Our first Let's Talk Business event in September was a brilliant success. It showcased the strength and expertise right here in the Harborough district business community, bringing people together to get talking, learn from each other, and access vital support.

The energy was high, with speakers sharing actionable advice across crucial topics, including funding and finance, HR and recruitment, guidance on Youth engagement and Disability Confident Employers, and practical social media and marketing tips, all alongside direct support from the Harborough District Business Advice Service (HDBAS). 

The Let's Talk Business series will continue through local events, panel discussions, and podcast recordings.

We are actively seeking local business people to share their knowledge, inspire others, and help shape these future sessions and podcasts. If you are passionate about your field and keen to contribute to the growth of our vibrant local economy, we want to hear from you!

 The accelerator runs from December to February 2026. Apply now to secure your place.

Starting or growing a business can be a huge task, but you don't have to do it alone. Harborough District Business Support is here to take the stress and uncertainty out of your development journey with free, expert guidance.

Local entrepreneur Sukey Davies has shown how valuable this service is. She needed a solid plan to secure vital loans, and our advisor helped her turn her ideas into a clear document, improving her figures and strengthening her business plan. Sukey got the finance she needed and now runs her business confidently.

Like Sukey, you can gain clarity and a clear path to success with our free, confidential support for all local businesses. We help you move forward by offering:

• One-to-One Mentorship

• Business Planning assistance

• Guidance on Accessing Finance and Grants

• Free Workshops and Programmes

• Support for Growth and Expansion Planning

• Referrals to Specialist Support and resources

Start your journey to confident growth today.

The wave of recent high-profile cyber attacks on major UK brands proves no business is immune to digital threats. It is vital to understand that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the prime targets, with more micro-businesses being hit by ransomware than huge corporations. Cyber security can be overwhelming but support will help you to feel more confident to tackle this growing problem.

To protect the Harborough district's economy, fully-funded support is available:

• Programme: East Midlands CyberGrowth

• Led by: De Montfort University Leicester experts

• Initiative: £150,000 scheme providing essential cyber security support

This initiative is designed to bolster your cyber resilience and future-proof your business by offering:

• Technical training

• Risk management guidance

Be proactive and safeguard your business!

Time is running out to secure vital funding for your business! Eligible enterprises must apply for one of our three key grant schemes, all closing on 31 October 2025.

These grants, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, offer significant investment opportunities:

• Rural Grant Fund: Capital grants of £5,000–£20,000 for rural businesses to diversify, innovate, and support green technology or tourism.

• Green Growth and Innovation Fund: Grants of £500–£2,000 for businesses across the district seeking to boost efficiency, adopt sustainable practices, or innovate with new products.

• Tourism Development Grant: Grants of £500–£2,000 to help hospitality businesses enhance the local visitor economy and attract more visitors.

Applications close soon. If you have any questions to help you apply, please get in touch with us.

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.

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

Connect with funders and growth experts at Momentum Valley's Female Founders Raise on 5 March 2026 for International Women’s Day. Join 250 leading female-owned businesses and investors in Nottingham for a day of high-level content, personalised workshops, and crucial connectivity designed to secure real support and funding for your business.

Join the fully-funded Climate Leadership and Action Programme from the University of Leicester. This six-week, hybrid course for senior staff has a time commitment of 17 hours total and is valued at £2,000 but is free for eligible organisations.

Are you a senior leader or business owner wanting to develop your business? Take advantage of the funded Help to Grow: Management Programme starting 9 January 2026 with the University of Leicester School of Business. This course offers a fresh perspective on key management areas, allowing you to work with a mentor to develop a focused growth action plan. 

GreenerFuture is your essential hub for information on events, resources and the latest developments concerning climate action, sustainability and local energy plans. Visit their website for useful links, documents and to access support designed specifically for businesses.

The Met Office provides specialist weather and climate intelligence, vital for the safe and efficient operations and long-term planning across many sectors. Through targeted prediction and expert consultancy, the Met Office helps UK businesses remain safe, efficient, and resilient 24 hours a day.

The Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination and Risk Assessment is now available through Unyte Academy, a Harborough District-based company, for just £400 + VAT (a reduction from over £2,000), thanks to 60% government funding. This course is for construction professionals and ensures you can manage retrofit projects and ensure compliance with PAS 2035 standards. 

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.