Welcome

SURVIVE & THRIVE E-NEWSLETTER
Issue 3 - March 2009

Welcome to the latest issue of the Survive and Thrive newsletter from East Midlands Development Agency (emda), helping you to get your business in the best possible shape to ride out the economic storm.
 
As the current economic climate begins to have a stronger impact, this issue focuses on business support services available and specific initiatives providing access to finance. 
To minimise your own supply chain risk, you can help your suppliers keep up to date with the latest news and information through the Survive and Thrive e-newsletter. It’s free to register, contact us on 0845 058 6644 for details.
 
Explore the links below for more information on the help available to businesses.

Plan your recession survival

With survival and sustainability being a major concern, small firms are focusing on short-term survival rather than long-term strategic goals.  Play to your strengths and see how you can turn being a small business into a competitive advantage.

New Transition Loan Fund for businesses

A new fund – the East Midlands Transition Loan Fund – is making £5m available to businesses across the region. The fund will provide small and medium size enterprises with individual loans of between £50,000 and £250,000 for up to three years.

Support for redundancies

Redundancies are an inevitable consequence of an economic downturn and are challenging for everyone involved. Jobcentre Plus works with a range of partners to provide tailored solutions to help minimise the impact and provide help and advice when redundancies are taking place.

EnterpriseLoans East Midlands

A loan fund designed to provide capital for entrepreneurs struggling to raise finance has awarded more than £250,000 to East Midlands’ businesses in its first six months. EnterpriseLoans East Midlands has made awards totalling £282,000 to 22 companies.

Prime Minister unveils real help for consumers

The Prime Minister has announced a package of real help and protection for consumers struggling to make ends meet because of the global downturn.

Credit insurance updates

Read about recent developments relating to credit insurance from Shoosmiths.

Innovation support

Exploiting and developing innovative ideas to gain a competitive advantage is more important than ever in the current economic climate. The innovation Festival (iFestival) is taking place across the East Midlands until 17th April, featuring numerous events providing information and advice about innovation.