to a range of Government programs and incentives, you may want to look at the Government website.

See guidance and resources on good work experience including:

• work experience placements that work guide from CIPD
• employer case studies from Skills Training UK
• why they work videos from the Learning and Work Institute
• work experience quality standard accreditation from Fair Train

Get support to deliver work experience for people with learning difficulties or disabilities from:

• Access to Work