Free Business Support & Funding in Staffordshire | Staffords
Your Complete Guide to FREE Business Support Staffordshire
From grants and funding to training and networking - I've curated all the best free business support available to Staffordshire businesses, so you don't have to hunt for it.
FUNDING & GRANTS
Funding & Grants in Staffordshire
Finding funding can feel like hunting for treasure - you know it's out there, but where do you start looking? I've done the hard work for you and found all the current grants and funding opportunities available to Staffordshire businesses.
Provider: Staffordshire County Council
Start-Up Funding
Get Started and Grow Programme
- What: Fully funded support for new businesses
- Who: People starting or recently started a business
- Value: Free workshops + potential £1,000 grant
- Louise's Take: Brilliant program - I always recommend this as a first step for new businesses.
Provider: South Staffordshire District Council
Start In Staffs
South Staffs Council
- What: Business start-up support scheme
- Who: New businesses in South Staffordshire
- Value: Support program + up to £1,000 grant
- Louise's Take: Great local support if you're in the South Staffs area.
Provider: South Staffordshire District Council
Business Growth Funding
South Staffordshire Business Growth Grants
- What: Growth funding for established businesses
- Who: Businesses trading 2+ years in South Staffordshire
- Value: Up to £7,000
- Louise's Take: Perfect if you're ready to scale up and have been trading for a while.
Provider: BCRS (Black Country Reinvestment Society)
Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Business Loan Fund
Stoke-On-Trent City Coucil
- What: Low-interest business loans
- Who: Businesses in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire
- Value: £10,000 - £50,000
- Louise's Take: Great alternative if traditional bank funding isn't working for you.
Provider: South Staffordshire District Council
Green Business Funding
Low Carbon Grants
- What: Funding to reduce carbon emissions
- Who: Businesses in South Staffordshire
- Value: £1,000 - £20,000
- Louise's Take: Brilliant opportunity to go green AND get funding for it.
TRAINING & WORKSHOPS
Training & Workshops in Staffordshire
Learning never stops when you're running a business, but finding quality training that's actually useful (and affordable) can be a challenge. These training programs and workshops are specifically designed for Staffordshire businesses and many are completely free.
Provider: University of Staffordshire Business Support
Green Business Funding
- Provider: University of Staffordshire
- What: Funded innovation and growth schemes
- Who: Businesses looking to innovate
- Value: Various funded programs available
- Louise's Take: Great if you're in tech or looking to innovate your processes.
Staffordshire Business & Environment Network Workshops
- Provider: SBEN (Staffordshire Business & Environment Network)
- What: Sustainability and green business workshops
- Who: Staffordshire businesses (excluding Stoke-on-Trent)
- Value: Free workshops and networking
- Louise's Take: "Perfect for businesses wanting to become more sustainable."
NETWORKING & EVENTS
Networking Events in Staffordshire
They say business is all about who you know - and in Staffordshire, there's no shortage of brilliant networking opportunities. Whether you're looking to find new customers, suppliers, or just want to connect with other business owners who 'get it', these events are where relationships turn into opportunities.
Regular Networking Opportunities
Staffordshire Chambers Events
- Provider: Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce
- What: Business networking, policy updates, training
- When: Various dates throughout the year
- Where: Various locations including Festival Park
- Value: Mix of free and paid events
- Upcoming: Big Business Breakfast: The BIG AI Opportunity (June 20th at bet365 Stadium)
- Louise's Take: High-quality events with genuine business value - not just coffee and chat!
The Hive Business Networking
- Provider: Independent networking group
- What: Regular business networking
- Where: The Staffordshire Coffee Lounge
- Value: Great for local connections
- Link: Check Eventbrite for "The Hive Business Networking"
- Louise's Take: Friendly, relaxed atmosphere - perfect for first-time networkers.
East Staffordshire Green Business Networking
- Provider: East Staffordshire Borough Council
- What: Sustainability-focused networking
- Where: Various locations in East Staffordshire
- Value: Learn about green business practices while networking
- Louise's Take: Great if sustainability is part of your business strategy.
SPECIALIST SUPPORT
Specialist Support in Staffordshire
Sometimes you need more than just general advice - you need specialists who understand your specific challenges. These organizations provide targeted support for different aspects of running a business. Whether you need help with planning, legal issues, or sector-specific guidance.
Sector-Specific Support
Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Growth Hub
- Provider: Staffordshire County Council
- What: General business support and advice
- Who: All Staffordshire businesses
- Value: Free business support
- Louise's Take: Your first port of call for general business advice.
Stafford Borough Council Business Support
- Provider: Stafford Borough Council
- What: Local business grants and support
- Who: Businesses in Stafford Borough
- Value: Various grants including High Street Boost
- Contact: economy@staffordbc.gov.uk or 01785 619000
- Louise's Take: They really understand local business challenges and opportunities.