New funding available for small businesses looking to employ individuals with learning disabilities and autism
Essex County Council has opened applications for the third round of its Learning Disabilities and Autism business grants.
The Council has up to £195,000 of funding available for Small and Medium Sized businesses, with grants of up to £25,000 available to successful applicants.
The grant aims to support local businesses in breaking down barriers and creating real and meaningful jobs for individuals with additional needs.
The funding is available to support with a range of business needs. This includes salaries, business start-up costs or equipment and training.
The scheme has run twice before and was awarded the Innovation of the Year award 2023 by The British Association for Supported Employment.
It is being funded in partnership with Chelmsford City Council and Epping Forest District, with additional support from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
This funding opportunity is for you, if you a business that:
• Has a new, creative innovative business proposal?
• Has a proposal that is both viable and sustainable?
• Want to open or expand your business to employ Adults with Learning Disabilities and/or Autism?
“I’m delighted to open applications for the third round of our small business grants to support Essex Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) with inclusive employment.
‘’This initiative is testament to our commitment to fostering employment opportunities for everyone within our community.
‘’If you have a unique or innovative business proposal that can break down barriers and create jobs for adults with learning disabilities or autism, we’d love to hear from you.’’
A previous recipient of the business grant was Circles Alternative Education in Stock, who applied for funds to develop an opportunity that would bridge the gap between work experience and employment for people with Learning Disabilities, Autism or ADHD.
“We used the funding to launch a new side to our business called ‘Branching Out’. The application process was so simple and we received great support from Essex County Council, that was much more than just providing us with a business grant. They also provided support, information and networking to help grow this business idea further.
“The funding has had a huge impact, allowing us to take on new commercial contracts and employ motivated young people with learning disabilities. These are all paid employment positions and are real working projects, focused within local communities, such as developing and improving woodland areas.
“The funding has been so important to allow us to fully support our young people to grow and develop their skills and also receive emotional and social support, as they learn to engage with the workplace environment. We hope this will lead to greater career aspirations for them and a brilliant future either within our company or elsewhere.”
To find out more information on the grant and to request an application pack, please email BusinessGrants@essex.gov.uk.
Closing date for applications is the 12 August 2025.
If you have any questions or need further information about the exciting opportunities in Chelmsford, our dedicated team is here to help.
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