South Midlands Growth Hub
The South Midlands Growth Hub provides free business advice and guidance across the South Midlands. It's a multipurpose, multifunctional hub that goes above and beyond for all businesses, regardless of their size, industry or stage along their journey to success. Its work is focused on 3 core areas: business support, funding and grants, and resource provision.
Local Industrial Strategy (PDF)
The Local Industrial Strategy looks at the successes and strengths of our area and identifies priorities and interventions to realise innovation, further improve connectivity and, achieve growth that is sustainable, inclusive and makes a positive impact on our environment.
University of Bedfordshire
The University of Bedfordshire is committed to making a significant social and economic contribution to the local and national economy. It is aware of challenges faced by businesses and entrepreneurs; and have a range of academic resources and expertise to help you thrive through a range of programmes that include professional consultancy, funding opportunities, work experience placements and targeted training sessions.
KTPs are a long-standing government funded scheme, designed to link world-class academics with forward thinking companies for specific industry collaborations, to deliver strategic innovation projects within the UK.
Research and Knowledge Exchange understands the key challenges faced by businesses and entrepreneurs; and use its academic resources and expertise to help you thrive through a range of programmes that include professional consultancy, funding opportunities, work experience placements and targeted training sessions. For more information, please contact ris@beds.ac.uk or visit the University of Bedfordshire Research and Innovation website.
Cranfield University
Cranfield University offers businesses and entrepreneurs and range of opportunities to establish and grow in a science and technology environment. It provides the perfect setting for new company, with advanced technology and management expertise right on your doorstep. Being in a hub of innovation on-campus will be invaluable for your business, both in its formative stages and during growth.
Pre-start up advice and mentoring in conjunction with its world-leading School of Management, and the Bettany Centre for Entrepreneurship
Larger or more established businesses can choose from flexible options on its Cranfield University Technology Park, such as office space in the supportive Innovation Centre or self-contained units.
Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce
Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce has a simple mission: to help businesses connect, grow, and thrive.
It offers a comprehensive package of international trade services to help companies succeed in foreign markets. Whether you are planning to export for the first time, or you are expanding on your existing activities, it can offer practical advice and assistance.
For over 145 years, it has been the trusted voice of local enterprise – representing more than 800 businesses and 56,000 employees across every sector of our economy. Whether you’re a sole trader, a growing SME, or global brand, Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce is here to open doors, create opportunities, and support you at every stage of your journey.
Wenta
Socially enterprising since 1983.
Every day, Wenta helps businesses to start-up, grow and thrive. It exists to make things simpler and easier for anyone wanting to run their own business.
It's a social enterprise, and as such, is an independent thinker for independent business owners. It's committed to helping you and your business, first and foremost, in everything it does.
Whether you have a business idea you'd like to explore or you're already running a business, its in-house team of advisers are here to help with free, impartial business advice. All advice services are free. It de-codes jargon for you and simplifies things.
Whether you're a dog groomer or tech zoomer, its team is here to help.