ENTREPRENEURS with innovative sustainable business ideas have received seed funding, thanks to a programme from Essex County Council.

The programme awarded three businesses a total of £10,000 following a competitive pitching event.

Delivered by Cultural and environmental experts, Art Clubbers CIC, the Green Entrepreneur’s Programme was open to those with a business registered across Greater Essex within the past two years.

Since opening for applications in July 2024, the programme has offered support to entrepreneurs in areas including:

business planning
marketing and branding guidance
legal and financial support
sustainable awareness and green practices
personal development
Over the nine weeks, successful applicants for Sprint 2 of the programme took part in an intensive online programme, gaining the tools and confidence needed to help them grow.

Industry experts, including representatives from Google and the Financial Times, also delivered webinars to help shape their business strategies.

At the end of the programme, participants pitched their business to a panel of experts.

One winner received £5,000 in seed funding to further develop their business, with two runners up awarded £2,500 each.

The winners were:

£5,000 – Ohemaa Cosmetics: a self-care gifting brand dedicated to crafting quality products which blend heritage and innovation. Named after the Twi word for “queen,” the brand offers luxurious, high-quality products in the bath, body, and home categories. The brand’s ethos is to be “good for the skin, great for gifting, and perfect for the planet”.

£2,500 – Keeley, founder of Rise and Shine: a vibrant new play café coming to Mistley, founded by a new mum who understands first-hand the challenges of dining out with babies. It offers a welcoming space where adults can enjoy quality coffee and locally sourced food while children play safely in a stimulating environment.

£2,500 – Sylak, founder of Inks of Essex: a small regional manufacturer, based in Southend-on-Sea, that is developing inks made from natural waste. It supplies local businesses within the creative sector with ethically sourced mark making fluids and specialist inks made using a variety of traditional and non-traditional materials.

Councillor Louise McKinlay, Essex County Council Deputy Leader Cabinet Member for Communities, Economic Growth and Prosperity, said: “It’s inspiring to see such creativity and commitment to sustainability from local entrepreneurs.

“This programme is a fantastic example of how we can support innovation while taking advantage of the huge opportunities which are available in the sustainability market.

“Congratulations to the winners, we look forward to seeing their businesses thrive.”

In addition to the formal programme, both participating and non-participating entrepreneurs were invited to exclusive networking events.

Support was also available for entrepreneurs who are not yet ready to apply for the programme.

More entrepreneurs will be in with a chance to win seed funding at another pitching event later this year.

To find out more about the programme, visit: https://bit.ly/GEP-2025.