Cheshire East Council

Business Vitality Programme

Business Vitality – Empowering Growth, Driving Innovation 

Business Vitality  is a fully-funded programme of business support available to SME businesses based in Cheshire East. It is part of the wider support that is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The programme offers you the opportunity to identify and understand the challenges and opportunities facing your business.


Business Vitality offers fresh perspectives for business owners  and leaders to help turn their ideas into reality. Our business support team have expertise and experience supporting, advising, coaching, and mentoring businesses at all stages of development. The topics covered by our Business Vitality programmes include raising finance, business planning, new product development, market research, sales planning and more.


We offer tailored programmes that are aligned to the needs and development stage of your business, from start-up to high-growth. Learn more about each programme and register your interest in joining our next cohorts.


We can also offer 1:1 support from our advisers without joining the full programme, if preferred.

All programmes include

  • Non-competing

    The programmes comprise of small groups of non-competing businesses. 

  • Online learning and development

    The programme includes a number of online workshops, training and learning sessions.

  • Best-practice sharing

    We use action-learrning sessions for best-practice sharing.

    Gain best practice knowledge to transform your organisation through innovation.

    Gain unique insights and experiences from other similar organisations on their journey.

  • Peer group support

    The small cohorts provide peer-to-peer support and collaboration. Dedicated LinkedIn and online participant portal promotes further networking.

  • Business mentor / coach

    Every participant has a minimum of 3-hours of 1:1 support from an expert business mentor / executive coach with real-word, hands-on SME start-up and scale-up experience 

  • On-demand content

    Access to a secure participant portal is provided where all programme material is available. Tools, templates, guides and webinars are provided to assist with learning and action.

  • Real-world business topics

    The topics of discussion are decided by the participants, enabling you to focus on your own unique industry challenges while taking learnings from other group members.

    Overcome business challenges and recognise and act on new opportunities.

  • Growth action plan

    Your adviser will assess your business needs and aspirations and help develop a bespoke growth action plan, complemented by a tailored package of support, based on these needs.

    Build business acumen and to acquire and apply the core skills required to establish the business and drive sustainable business growth.

Choose from the following Business Vitality programmes:

We offer tailored programmes that are aligned to the needs and development stage of your business. Learn more about each programme and register your interest in joining our next cohorts.

Early-stage / start-up programme


Join other start-up and early stage businesses on our programme tailored to your needs. Get support with developing and growing your business from idea to reality.


Early-stage business

Start-up business

Trading < 3-years

< 10 employees

Sole trader

Limited company

Based in Cheshire East

Fully funded

Register interest

Existing business / high-growth programme


For SME business leaders and owners who are looking to grow their business, improve productivity and their own personal development.




Existing business

Trading > 3-years

> 10 employees

> £100k turnover

Limited company

Not sole trader

Based in Cheshire East

Fully funded

Register interest

Female leaders / entrepreneurs programme


This dedicated programme, offers the opportunity to grow your business in collaborative, confidential and inclusive cohorts of other female business leaders.



Female-only cohorts

Early-stage businesses

Existing businesses

Not for start-ups

Based in Cheshire East


Fully Funded

Register interest

Register for the programme and next steps:

Apply online

Register interest by completing the online from with details of your business and what you want to achieve from the programme.

Review and cohort selection

Our team will review your application and will allocate you to the best cohort of like-minded businesses. If you are not successful, we will refer you to other suitable programmes.

Access the programme

You will be assigned a business mentor, and start the programme of masterclasses, peer group action-learning and growth plan development.


Full programme timetable and details will be provided.

Ongoing support and collaboration

Access to a secure portal will be provided with all on-demand resources, guides and templates. You will access our business community network for further collaboration.

Need more information?

If you'd like more information about the programmes, please get in touch with our team