Open to businesses in Cumbria, including schemes for the wider region and the whole country.
Cumbria's page: people to ring, events nearby and what is only for Cumbria
Open to businesses across England or the UK, including Cumbria.
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
Search current funding opportunities from across UKRI, research councils and Innovate UK across academic disciplines and industrial areas.
National Careers Service
Free careers advice and guidance for employers to support staff development, recruitment, reskilling and redundancy management.
ORE Catapult
An award-winning offshore wind technology accelerator programme for UK start-ups and SMEs, providing technical expertise, business growth support and access to industry sponsors over 12 months.
Co-operatives UK
Resources and support to convert an existing business or organisation to a co-operative, covering employee or community buyouts.
Co-operatives UK
A step-by-step guide to starting a co-operative, with online registration and access to business support and free business banking.
Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade
Free training programme for UK businesses of all sizes looking to grow their international sales through live and on-demand events.
SME Climate Hub
A non-profit global initiative providing free tools and resources to help small and medium-sized companies reduce emissions, commit to net zero by 2050, and build resilient businesses.
ICAEW
Free initial consultation with an ICAEW Chartered Accountant for entrepreneurs, start-ups and small or medium-sized businesses.
Innovate UK Business Connect
Innovate UK KTN connects innovators with partners and opportunities to accelerate ideas into real-world solutions.
eBay
Free programme for social enterprises to set up and grow on eBay.co.uk, with specialist training, marketing support, promos and discounts.
Enterprise Nation
Free e-learning, business guides, virtual workshops and in-person events for startup entrepreneurs.
European Space Agency (ESA)
Zero-equity funding for companies to integrate space data and technology into commercial services, with ESA consultant support and access to partner networks.
UK Government
Free advice and guidance for small businesses at all stages to find support schemes and publicly funded business support programmes available in their area and across England.
Growth Platform, GOV.UK, Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade
Free webinars on business growth and exporting to help businesses unlock opportunities in the UK and overseas.
Small Business Charter, UK Government
A free, self-paced online course of 17 short videos, about 2 hours in total, covering essential business concepts for growth. Aimed at business leaders wanting an introduction or a refresh.
Big Issue Invest
Blended finance combining a loan with grant support, offered to help organisations grow sustainably and strengthen long-term impact and financial resilience.
Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas)
Acas gives employees and employers free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice, and offers training and help to resolve disputes.
ESA Business Applications
ESA Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) gives zero-equity funding, technical and business support to businesses developing services that use satellite communications, earth observation, satellite navigation or other space technologies. Its open calls take ideas at any time, and themed calls with closing dates open through the year.
HSE - Health and Safety Executive
Free guidance from HSE, Great Britain's workplace health and safety regulator, on the basic steps a business takes to comply with health and safety law. HSE also runs paid training courses.
Delta Supply Chain
Free support to help businesses compete for major public and private sector contracts
Shaw Trust
Shaw Trust is a national charity that supports disabled and disadvantaged people to prepare for work, find jobs and live more independently.
Ingeus, Able Futures
Provides no cost, confidential mental health support for individuals to stay well in work, and supports SMEs to build healthier workplaces.
Small Business Charter, Northumbria University
A 12-week leadership development programme for senior leaders, business owners and managers of small and medium-sized businesses, covering leadership, innovation, digital adoption, marketing, employee engagement, operations and financial management.
UK Finance
Free, impartial information about business finance, managed by UK Finance: a finance finder that takes one application and shows options from hundreds of providers, a business bank account finder, and guides to over 20 types of finance.