Support for businesses

Our ‘Cumbria Accelerator’ business support programmes are designed to help Cumbrian businesses get ahead and stay ahead. 

Enterprising Cumbria has partnered with a range of local and regional support groups to offer advice and support to businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs across our county.

If you are looking for advice and support our team will be eager to assist you, and our support is fully-funded so there is no financial cost to the business or individual.

Our current support programmes are below:

Cumbria Accelerator: Business Support Programme

Get your business on the fast-track to success through the support of our advisors.

Whether you are dealing with a current challenge and need some external expertise, looking to cut costs or win new customers, our advisors are ready and waiting to offer you tailored 1-1 advice and support.

Our service has delivered 2000+ support sessions over the last four years, helping businesses to overcome obstacles or seize opportunities to grow.

We help look at cashflow issues, recruitment challenges, marketing, finance and much more.  

NEW for 2025/26! Businesses across Cumbria can now receive their own Growth Canvas report highlighting a bespoke SWOT analysis and plan for growth.  This would normally be priced at £699+VAT but is available free of charge through the Cumbria Accelerator programme.

To access support via this Department for Business and Trade funded programme contact lucy.johnson@enterprisingcumbria.org.uk.

Ready to Get Started?

Click below to contact Lucy at lucy.johnson@enterprisingcumbria.org.uk..

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Cumbria Accelerator: Business Growth & Innovation Programme

Are you an existing business with an ambition to enhance your business, reach new markets or develop a new product or service offer? 

Our Business Growth & Innovation programme is for businesses looking to capitalise on their strengths and drive their businesses forward. Through our tailored support offer, our expert advisors can pinpoint areas within your business with real growth potential to set your business on the track to increased profits and greater productivity.

Alternatively, do you have a business idea but you’re not sure how to develop it and get it off the ground? It doesn’t matter if you’re unemployed, in education, or just looking for a professional change or new challenge; if you are a budding entrepreneur with aspirations to create your own business, then we have the expertise and tools to help you realise your ambitions. You can even apply for a grant to help you get started.

So whether you’re an existing business or a new business owner in the making, enquire about securing a place on this programme by contacting: leslie.rickerby@enterprisingcumbria.org.uk

This programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, administered by Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumberland Council.

Ready to Get Started?

Click below to contact Leslie at leslie.rickerby@enterprisingcumbria.org.uk.

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This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus