Enterprising Cumbria

11/06/2026

09/06/2026

📢 Introducing the new Cumbria Accelerator social media channels!

We're continuing to use the Enterprising Cumbria channels as normal, but we've decided to create a dedicated space focused entirely on business growth, support, events, workshops and success stories from the Cumbria Accelerator programme.

If you're a business owner, entrepreneur or part of a growing organisation, we'd love you to join us there.

Follow:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cumbriaaccelerator
Instagram www.instagram.com/cumbriaaccelerator/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cumbria-accelerator

We'll be sharing:
✅ Business support opportunities
✅ Workshops, webinars and events
✅ Expert advice and insights from our business advisors
✅ Business success stories and case studies
✅ News and updates from across the programme

Give us a follow and stay up to date with everything happening through Cumbria Accelerator.

05/06/2026

A great morning so far at Shout Connect Cumbria Business Expo! 👋

If you're attending today, make sure to stop by to meet Paul and Leslie from the Enterprising Cumbria team at Carlisle Racecourse.

Come and speak to us about business growth and support programmes. Whether you're looking to grow your business, develop new skills, explore future opportunities or simply find out more about the support available across the county, we'd love to chat.

📍 Carlisle Racecourse
🕘 9am – 3pm

Come and say hello, we're looking forward to seeing you there!

05/06/2026

New event - Finances Made Easy: All Things Finance in 90 Minutes a Week.

Join this practical, jargon-free online workshop designed to help small business owners stay on top of their finances with a simple six-step weekly routine. Interactive and supportive, it’s ideal for anyone who tends to avoid their numbers.

✅ Live session with opportunities to ask questions
✅ Walk away with a ready-to-use six-step system
✅ Includes checklist and free PDF resources
✅ Leave with your first 90-minute bookkeeping session scheduled

No prior bookkeeping knowledge or specialist software needed – just a device and internet access.

Led by Sue Reeve (Windmill Bookkeeping & Training Services), with 40 years’ experience helping business owners feel confident and in control of their finances.

📅 Monday 29th June
🕑 1pm – 2:30pm
📍 Online

Secure your place here:

04/06/2026

Join us tomorrow at Cumbria Business Expo 2026 at Carlisle Racecourse, the Enterprising Cumbria team will be there and excited to meet you.

Come by our stand to chat with Paul Foster and Leslie Rickerby from our Business Support team, learn about the support available, and explore how we’re helping businesses and communities across Cumbria grow.

Stop by and say hello – we’d love to see you there! 👋

We’re Exhibiting at Cumbria Business Expo 2026

The Enterprising Cumbria team is excited to be exhibiting at Cumbria Business Expo 2026 on Friday 5th June at Carlisle Racecourse and we’d love to meet you there.

Enterprising Cumbria is here to help shape the future of our county’s economy - working with businesses, partners and communities to drive growth, develop skills, and create opportunities for people across Cumbria.

Come and visit our stand to:
✅ Chat with the team about everything we do across economic development, skills, and growth
✅ Learn about the programmes and initiatives helping businesses and people across Cumbria thrive
✅ Explore how we work with partners to deliver the Cumbria Economic Strategy
✅ Share your ideas and be part of the conversation shaping our region’s future

Whether you're an employer, partner, or simply interested in Cumbria’s future, we’d love to connect.

📍 Stop by, say hello, and find out how we’re working together to make Cumbria a great place to live, work and grow.

02/06/2026

Cumbria businesses invited to apply for £1 million Rural Enterprise Grant Fund.

Businesses across Cumbria are being encouraged to apply for a share of a new £1 million Rural Enterprise Grant Fund, secured by Cumbria Combined Authority (CCA).

The new fund is being delivered by Cumbria Chamber of Commerce through Cumbria Business Growth Hub.

The fund will provide grants of up to 80% towards eligible capital projects, helping businesses invest in equipment, machinery, technology and small-scale improvements to business premises.

Available to eligible businesses across the whole of Cumbria, the scheme is designed to support growth, improve productivity and help businesses bring forward investment plans that will strengthen the county's economy.

