Call for business advice
Devon Business Support
Free support for local businesses, farmers, pre-starts & young entrepreneurs
Running a business is an exciting journey with rewards and challenges. Whether you're focused on growth, finances, or attracting customers, having an experienced person to bounce ideas off can be invaluable. Similarly, if you have the beginnings of a business idea but aren't sure where to start, getting practical advice can help you transform your idea into reality.
The Devon Business Support Programme gives business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in Devon access to free, practical advice shaped around their individual needs.
From September 2026 to March 2027, eligible participants can access up to six hours of fully funded support, primarily through one-to-one sessions with an experienced business advisor. A programme of focused workshops will also be available.
Whether you run an established business, work for yourself, are a farmer in need of business advice, or are just starting to explore an idea, we’ll help you gain clarity, overcome hurdles and take practical steps forward.
Find out more details below, or get in touch today for an initial chat.
Register here for free support
Please enter your details below and one of our friendly team members will get in touch
Practical advice, built around you
No two businesses are alike, so this isn’t a one-size-fits-all programme. Your advisor will take the time to understand your business or idea, the challenges you are facing and what you would like to achieve. Together, you can identify your priorities and work out the most useful next steps.
Depending on your needs, your support may include:
- Up to six hours of fully funded advice
- One-to-one sessions online or in person
- Practical, impartial guidance from an experienced advisor
- Help exploring a particular challenge, opportunity or business idea
- Clear and manageable next steps
- Access to relevant workshops on selected business topics.
You don’t need to have everything worked out before you contact us. That’s what the support is there for.
GOT A QUESTION? GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR TEAM
A trusted sounding board
Whether you’re running an established business, developing a new idea, a farmer looking for specialist advice, or an aspiring young entrepreneur, your dedicated advisor will provide you with no-nonsense advice and practical actions you can start implementing straight away.
Established businesses
Running a business can leave little time to step back and think about what comes next. Whether you’re facing a particular challenge, planning on how to grow, or simply feeling unsure about where to focus, we can help. Your dedicated advisor will take the time to understand your business and identify actions likely to make the greatest difference. Support could cover strategy, finance, marketing, operations, HR, and more, giving you greater clarity, renewed confidence and a practical way forward.
GET FRESH PERSPECTIVE
Pre-start businesses
Do you have a business idea but aren’t sure where to begin? Learn Devon are offering a series of engaging courses exploring what self-employment means and the skills, qualities and confidence needed to get started. When you're ready, BIP will help you explore your idea and work out whether it could become a viable business. From market research and planning to pricing, budgeting and legal structures, you’ll receive friendly, practical guidance to help you take those important first steps.
PLAN YOUR NEXT MOVE
Farm business support
If you're a farmer, you can access tailored advice to help you respond to challenges, explore opportunities and plan for a more resilient future. Your specialist agricultural advisor can help with areas such as farm business planning, diversification, farm funding, the latest agricultural practices, Government policy and more. Together, you will focus on the issues that matter most to you.
BUILD A RESILIENT FUTURE
Digital support
Digital tools can help you save time, work more efficiently and reach more customers – but knowing where to start isn’t always easy. Our partner, Cosmic, can help you strengthen your online presence, improve your digital marketing, explore AI and automation, understand cybersecurity and choose technology that genuinely supports your goals, without unnecessary complexity.
SIMPLIFY WITH DIGITAL
Are you 16-24 and considering self-employment?
Do you have an idea that you’d love to turn into a business? Perhaps you’ve already started earning money from a skill, hobby or side hustle but aren’t sure how to take it further. Or maybe you’re simply curious about working for yourself and want to find out what’s involved.
If you're between 16 and 24 years old, you can access free, one-to-one mentoring to explore your ideas, develop useful business skills and build the confidence to move forward.
You don’t need any previous experience or a completed business plan. Your mentor will give you a friendly, non-judgemental space to ask questions, test your thinking and work out your next steps – from understanding your customers and developing your offer to budgeting, marketing and creating a simple plan. If you're interested in upskilling in a specific area, they can also refer you to a relevant Learn Devon course.
TAKE YOUR IDEA FURTHER
Join one of our practical workshops
Our workshops provide valuable guidance and practical advice you can start implementing straight away.
2 events found.
Events
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SFI26 – Getting Ready to Apply in Window 2
Online , United KingdomSFI26 Window 2 opens later this month — are you ready to apply? ** Open to farming businesses in East Devon, Exeter, Mid Devon and Teignbridge SFI26 offers farm owners and land managers an opportunity to support farm income through payments for land management actions that deliver environmental benefits. Join us for this practical workshop, where we’ll cut through the ... Read More
Free -
SFI26 – Getting Ready to Apply in Window 2
Online , United KingdomSFI26 Window 2 opens later this month — are you ready to apply? ** Open to farming businesses in East Devon, Exeter, Mid Devon and Teignbridge SFI26 offers farm owners and land managers an opportunity to support farm income through payments for land management actions that deliver environmental benefits. Join us for this practical workshop, where we’ll cut through the ... Read More
Free
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SEND US YOUR DETAILS & WE'LL GET IN TOUCH
Funding and delivery partners
The Devon Business Support programme is funded by Devon County Council, the local authorities, and the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund. It is being delivered by Business Information Point and Cosmic across Mid Devon, East Devon, West Devon, South Hams, Exeter, and Teignbridge.
