CO0044 SELEP COVID-19 Business Support Funding

Essex County Council is managing this procurement process on behalf of SELEP. It is proposed that a framework will be established to allow access for SELEP, and those public sector organisations associated with SELEP, to the services being provided. Ordering and payment processes will be established at the commencement of this agreement. The SELEP area includes East Sussex, Essex, Kent, Medway, Southend and Thurrock with Essex County Council acting as the Accountable Body for SELEP. The key outcome of this tender is to ensure a co-ordinated, effective response to COVID-19. As such, we are seeking organisations that can support us through the delivery of services as set out in the Lots below. Interested Bidders are required to highlight which Lot(s) of work they are bidding for and is clearly marked when completing the Bidder questionnaire. Lot 1: Supporting pre-starts and start ups - The programme must provide structured and set- hour 1-2-1 and 1-2-many support to cohorts of pre-starts and start-ups that have the potential to operate during and/or beyond a COVID-19 climate. The programme shall include provision of learning, advice and mentoring to an audience that includes those made redundant or unemployed as a result of COVID-19. Lot 2: Digitising Business, supporting e-commerce and retail - The programme must provide a programme of webinars, 1-2-1 and 1-2-many advice and diagnostics to businesses looking to adapt and innovate through digitisation in order to remain viable during and/or beyond a COVID-19 climate. The programme will help businesses to build online presence and competitiveness/ marketing, rebuild supply chains, improve productivity, implement flexible working and/or new/hybrid business models, and employ tools to aid mental wellbeing. Lot 3: Supporting the Visitor Economy - Provision of a 100% grant scheme with a grant range of £1,000 - £3,000 for visitor economy businesses for the purchasing of tools, equipment and trading approaches needed to adapt or innovate, and facilitating a COVID-19 secure environment and the provision of a programme of support and training that will bring together and facilitate multiple businesses and organisations to curate a place-based offer, to increase visitor footfall and spend and regenerate the area.