Additional funding and support for the Rural Enterprise Grant Fund has been provided by Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council.

John Barradell OBE, Interim Chief Executive of Cumbria Combined Authority, said: “Cumbria is full of hardworking businesses with big ambitions, but we know that finding the money to invest isn't always easy.

“This fund will help businesses take the next step, whether that's buying new equipment, improving their premises or expanding what they do. These are the kinds of investments that help businesses grow, create jobs and keep our local economy moving forward.

“By working with partners to get funding where it's needed most, we're helping businesses make things happen now while building a stronger future for Cumbria.”

Lesley Robinson, Head of Business Growth & Support at Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said: “We’re really pleased to have been asked to deliver the Rural Enterprise Grant Fund available to the whole of Cumbria.

“This grant fund comes at such a vital time for businesses, by providing up to 80% match funding we know this fund will make such a huge difference to those lucky enough to be successful.

“We do expect to be inundated with expressions of interest so if you’re looking to apply don’t wait until the deadline of 12 noon on June 22, get your EOI in as soon as you can.”

The Rural Enterprise Grant Fund forms part of the Cumbria Capital Programme, a £10 million package of capital funding secured by Cumbria Combined Authority to support local growth investment and economic regeneration across the county.

The programme has already allocated £4.5 million towards the redevelopment of Cumberland Sports Village, with further investment supporting business growth, regeneration and economic opportunity across Cumbria.

Businesses interested in applying should submit an expression of interest through Cumbria Business Growth Hub by 12 noon on 22 June.

Further information about the fund, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, is available via Cumbria Business Growth Hub at

Browse funding options available for your business Over the years, we've helped 1000s of businesses grow with grant funding. All funding opportunities…

02/06/2026

From the Department for Business and Trade.

June’s Business Academy events bring a series of free, practical webinars to help businesses grow, adapt and thrive.

👉 Explore the full programme, book your place, or watch on demand:

Join the Business Academy to gain essential skills and knowledge for starting and growing a business, in the UK and overseas. Access free events, training and advice for UK businesses.

02/06/2026

Made To Order Meat opens in Barrow Town Centre.

Made to Order Meat has opened its new shop in Barrow town centre, marking an exciting step forward for the family-run business. Sarah and her son Ryan specialise in bespoke meats, offering customers the option to customise products, from sausages to spice levels, alongside gluten-free seasonings and marinades.

With support from the Cumbria Accelerator Programme, including one-to-one guidance from Enterprising Cumbria’s in-house Business Advisor, Donna Dacre, who has supported them throughout their journey and been on hand to help navigate challenges along the way, they’ve developed their plans and prepared for the move to the high street. The new shop focuses on creating a welcoming, community feel, and we look forward to seeing them continue to grow and thrive.

Are you looking to take the next step into new premises and would like support?

Get in touch to find out how Enterprising Cumbria can help, or visit https://www.cumbriaaccelerator.co.uk/

29/05/2026

Ready for a fresh start?

Come along to PHX Training Ltd Training’s FREE "Meet the Employers” event and take the first step towards a new career!

👩‍💼 Meet local employers
🎯 Explore real job opportunities
💬 Get a guaranteed interview after completing the course
💸 Fully funded – no experience needed!

📅 4th June
⏰ 9:30am – 3:00pm
📍 PHX Training, Barrow

Whether you’re looking for a new job or a new direction, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for 👇

Check out the flyer for details and how to sign up!

PHX Training Ltd

29/05/2026

Looking to grow your business?

Donna Dacre, Business Advisor with Enterprising Cumbria, is based in Barrow and supports businesses across the Furness area and wider Cumbria.

Donna offers free support to help you take your business forward, whether you’ve just started or have been trading for years. She works with businesses in person across Furness and remotely across Cumbria.
Having a second pair of eyes can make all the difference, helping you see the bigger picture, spot opportunities and decide on your next steps.

You can also benefit from a free tailored report with practical actions and ideas to help your business grow.
Get in touch: [email protected]