We work in partnership with a variety of organisations to deliver business support schemes in the area. Some of those are detailed below as part of a list of useful sources of advice, training and funding schemes for businesses. Please visit the individual websites for up-to-date information on help that may be available.
Get started and grow - offers one funded package of support in marketing, social media, HR, finance and legal advice for small businesses up to five years old.
Staffordshire jobs and careers - Offering a fully-funded, managed recruitment service for businesses of all sizes in Staffordshire.
Women in Business - a comprehensive programme designed to encourage female entrepreneurs to start and grow their own businesses. This initiative offers workshops to build confidence and provide pre-start business advice in a supportive environment, including childcare provision. It also supports established women-led businesses with networking groups and events across Staffordshire.
Stoke-On-Trent & Staffordshire Growth Hub - The Growth Hub acts as the focal point for businesses that wish to grow, providing co-ordinated and cohesive growth programmes, business networks, growth groups and links to specialist information, advice and services.
Start-up loans - British Business Bank loans of £500 to £25,000 available for businesses up to five years old.
BCRS Business Loans - Provide loans of £10,000 to £150,000 to small and medium-sized businesses
Funding Circle - Is a leading UK-based online lending platform that provides fast, direct financing to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
UK Business Angels Association - Is the national trade body representing angel and early-stage investment in the UK.
Help to Grow - Keele University - Take your business to the next level with the Help to Grow: Management Course - a government-backed programme designed to help you learn new skills, reach more customers and boost your profits.
Innovate UK Business Connect - Innovate UK is the UK’s government innovation agency that helps businesses develop new products, services, and processes to grow.
Staffordshire Business & Environment Network - SBEN supports organisations to achieve long term sustainability and maximise their business opportunities through innovative environmental activity, including funding, grants and loans to help with sustainable improvement projects
Grant Finder - Funding platform locating a range of funding and grant opportunities for businesses and organisations
Business.gov.uk - Centralised government website tailored for all businesses and sectors seeking advice.
Export support for UK businesses - Offers support and information in exporting products and services, accessing new markets
Chambers of Commerce - The Chambers of Commerce is a membership organisation which can help businesses grow their client base through advice, support, networking and workshops. There’s a Lichfield and Tamworth division, which is part of the Greater Birmingham Chambers.
Apprenticeships - Ladder for Staffordshire promotes apprenticeships in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. The website offers information and support to businesses, including resources to help employers engage with apprenticeships and connect with training providers and candidates.
Tamworth Library Start-up hub - A wealth of information on how to start or run a business in Staffordshire, including factsheets, market reports, local area profiles, sources of funding and more.
BES - Free information, coaching and guidance available to support you with self-employment, business planning, HMRC registration, financial planning, marketing and more.
FSB (The Federation of Small Businesses) - This is another membership organisation which provides self-employed and small business members with local support, networking and business services.
Prince's Trust - The Prince’s Trust works with 18-to-30-year-olds to turn big business ideas into a reality and has helped over 86,000 young people to start their own ventures.
Arts Council - The Arts Council is the national development agency for creativity and culture. It invests public money from government and The National Lottery to help support the creative sectors through support in growing skills, knowledge and networks.
Enterprise Nation - Whether you’re launching a new business or developing an existing one, Enterprise Nation connects you to the resources and expertise to help you succeed.
The Skills Toolkit - The Skills Toolkit on the National Careers Service website offers a variety of free online courses to help you learn new skills or change jobs. They are designed to be flexible, allowing you to learn at your own pace and improve your skills for work and everyday life.
DRIVE35 Supplier Readiness and Transformation Fund - A government-funded programme providing capital grants of £250,000 to £3 million to eligible businesses in the West Midlands to support growth and diversification within electric vehicle (EV) and automotive supply chains. Projects must meet the programme's eligibility requirements, including a minimum 50% private match funding contribution. Tamworth is included within the eligible areas.
Scale UK Connect - is a free, government-backed programme designed to help ambitious, high-growth UK businesses take their next steps towards expansion. Support includes tailored business guidance and growth planning, access to specialist expertise, workshops, peer-learning opportunities and introductions to investors, potential customers and corporate partners. The programme also provides opportunities to explore international markets, strengthen leadership capabilities and improve investment readiness.
Business Academy - provides free business training and development opportunities through live events and on-demand videos, helping business owners and entrepreneurs develop the skills and knowledge needed to start, manage and grow their businesses. Topics include business growth, scaling up, international trade and digital skills, with access to expert guidance and practical learning to help businesses build confidence and explore new opportunities.
