Local businesses are invited to Let’s Talk Business on Tuesday 23 September 2025, 10:30 AM–1:00 PM at Harborough Innovation Centre.

The event brings together a panel including experts in finance, HR, social media and marketing, from local agencies such as the British Business Bank, Department for Work and Pensions, Harborough District Business Advice Service, Blue Horizon HR, Pulse Communications, and The Business Hub Work Experience.

What you can gain:

• Guidance on grants, funding and advice to support business growth and scaling up

• Insights into HR best practice, marketing trends, and engaging future talent

• Networking opportunities and the chance to meet the speakers over lunch

The event is designed to help businesses of any size strengthen skills, access new opportunities, and connect with local support. Booking in advance is required.

A free retail business support programme is launching with expert input from Laura Harrison.

What’s on offer:

• One-to-one business review for independent shopkeepers, including an assessment of current challenges and recommended improvements

• Opportunity to apply for grants up to £2,000 for revenue-boosting improvements such as stock displays, window decals, signage, etc., with a 50% match

Plus, two practical webinars:

• Making the most of the golden quarter – tips to boost Christmas trade – 24 September, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

• Trading in challenging times – understanding customer behaviour and adapting to change – 29 October, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Both sessions will be held at the council offices and can also be attended as webinars.

This is a fantastic opportunity to boost your business while becoming more sustainable and innovative.

The scheme will close for applications on 31 October 2025

The Visit Harborough team is looking for a professional artist—or team of artists—to lead hands-on, harvest-themed art and craft activities during the October half-term (Saturday 18 October to Saturday 25 October).

Why get involved: This is a fantastic opportunity to bring families together for a fun, creative experience, inspire children aged 2–12 to explore their creativity, and deliver an engaging, educational activity that makes a real impact.

Two commissions are available: Market Harborough and Lutterworth

Deadline: Tuesday 23 September, 12:00 noon

Why join? Enhance your employability, stay ahead in a rapidly evolving job market, and contribute to the UK's AI-driven economic growth.

Invest in Harborough offers expert support to help local businesses start, grow, and succeed.

Business support includes:

• Monthly Drop-In Business Support Clinic at Harborough Innovation Centre – first Tuesday of each month, offering general guidance on recruitment, grants and funding, training, workforce development, apprenticeships, and finding new premises

• Harborough District Business Advice Service (HDBAS) One-to-one sessions with professional business advisors provide tailored support, alongside peer group workshops to build essential business knowledge. Networking opportunities and access to grants and finance help strengthen your business plan, while also fostering connections with the wider business support community.

Take this opportunity to get personalised advice, explore funding, and connect with local business experts.

Stay competitive with business events. The Invest in Harborough page lists expert-led workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities from quality partners like the FSB and East Midlands Chamber. Book your place and keep your business one step ahead.

Your voice can make a real difference. The survey is quick, easy, and completely confidential.

Here’s a selection of free events, funding, and training opportunities from organisations working to support local businesses. Click the titles for more details!

Welland Park Academy is looking for business volunteers to give short careers talks, run CV workshops, or support mock interviews. To get involved, contact Nicola Moss at the Business Hub Work Experience TM.

UK entrepreneurs aged 18-30, apply now for the Young Entrepreneur Fund: ten winners will each receive £5,000 plus a six-week tailored business support programme to help grow or launch a business. Deadline: 9 October 2025.

Early-stage energy and climate tech startups can apply to the SET (Start Up Energy Transition) Award until 31 October 2025. Winners receive €10,000 equity-free, plus global exposure, industry connections, and a chance to pitch in Berlin at the SET Tech Festival.

GreenerFuture Leicestershire is offering a free Climate Leadership programme to local businesses. Get expert help to measure your carbon footprint, improve your energy efficiency, and reduce your operating costs.

Adults aged 19+ can apply for Skills Bootcamps in Leicestershire to retrain or progress in work. Courses cover areas such as construction, digital, health & social care, logistics, green skills, and more. Employers can also upskill staff at low cost, with most training funded by government.

Independent UK retail businesses can apply for VistaPrint’s Realising the Remarkable grant to grow and develop their business. Winners receive £5,000 cash, £1,000 in VistaPrint credits, and a 12-month VistaCreate Pro subscription. Applications are open until 30 October 2025.

The Economic Development Team provides free, tailored resources for all businesses in Harborough District. To ensure our future provision is as valuable as possible, we need to hear from you.

By completing our short survey, you can tell us exactly what your business needs to succeed. Your insights are vital, so please also share the survey with others in your network.

Whether you need help finding funding, locating property, or connecting with local suppliers, our Economic Development Team is here to support you.