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Keep up to date with our guides and business-centered resources
Cumbria Business Growth Hub is a focal point for businesses looking to increase their competitiveness and grow by offering a great choice of advice, training, funding, networking and more, all tailored to your needs.
If you’re thinking of starting a business, in the process of setting up or relatively new to business, this is a great place to find inspiration, contacts, practical support and useful resources.
Over the years, we've helped 1000s of businesses grow with grant funding. All funding opportunities will be added here as soon as they become live.
Whatever stage you’re at there’s a great range of support available to help you make your business more profitable and competitive – much of it free!
It's our mission to empower Cumbrian businesses and the people who work in them to achieve their full potential.

Your one stop shop for business support: learn who we are from our recent TV commercial and see how we can help you

A free countywide business start-up programme to point you in the right direction to achieving business success.

Discover support to help you increase your profitability, growth and competitiveness.
1 October 2026
The Pencil Factory
Join us for our fourth annual Conference Cumbria on Thursday 1st October at the Pencil Factory in Keswick.
Learn more7 October 2026
Discover the business benefits of sustainability, where to start, and the practical steps you can take to make a difference.
Learn more13 October 2026
Roundthorn Country House
There's often a narrative that women need to become more confident, more assertive or more like traditional leaders to progress. But what if many of the qualities organisations are crying out for are the very strengths women already bring?
Learn more15 October 2026
Armstrong Watson LLP James Watson House
Cumbria Chamber of Commerce is hosting an AI event – AI at Work: From Hype to Revenue with input from three knowledgeable speakers who will share different perspectives around AI.
Learn moreIn this episode, Maria Ramsdale from Maria Ramsdale Finance joins us to discuss the Access to Finance service and how it can help businesses navigate their funding options. We explore the different types of finance available, how businesses can identify the right funding for their needs, and how…
In this episode, we’re talking all things Conference Cumbria 2026. We explore what’s in store for this year’s event, from the theme “Be Bold. Be Courageous.” and our keynote speaker Sir Clive Woodward, to the inspiring speakers, panel discussions and opportunities to connect with businesses from…
In this episode, Dominic Doig from Solomon Europe joins us to discuss MatchMaker—a new procurement model designed to help SMEs source the products and services they need more effectively. We explore how the idea for MatchMaker came about, the impact it's already having for businesses, and so much…
In this episode, Sarah Schofield joins us to discuss the importance of creating safe and supportive environments for women in the business world. We explore the inspiration behind her Safe Women Workshops, the challenges many women still face in professional settings, and why psychological safety,…
In this episode, Jade Clifford from iCan Wellbeing Group joins us to discuss ADHD in the workplace and how employers can create environments where neurodivergent employees can thrive. We explore Jade’s personal experiences of living and working with ADHD, the challenges and strengths that can come…