Business support programme powers growth for Chesterfield businesses
Nearly 5,000 businesses across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicester have received expert support through the Accelerator Programme. The initiative is helping Chesterfield firms grow, innovate, and create jobs.
Delivered by East Midlands Chamber and backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the Accelerator Programme launched in 2023 and has already supported 4,790 businesses across the region. The programme offers tailored advice, access to funding, sustainability support, and specialist services for exporters and high-growth firms.
Thanks to its success, the programme has been extended until March 2026.
In Chesterfield, the programme has made a tangible difference to local businesses, helping them scale up, adapt, and thrive in a changing economy. Businesses have already benefited from the programme, include:
- Black Swan Cyber Security received expert advice and funding to develop a new cybersecurity product, helping the business grow its client base and expand its service offer.
- Images Costumes, a theatrical costume supplier, used Accelerator support to invest in digital marketing and streamline operations, boosting visibility and efficiency.
- Ellenvale Interiors, a bespoke furniture and interiors business, accessed one-to-one adviser support and workshops to refine its growth strategy and reach new markets.
- Finneys Wood Finishes received help to explore decarbonisation options and improve sustainability, reducing costs and future-proofing the business.
Across the region, the Accelerator Programme has:
- Created 143 new businesses
- Supported the creation of 598 jobs
- Safeguarded 505 existing roles
- Helped 401 businesses introduce new products, technologies or processes
Diane Beresford, Deputy Chief Executive at East Midlands Chamber, said: “The tailored business support and workshops the Chamber delivered under the Accelerator Programme have made a very tangible impact in the region when it comes to business expansion, job creation and safeguarding, and the introduction of new products, technologies and processes.
With time limited to get registered, I’d urge businesses interested in exploring the wide range of support available to take that first step and get in touch.”
The Accelerator Programme offers the following support:
- One-to-one support from expert business advisers
- Access to grant funding (where available)
- Growth vouchers for new technology
- Decarbonisation and sustainability support
- Export and high-growth business services
- Workshops and webinars on key business topics
Businesses can register now to access support before the programme ends in March 2026. A full schedule of upcoming training events is available at:
https://bit.ly/AcceleratorTrainingEv
A wide range of business and skills support is available for businesses in Chesterfield. Discover more at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/
