Partner Support

A range of support is available to businesses and start-ups in Eden. Here are some of the partners we work with. They can help with many aspects of business including recruitment, business planning, marketing, training and more.

The Economic Development Team are happy to help you get the right support for your business. To speak to one of our Officers please email [email protected] or call 01768 817817.

Cumbria Chamber of Commerce

Membership of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce gives access to business information and advice, a busy events diary with great networking opportunities, international trade support, and discounts on a wide range of services.

Eden District Council are offering free membership of Cumbria Chamber (or FSB) up until end March 2021, for all eligible businesses.

Federation of Small Businesses

Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) are experts in business, offering their members a wide range of vital business services including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice in government. Their mission is to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions. They are a not-for-profit organisation, led by a team of our members, which exists to serve the small business community across the UK.

Eden District Council are offering free membership of FSB (or Cumbria Chamber) up until end March 2023, for all eligible businesses.

Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership

Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership provides a strategic lead in all activities contributing to the growth and vibrancy of the county’s economy and where appropriate takes positive action, using the skills, capability and networks of its partners.

Business and Self-employed advice

Business and self-employed advice is the official UK Government website to make it easier for small businesses to get reliable access to the right information and support in all aspects of your business.

University of Cumbria

The University of Cumbria Business Services focus on employer engagement and business development. They provide support and guidance from helping businesses to set up, through to their successful sustainability and growth.

Business Support Helpline

The helpline offers an initial first stage telephone diagnostic, which would then lead to signposting to support the requirements of the business such as finance, export, trade etc. It will also provide an additional referral service for the Cumbria Growth hub, where businesses can go on to receive face to face advisor support.

More information about the Business Support Helpline can be found on the Gov.uk website.

Cumbria Innovations Platform

A range of funded support options for micro, small and medium enterprises in Cumbria to help encourage innovation. The Platform combines practical and academic guidance to help reduce the risks involved in R&D, speed up innovation and accelerate growth in your business. Advice is also available for the commercialisation of new products.

More information about the Cumbria Innovations Platform can be found online.

Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership

The Partnership aims to strengthen the social enterprise sector and increase the formation, growth and survival rates of Cumbrian social enterprises.

Up to 12 hours of fully-funded business support can be accessed by social enterprises in Eden, through Cumbria County Council. Contact [email protected] for more information.

More information about the Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership can be found on their website.