Smart Start Brentwood

Start Up and New Business Support for Businesses and Entrepreneurs based in Brentwood Borough, Essex

Turn your idea into a thriving business.

Smart Start Brentwood is a comprehensive support programme designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs and businesses from 0-3 years old start, grow and scale.

Delivered in partnership with Brentwood Borough Council and Let’s Do Business Group, the programme combines free expert workshops, one-to-one mentoring and access to grant funding — all tailored to support your business journey.

What’s Included in Smart Start Brentwood?

  • Practical Workshops

    In-person and online practical workshops that provide actionable insights to get your business off on the right foot. Workshops include

    - Starting a Side Hustle
    - Introduction to Self Employment
    - Her Biz
    - Marketing for Beginners
    - Scale my Biz

  • 1:1 Expert Support

    Work directly with our experienced advisers for tailored guidance, whether you’re exploring your first idea or planning expansion.

  • Funding Opportunities

    Apply for the Brentwood Start-Up Grant Scheme — Supporting local entrepreneurs with early-stage costs and growth plans with grants of up to £1000.

Why Join?

By taking part, you’ll:

  • Gain practical skills in business planning, finance, and marketing.

  • Access personalised one-to-one advice.

  • Join a community of like-minded local entrepreneurs.

  • Get the chance to secure grant funding for your business idea.

All sessions are free and open to Brentwood residents and businesses that are between 0-3 years old.

Business Grants

Smart Start Brentwood Grant Scheme

We are offering 10 grants of up to £1,000 to support new and early-stage businesses across the borough. The scheme aims to help local businesses invest in innovation, technology, marketing, sustainability and skills development.

Funding will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants must demonstrate how the funding will deliver clear, positive outcomes for their business — whether improving operations, adopting greener practices, strengthening marketing activity or driving innovation. 

The grant can support projects such as:

  • equipment and business assets

  • research and development

  • digital or green upgrades

  • training, coaching or mentoring

  • marketing and promotional materials

Who can apply
The grant is open to Brentwood based small businesses, sole traders, charities and social enterprises that have been trading no more than three years, as well as those in the prestart stage. To qualify for the grant, applicants must attend a workshop within the Smart Start Brentwood programme or book a one-to-one mentoring session. 

Applications open at 5pm on Wednesday 21 January 2026.

Scroll down to register your interest in applying for a grant.

Upcoming Events

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The Smart Start Brentwood Programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is a UK Government initiative providing funding for local investments to support the government's five national missions, including economic growth, making the UK a clean energy superpower, and breaking down barriers to opportunity. UKSPF supports local projects focused on communities and place, supporting local businesses, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus