Date issued: 1 May 2020
Colchester Borough Council is awarding the Colchester Business Enterprise Agency (Colbea) £9,450 over the next three months (starting in April 2020), to support local businesses affected by COVID-19.
Colbea, which provides business advice, support and training to new and existing businesses, will use the funding to broaden its ability to support local businesses through the COVID-19 crisis and into recovery, with fully funded 1:1 business advice sessions.
The funding was awarded to Colchester Borough Council from Central Government as part of a wider COVID-19 support budget.
Councillor David King, Portfolio Holder for Business and Resources, said: “Businesses are facing an unprecedented challenge navigating this crisis. I’m pleased that Colchester can use some of its emergency budget to support Colbea to help more local businesses.
“I would urge any business needing advice, support or training to visit the Colbea website and to book an appointment with one of their knowledgeable advisors.
“By working with key partners like Colbea we will be able to gather vital data around business survival post lock down, to support the Borough through recovery.”
Cllr King added: “This is just one of many ways the council is supporting the local economy through this crisis. We have already distributed more than £26 million of grants over the past weeks to over 2000 local businesses; and continue to plan for post lock down recovery, with more details announced as soon as we can.”
Colbea Chief Executive, Ashleigh Seymour-Rutherford said: “We have seen a significant rise in the need for one-to-one business support and advice due to the COVID-19 crisis, across the board for business, and a need for a rapid response. We have been working closely with Colchester Borough Council and other Partners throughout these challenging times and welcome the support that they are able to offer Colbea to enable us to work collectively to support our local business community and economic survival.
“We have a team of highly experienced business advisors able to provide timely advice and guidance on subjects such as how to access funding available, cashflow questions, planning for the future, adapting business operations, future strategies and much more. We are here and ready to help in any way we can.”
For more information on Colbea and to book a fully-funded appointment with an advisor call 01206 548833 between 9:00am and 5:00pm or email enquiries@colbea.co.uk. An advisor will contact you within two working days. A designated webpage on Coronavirus Business Advice and frequently asked questions can be found here https://colbea.co.uk/business-advice-coronavirus/.
For information on the council’s response to COVID-19 and on business grants visit www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus.
Page last reviewed: 1 May 2020