Babergh has teamed up with MENTA to offer start-up businesses in Hadleigh and surrounding villages free expert support and guidance. 

As part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the council, along with neighbouring Mid-Suffolk, were allocated £90,000 to deliver the scheme and have partnered with MENTA to roll it out across the districts. 

The programme is open to those in Babergh that are thinking of starting a business, are in the process of starting a business or have recently started their business venture. 

The programme, which is free to enrol on and set to be open until the end of March 2025, will include a range of workshops, one to one sessions, seminars and much more all designed to help new businesses flourish. 

Councillor Derek Davis, cabinet member for economic development at Babergh District Council, said: "Businesses small and large play such an important role in our district and that's why it is vital to offer to support to those just starting out or looking to set up within the district, working with MENTA. 

"This is an excellent opportunity to gain invaluable support and guidance and I would encourage anyone who is eligible to enrol." 

MENTA CEO, Alex Till said: "We are delighted to be working with Babergh & Mid-Suffolk District Councils to deliver this exciting programme of support. We recognise that small and micro-business are the lifeblood of the Babergh & Mid-Suffolk economy and require nurturing and support to survive and be successful. Starting a business or going self-employed is a big step and access to high quality non-biased advice and guidance is vital to help individuals and businesses 'start well'.

Alex Till MENTA (Picture: Nub News)

You can find out more about the Babergh start-up business support programme here: Start Up Support.

Businesses that don't qualify for this scheme, such as self-employed social enterprises, can find other available support schemes here: https://www.newangliagrowthhub.co.uk/

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund falls within the UK Government's Levelling Up agenda and has provided £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. For more information, visit GOV.UK - UK Shared Prosperity Fund: prospectus