Group2Grow enters its fourth year following 3 successful iterations
Backing Essex Business and Essex County Council is thrilled to announce the return of the highly successful Group2Grow Peer Network Programme in Early 2025, marking its fourth consecutive year of empowering business owners across Essex.
This program, launched in 2021, has created a transformative space where local business leaders from diverse industries and at various stages of their business journey can connect, learn, and grow together. The program’s success in creating collaboration and driving meaningful business results has earned it excellent feedback from participants and recognition across Essex, making it an important element of the county's business support initiatives.
How Group2Grow Works
Group2Grow offers a unique blend of collaborative peer learning and one-to-one mentoring. Over four 2-hour group sessions, participants engage in guided discussions that tackle shared business challenges, from sales growth and marketing strategies to leadership development and resilience. With the support of an expert business coach, participants gain insights and strategies suited to their unique business needs. Additionally, each business owner benefits from three hours of tailored 1:1 support to deepen their learning and apply new skills.
This dynamic approach helps Essex businesses identify obstacles, unlock new opportunities, and develop robust growth strategies. Topics in previous sessions have included increasing sales, refining marketing tactics, strengthening leadership skills, and navigating barriers to growth. Businesses not only receive guidance from the coach but also learn directly from one another—a hallmark of Group2Grow that participants credit for much of their progress.
“Graham, who coached me, was actually my biggest cheerleader! It was great to have his experience as a business coach, because I don’t have that. I’m trained as a Speech and Language Therapist; I’ve had to learn how to manage a business and his experience really helped with that.”
“I didn’t really know how to begin, what I needed to look out for and all the rest, so the sessions really helped me, having a mentor who I could ask questions. The end goal is building up the business so I can step away from my day job”
Proven Impact: Group2Grows Previous Success
Since its inception, Group2Grow has significantly impacted the Essex business community:
Participants: 246 businesses have joined the programme, sharing experiences and supporting each other in various stages of growth.
Job Creation: Group2Grow has directly contributed to the creation of 223 new jobs across Essex.
New Product Development: Participants have collectively developed 90 new products, enhancing their offerings and competitiveness.
Funding Assistance: The programme has helped 16 businesses secure funding to accelerate their growth.
Business Resilience: The collaboration and problem-solving format has enhanced participants' ability to navigate complex challenges and improve business stability.
Building Confidence and Community
Group2Grow’s success stems not only from its structured guidance but also from the supportive environment it fosters. Participants report feeling more equipped to manage their businesses and tackle challenges independently, thanks to the sense of community and shared learning that defines Group2Grow.
Emma Coles of Verity Henton described the program as "networking, but learning at the same time," highlighting the diverse perspectives and hands-on support from her coach, David. This sense of camaraderie allows business owners to take risks, explore new strategies, and support one another’s growth, while receiving valuable, impartial feedback.
Applications Open for 2025
Applications are now open for the upcoming Group2Grow Programme, starting Early 2025 and welcoming like-minded individuals from across Essex to participate. No matter where you are in your business journey, this programme provides a valuable chance to connect with peers, receive mentorship, and explore practical solutions.
“To know that every two weeks, you’re going to have an opportunity to tell people about your wins and what you’ve struggled with, and to have different businesses at different levels of growth is really helpful. I’ve learnt so much in just those 3 months. For example, we did a trademark session on trademarking and intellectual property. As soon as that was done, I registered my company to be trademarked and it’s just been approved. That’s one step closer to where I want to see this business in five years’ time”
