Businesses, entrepreneurs and anyone with a new idea are being invited to make the most of a fresh programme of free support as Business Fortnight returns to Tendring this autumn.

Running from Monday 28 September to Thursday 8 October, the Tendring4Growth programme will bring together workshops, advice sessions, networking opportunities and events at venues across the district.

The series, led by Tendring District Council’s (TDC) economic development initiative Tendring4Growth, is designed to give local firms and future business owners practical help, useful contacts and new ideas to take away.

Councillor Ivan Henderson, TDC Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said TDC was proud to support the businesses, entrepreneurs and organisations that help Tendring’s economy thrive.

“Local businesses are the backbone of our economy, and Business Fortnight is about giving them, and those with new ideas, practical support, useful contacts and fresh opportunities to grow,” he said.

“This year’s programme brings together advice on everything from start-ups, skills and funding to procurement, content creation and event planning, helping businesses of all sizes feel supported and valued.

“By working with partners through Tendring4Growth, we want to create the best possible environment for local firms to succeed, support our communities and make Tendring an even better place to live, work and do business.”

Places for events are free, with booking now open for most events at www.tendring4growth.com.

The fortnight begins on Monday 28 September at 10am with Procurement from the Beginning at Clacton Town Hall. The interactive workshop will guide businesses through the procurement process and share practical tips for putting together stronger tender applications.

On Tuesday 29 September at 1pm, Walton and Frinton Yacht Club will host Championing Startups in Tendring, a session aimed at people taking the early steps in business. Run by TDC and Colbea, the event will feature advice, networking and local business insight from speakers including Dan Loveless of Forge Fitness and Jamie Spears of Rebel Monkey Coffee House.

On Wednesday 30 September at 10am, businesses are invited to attend HR and Management for Small Businesses in 2026 and Beyond at The Sunspot in Jaywick Sands. The session will look at key issues for small employers, including employment law, AI, recruitment, staff retention and leadership.

The following day, Thursday 1 October from 10.30am, sees the return of the popular Tendring Jobs and Skills Fair at the Princes Theatre in Clacton. More than 40 exhibitors are expected at the district’s largest employment and training event, offering opportunities for jobseekers, people considering a career change and those looking to build new skills. Entry is free and no booking is required.

On Friday 2 October, from 10am to 2pm, residents, businesses and visitors can drop into Clacton Town Hall to find out more about the Clacton Thriving vision and action plan and share their views on future priorities for the town centre.

The Young Entrepreneurs Market will take place on Saturday 3 October from 10am to 1pm at Clacton Leisure Centre. The market will give young people aged 16 to 30 the chance to develop their ideas, gain confidence and connect with experienced business professionals, whether they are already trading or just starting out, and sell their products to the public.

The second week opens with Colbea's Guide to Grants and Funding at Lifehouse Spa and Hotel in Thorpe-le-Soken on Monday 5 October, from 10am to 4pm. Business adviser Graham Johnson, from TDC’s business support provider Colbea, will talk through grants, funding routes and wider finance options for local businesses.

On Tuesday 6 October, from 9.30am to 1pm, there will be a session on Content Creation for Small Businesses at Wix Village Hall. The workshop will help small businesses understand what to post, how to produce professional-looking content and how tools such as AI and Canva can save time and support a more consistent online presence.

The Event Blueprint - From idea to impact will then take place on Wednesday 7 October, from 4pm to 6pm, at Harwich and Parkeston Football Club in Dovercourt. The practical session will bring experts, support organisations and funders together to help organisers shape safe, compliant and successful festivals, fetes, markets, sports, cultural and community events in Tendring.

Business Fortnight will close on Thursday 8 October at the Princes Theatre in Clacton with the Tendring4Growth Business Awards, shining a spotlight on the businesses, organisations and individuals helping to drive the district’s economy forward.

Now in their fifth year, the awards remain a key date in the local business calendar, recognising the talent, creativity and resilience shown by organisations and individuals across Tendring.

For more information on the events, or to stay up to date with Tendring4Growth’s eBulletins, go to www.tendring4growth.com.