Press Releases
Calling individuals with innovative business ideas
Date: 11 August 2006
If you’ve ever sat at the kitchen table and had a fantastic business idea, but have not been sure how to take it forward, then help may be at hand.
Individuals with innovative business ideas are now being sought to join the New Ideas Programme being launched by the Essex Innovation Network in the Autumn. Specifically designed with individuals in mind, the programme will provide free specialist support for individual entrepreneurs over a six to nine month period.
Support on offer through the programme will include: assessing whether there is a market for your idea; how to secure finance; protecting your idea and potential profits; winning business in niche markets; using design effectively; options for business development and most importantly how to turn your idea into a genuine money making venture.
The New Ideas Programme is part of a wider package of support being developed for innovative business development in the county. Other support includes the Developing Innovative Businesses Programme designed for early stage businesses, the provision of business incubation premises (including the Essex Technology & Innovation Centre at Ongar) and working with a range of partners to ensure that businesses and individuals can access the information and support they need to develop the high value businesses of tomorrow.
Peter Cook, the Innovation Strategy Development Manager at the Essex Development & Regeneration Agency (ExDRA), the co-ordinating body for the Essex Innovation Network, is excited about the progress being made. “I am delighted that a full package of support for Essex’s future innovative businesses is now coming together. Through the funding received from our key partners, Essex County Council and the East of England Development Agency, the Essex Innovation Network has now embarked upon really meaningful delivery. From practical specialist support for individuals and early stage businesses, to first class quality accommodation and links into the Universities and other key partners, I firmly believe that Essex is extremely well positioned to grow the innovative businesses of the future.”
Individuals that would like to find out whether they are eligible for the New Ideas Programme should in the first instance contact Peter Cook at the Essex Development & Regeneration Agency on 01245 702423 (email: peter.cook@exdra.co.uk)
Essex businesses and individuals interested in finding out more are invited to an Innovating into the Future event at Anglia Ruskin University on Tuesday 26th September (17:30 – 20:30), at which there will an opportunity to find out more about the full range of support on offer through the Essex Innovation Network. Further information is available at www.exdra.co.uk/events or from Sharon Collier at ExDRA on 01245 702471.
Essex Innovation Network Press Release 11.8.06 
For more information please contact:
Peter Cook
Tel: 01245 702423
Email: peter.cook@exdra.co.uk
Stuart Graham
Tel: 01245 702415
Email: stuart.graham@exdra.co.uk
