A New High-Growth Support Initiative Is Launched

Posted on November 21, 2024

We are excited to introduce the North Star Service, a new high-growth support initiative by Suffolk County Council, in partnership with MENTA and funded by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). This exclusive program is designed to empower Suffolk’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) with strategic guidance, funding support, and expert insights to drive sustainable growth.

With just 100 places available, the North Star Service will offer selected businesses a comprehensive pathway to growth, including tailored business reviews, funding diagnostics, and hands-on support with grant applications.

All advisers delivering this service are SFEDI-qualified, ensuring high standards of expertise and professionalism.

We are reaching out to our key stakeholders and partners to help raise awareness of this unique opportunity and encourage applications from eligible businesses.

Program Benefits for Businesses

The North Star Service is structured to offer valuable support for high-growth potential SMEs, including:

Growth Journey Assessment – Personalized reviews to evaluate each business’s unique growth stage and needs.
Comprehensive Business Review – Third-party evaluations providing actionable insights and growth recommendations.
Targeted Support Referrals – Referrals to resources aligned with each business’s growth objectives.
Grants Diagnostic – A tailored tool to identify publicly funded grants best suited to each business.
Technical Readiness Diagnostic – For businesses focused on innovation, this tool assesses readiness to strengthen funding applications.
Grant Application Writing Support – Expert assistance to maximize the chances of securing essential funding.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible businesses must meet the following criteria: