Delivered through a mix of online and face-to-face support, the programme helps make business support more accessible for all.
Register for the Start and Sustain programme
All support provided through the Start and Sustain programme is free to eligible participants.
Once registered, our team will contact you to discuss your needs and identify the most appropriate support pathway.
The programme does not provide direct grant funding, but we can help you explore funding, finance and investment opportunities available to your business.
You may be eligible for alternative Growth Hub and other business support services if your business is more than 2 years old. Contact us and we'll help identify the most suitable support available.
Start and Sustain is funded by EMCCA and delivered by East Midlands Chamber, working alongside a network of trusted partners and specialist advisers.
One programme: 4 ways to support you
Explore: Is self-employment for me?
Not sure where to begin? Our friendly team can help you understand what's involved in running a business and whether self-employment is the right choice for you.
You'll have access to:
- weekly Is Self-Employment for Me? webinars
- start-up information and guidance
- business idea discussions and reality checks
- market and sector insights
- access to expert helplines
Start: Turn your idea into a business
Gain the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to launch successfully.
You'll have access to:
- business planning support
- marketing and sales guidance
- legal and compliance advice
- one-to-one support from business advisers
Sustain: Build strong foundations for growth
Already trading? If your business is less than 2 years old, we'll help you become more resilient, profitable and growth ready.
Support includes:
- one-to-one mentoring
- financial management and pricing support
- cash flow forecasting
- marketing and customer acquisition
- sales conversion and productivity
- digital and AI adoption
- innovation and exporting advice
Connect: Access a powerful business support network
Starting a business doesn't have to be a lonely journey. We'll connect you to a wider network of support, including:
- Growth Hub services
- start-up loans and finance providers
- innovation and university support
- peer networks and business communities
- Generation Next and Chamber events
- regional and national business support programmes
- specialist advisers and consultants
Local support when and where you need it
In addition to online support, Start and Sustain offers access to weekly business surgeries.
Meet with an adviser in your local area for personalised guidance and practical support. Available across:
- Derby
- Derbyshire
- Nottingham
- Nottinghamshire
Our flexible approach means you can access support:
Why join Start and Sustain
Thousands of people have already benefitted from EMCCA business support programmes.
With Start and Sustain you'll receive:
- free expert support
- access to trusted advisers and specialists
- business planning tools and templates
- market research and business intelligence
- connections to funding and finance opportunities
- a supportive entrepreneurial community
- clear progression into wider Growth Hub and other business support services
Who can join
The programme is open to:
- individuals thinking about starting a business
- businesses, sole traders and self-employed individuals trading for less than 2 years
- entrepreneurs from all backgrounds and sectors
You must live in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham or Nottinghamshire, or have a business trading address within Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham or Nottinghamshire.
Take the next step today
Every successful business starts somewhere.
Whether you're exploring an idea, planning a launch or building momentum in your first few years of trading, Start and Sustain can help you move forward with confidence.