Business Link

Business support and advice

Businesses looking for support and advice should contact Business Link (external link) which offers a single gateway to a wide range of services.  

Vacant Premises

Carlisle City Council operates a Vacant Commercial Sites and Premises Search Service.

This service, which includes an online search facility, provides information on vacant properties and sites from over 30 local agents, developers and property owners as well as details of all City Council commercial properties currently available.

Business Start-Up Advice

Cumbria Chamber of CommerceCumbria Chamber of Commerce is offering a mix of flexible start-up business advice and support through one to one advice, modular daytime or evening courses, online support and e-learning, networking events and seminars, workshops and master classes.

The comprehensive "Intensive Business Start Up Programme" covers:

  • An introduction to self employment
  • Market research
  • Finance and record keeping
  • What an accountant can do for you
  • Internet & e-commerce
  • Sales and promotion

All sessions are delivered by expert presenters.  You can attend as many or as few sessions as required and can also mix and match between day and evening – whatever is most convenient for you.

Anyone wishing to discuss this support further should contact Lesley Robinson on 0845 226 0040 or email Lesleye@cumbriachamber.co.uk

Visit http://www.cumbriachamber.co.uk/ (external link)

Directgov - Straight through to public servicesNew Enterprise Allowance - business support for jobseekers

If you've been getting Jobseeker's Allowance for at least six months, you could get help and financial support to set up your own business

Enterprise Clubs - help to become self-employed or start a business

An opportunity to get information and advice if you are unemployed and thinking about setting up a business, or becoming self-employed

Find further information on schemes that will enable you to recruit and develop your workforce at Directgov (external link).

Community Funding

If you are a community organisation you can get advice about grants and funding from the following organisations.


Cumbria County CouncilDirect.Gov
Allerdale Borough Council logoEden District Council logo

Contact us

 01228 817000

Carlisle City Council
Civic Centre, Carlisle, Cumbria,
CA3 8QG