Running a small business can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also come with challenges – from managing costs and recruiting staff to planning for growth or navigating funding opportunities.
Fortunately, there is free support available for local businesses, including those based on and around Mill Road.
The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) Growth Hub offers fully funded advice and practical support for businesses across the region. The service is part of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) network designed to help local businesses grow, improve resilience, and access new opportunities.
What Support Is Available?
Traders who register with the Growth Hub can access a range of free services, including:
1-to-1 Business Support
You can speak directly with a Growth Hub advisor to discuss your business, challenges, and plans for the future. This support is tailored to your situation and can help you identify practical next steps.
Growth-Focused Advice
Advisors can provide guidance on topics such as:
- Recruitment and staffing
- Training and skills development
- Innovation and business growth planning
Business Review Tools
The Growth Hub offers structured tools such as GrowthMapper and Growth Canvas, which help identify opportunities for improvement, growth, and efficiency.
Access to Finance Guidance
If you are considering expanding, investing, or improving your premises, the Growth Hub can help you understand:
- Grants and funding opportunities
- Loans and finance options
- The wider funding landscape
Energy Cost Savings Support
Energy costs are a major concern for many businesses. The Growth Hub can provide support including:
- Reviewing energy bills
- Carbon Literacy training
- Advice on reducing energy costs and improving sustainability
Apprenticeships, Internships and Work Placements
Businesses across Cambridge can also benefit from apprenticeship and internship programmes supported by CPCA. These initiatives help connect employers with students and early-career talent looking to gain practical experience.
For Mill Road traders, this can be a great way to:
- Bring in additional support during busy periods
- Develop new skills within your business
- Offer valuable work experience to local students
- Build a pipeline of future staff
The CPCA Employer Hub can guide businesses through the process of taking on apprentices or hosting placements and help explain what support may be available.
Learn more here:
🔗 https://cpcaskills.com/employer-hub/apprenticeships/apprenticeships/
Local Support for Mill Road Businesses
The Growth Hub has advisors who specialise in supporting retail, leisure, and hospitality businesses, making it particularly relevant for many traders on Mill Road.
Their role is to provide a friendly, practical sounding board for business owners and help connect you with the right resources and opportunities.
How to Get Started
If you would like to explore the support available, you can contact:
Ben Lander
Growth Hub Business Advisor – Retail, Leisure & Hospitality
📧 ben.lander@cpcagrowthhub.co.uk
You can also learn more about the Growth Hub here:
Supporting the Mill Road Business Community
Accessing programmes like the CPCA Growth Hub can be a valuable way for local traders to strengthen their businesses and identify new opportunities.
If you’re interested in support, funding advice, or simply a conversation about your plans for the future, it’s well worth getting in touch.