Sheffield has always been a city that gets things done. From traditional industry to modern enterprise, it’s a place where business owners roll up their sleeves and build something meaningful. But no one does it alone – and in 2024, thousands of local entrepreneurs turned to Business Sheffield for expert guidance, support and practical help to grow and thrive.
Delivered by Sheffield City Council, Business Sheffield offers a comprehensive range of free support services for businesses at every stage – from early ideas through to scaling and innovation. Across the year, the team supported more than 4,100 businesses, underlining its role as a key pillar in the city’s enterprise ecosystem.
Specialist support for every sector
Business Sheffield’s strength lies in its tailored approach. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all model, the service is structured around dedicated teams that understand the distinct challenges and ambitions of different business types.
Start-ups and pre-starts are supported by the Launchpad Team, who worked with over 643 new ventures in 2024 alone. Their advice spans business planning, registration, marketing and funding applications – all aimed at helping new founders get off to the best possible start.
High street businesses, meanwhile, are backed by the Growth Team – six advisors who provide hands-on, face-to-face support across the city. From navigating licensing and planning to resolving issues with business rates or environmental health, they act as a practical bridge to council services. Last year, they worked with more than 2,700 retailers and traders.
The Tech Team supports Sheffield’s growing community of digital and tech businesses. Acting as a sounding board and strategic partner, they advise on product development, investment readiness and scaling. Around 92 businesses benefited from this specialist support last year.
Larger and scaling businesses are also in scope. A team of four Business Advisors supports over 40 companies, providing help with access to finance, marketing strategy, productivity, skills development and innovation.
In addition, RAP Advisors have guided over 652 clients through the process of securing grants and funding. In total, £2.4 million in grants was secured for Sheffield businesses in 2024 – a clear sign of the team’s impact.
More than advice
Alongside one-to-one support, Business Sheffield offers a full programme of free workshops, webinars and networking events. Covering topics from accounting and HR to social media and AI, the sessions are designed to be practical, relevant and delivered in a friendly, accessible way.
They’re also a valuable opportunity for business owners to connect with each other. In a city built on strong communities, these peer-to-peer networks are often as useful as the expert advice.
A trusted partner for growth
What sets Business Sheffield apart is its combination of local insight and broad capability. Whether you’re a solo trader in Hillsborough, a family-run firm in Attercliffe or a fast-scaling tech start-up in the city centre, the support is designed to meet you where you are – and help you take the next step.
That could mean a fresh marketing strategy, guidance on planning applications, help applying for funding, or simply a trusted advisor to bounce ideas off.
Looking ahead
With over 4,000 businesses supported this year and millions in grants channelled into the local economy, Business Sheffield is more than just a council service. It’s a long-term partner for Sheffield’s business community – one that continues to champion innovation, unlock growth and back the city’s entrepreneurs every step of the way.
To explore the full range of support on offer, simply visit the Business Sheffield website.