Skills and employment
We work in partnership with a variety of organisations to deliver skills, employment and recruitment support in the area. Some of these are detailed below as part of a list of useful sources of advice, training, employment opportunities and skills support for residents, jobseekers and businesses. Please visit the individual websites for up-to-date information on support that may be available.
Tamworth College - South Staffordshire College offers a range of training, upskilling and development opportunities for businesses and employers, including support with work experience, apprenticeships and workforce development. The college also provides a range of courses and learning opportunities for adults and young people to develop their skills, improve their employment prospects and specialise in particular areas.
AKG Employment - provides employment and skills support for individuals, including help with job searching, CV development and preparing for work. It also works with employers to understand their recruitment needs and connect them with work-ready candidates.
Staffordshire Jobs and Careers: Connect to Work - provides personalised support to help people find and stay in employment. The programme can support individuals who may need additional help to enter or remain in work, including support with job searching, applications and working with employers. The programme also supports employers to fill vacancies by connecting them with suitable, pre-screened candidates who may face health conditions, disabilities or other barriers to employment. Employers receive support to find the right candidate for their business, with on-the-job training and professional job coaching available in the workplace.
Staffordshire Skills Hub - provides support to businesses and employers with workforce development, skills gaps, apprenticeships and employment.
The Skills Hub also holds regular business drop-in sessions at Tamworth Library, the first Thursday of every month, providing an opportunity for local businesses to discuss their skills and recruitment needs and find out about available support.
Jobcentre Plus – Resources for employers - Information and resources for employers looking to recruit staff, including guidance on recruiting through Jobcentre Plus, supporting employees and accessing employment programmes and services, as well as helping individuals find employment.
Performance Through People (PTP) - offers a range of funded training and development opportunities for individuals and employers. Support includes upskilling existing employees, training for new staff and apprenticeships, helping businesses develop the skills they need within their workforce.
Youth Jobs Grant - provides funding to support eligible employers and businesses with the recruitment of young people. Businesses can check the eligibility criteria and current availability of funding through the GOV.UK grants finder.
Ladder for Staffordshire - promotes apprenticeships across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent and provides support for employers and individuals interested in apprenticeships. The service can help businesses understand apprenticeship opportunities and connect with training providers and potential apprentices.
Acas - provides free, impartial advice and guidance for employers and employees on workplace rights, employment practices, recruitment, contracts, managing staff and resolving workplace issues.
Employing people - Government guidance for employers covering a range of employment matters, including recruiting and employing staff, contracts, pay, workplace rights, apprenticeships and managing employees.
Skills for Life - provides information about free courses and learning opportunities to help adults develop essential skills, including English, maths and digital skills, to support employment and everyday life.
Skills for Careers - provides information and advice to help people explore careers, develop their skills and find training opportunities. It includes information about courses, qualifications and different routes into employment and career development.
Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Skills Bootcamps - offer flexible, funded training for adults aged 19 and over who live or work in Staffordshire or Stoke-on-Trent. Courses cover a range of in-demand sectors and can help people develop new skills, progress in their career, retrain or find employment. Employers can also use Skills Bootcamps to address skills gaps and upskill existing staff.
Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Careers Hub - works with schools, colleges, employers and training providers to improve careers education and help young people prepare for the world of work. The Careers Hub supports schools and colleges with careers guidance, training, resources and connections with local businesses, helping young people understand different career pathways, develop their skills and make informed decisions about their futures.
The Careers Hub also works with businesses to create opportunities for young people to engage with employers, learn about different industries and gain valuable workplace experience. Businesses can get involved through the Enterprise Adviser Network, supporting schools and colleges with careers activities, sharing industry knowledge and helping to develop links between education and employment.
Careers Orbit – Work Experience (WEX) - is an initiative delivered through the Staffordshire Careers Hub, helping local businesses provide young people with meaningful workplace experiences. Businesses are encouraged to offer half-day work experience opportunities, giving students an insight into different industries, working environments and potential career pathways. Placements can include workplace tours, practical activities, interactive tasks and opportunities to meet employees and learn about different roles. This provides an opportunity for local employers to help develop young people's skills, raise awareness of their industry and inspire the next generation of talent. Please contact alice.archer@staffordshire.gov.uk for more information.
Mencap Training Academy - delivers supported internship programmes for young people aged 16–24 with a learning disability or autism, helping them develop the skills, confidence and experience needed to move from education into paid employment. The programme combines practical workplace experience with classroom-based learning covering areas such as job searching, applications, communication skills and workplace behaviours.