Cheshire East Council

Cheshire East Council

Business Support Programmes

Business Vitality – Empowering Growth, Driving Innovation 

The new Business Vitality – Empowering Growth, Driving Innovation 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.

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.

The new Business Vitality programme is for SME business leaders and owners at all stages of development,  who are looking to grow their business, improve productivity and their own personal development.

The programme offers you the opportunity to identify and understand the challenges and opportunities facing your business.


You will benefit from access to a business growth adviser to provide growth support for your business and will receive a tailored package of expert support from a combination of one-to-one sessions, action-learning masterclasses, coaching, participation in a confidential, like-minded peer group, networking opportunities and access to on-demand tools and resources.


Our team of experienced business advisers have amassed many years of experience supporting businesses of all sizes to overcome their challenges across different sectors and business disciplines.

The programme includes:

  • 1:1 Mentoring

    Yyou will have access to one to one support from a business mentor, matched to your specific needs, building on your learning experience.

  • Best-practice workshops

    We overcome real-life problems by enquiring and reflecting before developing tangible actions and solutions.

  • 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.

  • Peer-to-Peer Learning

    Small groups  ensure that every member of the cohort can share their challenges, problems and opportunities. 

    Non-competitive: Businesses  work collaboratively to find solutions to common problems, you can share your expertise and benefit from others.

  • 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.

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 businesses

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.

Learn more

Existing / High-growth SME businesses

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

Learn more

Female Leaders and Entrepreneurs

This dedicated programme, offers the opportunity to grow your business through a series of collaborative, confidential and inclusive, online workshops in small groups of other female business leaders.

Learn more
Early-stage / start-up Existing / High-growth Female leaders / entrepreneurs
Online masterclasses
Best-practice workshops
Action-learning sessions
Peer group support
1:1 Business mentor
Secure participant portal
Trading < 3 years
Trading > 3years
< 10 employees
> 10 employees
> £100k turnover
Fully-funded
Female-only cohort

Our Current and Future Programmes

We have a suite of other business support events, training and masterclasses.

Take a look at the modules and topics available and register your interest

Register for updates and to access all support


  • Get updated when new grant schemes are launched
  • Be the first to learn about new  support programmes
  • Access all our on-demand content and training courses
  • Download templates, tools and guides
  • Access our events and masterclasses
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