Small business support network Enterprise Nation has expanded its Salesforce-backed Local Leaders network into Essex – after an overwhelming response from small business owners – to help them stay on their feet after the Covid-19 economic impact. We’re delighted to reveal founder Emma Goode will lead Enterprise Nation’s Local Leaders group, holding monthly online meet-ups to nurture local firms through this business-critical time.

She will hold meet-ups to combine expert advice and peer-to-peer support, while the group will offer a safe haven for small businesses to speak with peers about the current trading challenges everyone’s facing. 

A thrilled Emma said: “Essex is renowned for being home to many entrepreneurial business owners and I’m so excited to be part of helping our entrepreneurs take their businesses from launch to even greater success through Enterprise Nation’s local support group.”

According to Enterprise Nation research, 53% of businesses believe they WILL get to a stable point when they will be ready to work on improving skills for when things get back to normal – and 19% are already on it.

The survey also found 63% said they wanted to develop increased digital capability such as e-commerce, while 60% said they were planning to diversify their business so they could easily pivot. 

The Local Leaders network has doubled in size since the start of the pandemic, with people like Emma stepping up to the challenge of supporting local businesses in 35 areas of the UK.

Emma Jones, Enterprise Nation founder, said: “It’s moving to see so many business owners like Emma offering to help their own business community during this crisis. It’s also reassuring to see the faith that many business owners have that things will get back to normal and that they want to work towards that moment to be in the best shape possible.

“This initiative will see the creation of lasting, supportive peer groups across the UK that allow small businesses to have a place to go, online and eventually off, on a regular basis to hear from experts and to share challenges and opportunities with like-minded founders. 

“Being part of this initiative will also give businesses the chance to be part of a national network that can represent their views to the government, and others. Our vision is to build solid networks that will evolve and create a legacy in the UK’s regions and continue way beyond Covid-19.”

You can join the online meet-ups for free by registering on our Events listings. Let’s show the world what Essex really stands for 🙌