We are committed to helping local businesses start, grow and succeed. By sharing knowledge, expertise and practical support, we help organisations of all sizes reach their potential - strengthening our local economy and benefiting the whole community.
We work closely with partners, stakeholders and other council departments to provide reliable information, advice and access to services that help your business thrive.
We offer guidance and support across a wide range of areas, including:
- notifications of new funding, subsidies and grants, such as our Business Growth Fund
- information and support services
- access to free or discounted training and upskilling support packages
- connections with other government bodies and networks
- apprenticeships
- advice and introductions to office or commercial space
- networking opportunities
- access to funders
Whatever your business needs, our experienced team can help you find the right information and support. To find out more, contact us at business@eastcambs.gov.uk
Start up support
If you are starting a business, we can offer advice and guidance on organisations that can help you, where to get the best business advice for your enterprise and where to seek funding and investment opportunities.
We can also help you find relevant accommodation, whether you are looking to rent a hot-desk and office space, want to join our e-space business hub or are looking for larger commercial premises.
If you are looking to set up a food business, please visit our food business information.
Register your business with us
Register with us to make sure you are first in the know when it comes to finding out about business networking opportunities and funding rounds.
Business resource portal
If you operate a business in East Cambridgeshire, our Business Resource Portal can help you stay competitive in today’s fast-changing economy. Whether you are a sole trader, a small enterprise or a larger organisation, we can work with you to help your business grow and adapt.
Sign up to our mailing list, and follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected.
Our successes and annual report
In the last financial year, despite an economically volatile market, the team has worked hard to maximise investment and facilitate inward growth, and as a consequence, we have had a record year.
Over the past year we have:
- bid for almost £10 million of inward investment, over half the bids of which were successful
- facilitated more than 500 jobs (2020 to 2023)
- enabled many new apprenticeship placements
- implemented innovative technologies to ensure the district is more connected than ever
- allocated funds and initiated project for the next financial year
- project managed numerous capital and revenue initiatives across the district.
Helpful organisations
Helpful organisations that can provide advice and support for your business:
- Allia Future Business Centre- information on programmes to support new business to start-up and grow
- Business & IP Centre (BIPC) Cambridgeshire & Peterborough - access to free resources, training and events, both online and in-person, to help you imagine, start or develop your business
- Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce - offers business advice, information, networking events and international trade services to members across Cambridgeshire
- Ely Cathedral Business Group - identify common issues, be part of the debate, share experiences, help your business by helping others.
- e-space - provides discounted office space in Littleport and Ely
- Federation of Small Businesses - have the support and protection you need to run and grow your business
- GOV.UK: Search GOV.UK for a broad range of information and advice, including start-up support, recruitment, licensing and business rates
- Jobcentre Plus - Jobcentre Plus Work Coaches can provide advice and support to help you start a business. You can also advertise jobs here
- Judge Business School Entrepreneurship Centre - offers a range of interesting resources for entrepreneurs to help you start your business successfully
- The British Franchise Association (BFA) - provides advice and training if you are thinking of joining a franchise
- The King's Trust - works with 18 to 30-year-olds, helping to turn big ideas into a business reality through their enterprise programme
- UnLtd - finds, funds and supports social entrepreneurs, helping social enterprises start-up and grow
- X-Forces Enterprise- service-leavers, veterans, military spouses, reservists and cadets (18+) who would like to start-up a business