Current Projects

We often work on a variety of difference business support projects at any one time. As much as possible we try to ensure a wide range of free or subsidised support for businesses across Devon. Typically the types of assistance can include one-to-one support with a local business advisor, free business skills workshops, funding advice and business planning.

The Start Up & Grow Programme is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund. It has been made available to support pre-start businesses who have the potential for growth and to create employment opportunities.

The intensive support package may include a mix of:

• One-to-one advice with an experienced business advisor.
• Business skills workshops.
• Telephone and email support – culminating in the preparation of a plan for the business.

The support will cover all aspects of setting up and growing the business including, but not limited, to business and financial planning, marketing, taxation and human resources.

Find out more about the Start Up & Grow Programme.

The Start Up & Grow project is receiving funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Department for Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for ERDF. Established by the European Union ERDF funds help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations.

The Growth Support Programme is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund. It has been made available to support existing businesses wishing to grow, expand or who just wish to have an outside view of their current business.

The support provides:

• An initial face-to-face meeting with an experienced business advisor
• An opportunity to commit to a further 9 hour support package including an assessment of digital opportunities and financial understanding, with a possibility of looking at innovation and marketing within your business, depending on needs.
• Can register online at the Heart of the South West Growth Hub

Find out more about the Growth Support Programme.

The Heart of the South West Growth Support Programme project is receiving up to £904,945 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Department for Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for ERDF. Established by the European Union ERDF funds help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations.

Supporting those looking to become self-employed but are further away from starting a business, or for businesses ineligible for other programmes (land based sector).

The support package may include a mix of:

• One-to-one advice with an experienced business advisor.
• Business skills workshops.
• Telephone and email support – culminating in the preparation of a plan for the business.

The support can cover any aspects of setting up and growing the business including, but not limited, to business and financial planning, marketing, business administration, taxation and selecting the correct form of trading for your venture.

East Devon District Council have launched the East Devon Enhancing Productivity Programme which offers a range of fully funded workshops and one-to-one support for pre-start and existing businesses across East Devon.

Pre-start businesses are being offered a range of free workshops on topics including digital marketing, bookkeeping and financial planning. Tailored one-to-one advice with an experienced business advisor is also available to help pre-start businesses plan and launch their new ventures.

For existing businesses in East Devon, Cosmic are offering a series of professional development workshops aimed at helping businesses become more productive and to make the most of digital technology. The workshops are available to established businesses and will be accompanied by
additional one-to-one business consultancy.

From the beginning of October 2018 until the end of March 2019 East Devon businesses can access:

• A series of workshops for pre-start businesses on topics such as digital marketing, self-assessment, bookkeeping, financial planning and productivity.
• A series of workshops for established businesses to improve their digital operations such as cloud technology, mobile and flexible working, digital customer journeys and future technology.
• One to one advice and support from an experienced business professional.

By 2040, one in 7 people in the UK will be aged over 75. An ageing population creates challenges to ensure that people can remain independent, healthy and active as they get older and live longer.

Devon County Council has also secured funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to run the Innovation in Healthy Ageing Project across the Heart of the South West area which includes Devon, Torbay and Plymouth.

The Innovation in Healthy Ageing Project will support small businesses and social enterprises with projects to introduce new and innovative products, services and technology designed to help people live in their homes for longer, tackle loneliness, and increase independence and wellbeing.

£450k has also been invested into a Challenge Fund by the ERDF for businesses to apply for to fund 60% of their project. There are also opportunities to take up student placements to aid in developing ideas ahead of applying to the fund and in supporting the product development process.

To help businesses to prepare an application to the Challenge Fund, Business Information Point will provide 12 hours of support that includes full guidance and assistance through the entire application process as well as a review of the business and the proposed project. Additional support to complete expressions of interest (if required) or practical advice to develop the project can also be provided.

A range of support to help the development and growth of adult social care businesses and organisations in the county is being funded by Devon County Council.

Free business support, training, development opportunities, and grant funding are being offered with the aim of increasing provision of adult social care in Devon and encouraging innovation for adult social care businesses.

Focussed Support: Businesses have the opportunity to access up to 15 hours of free “focussed support” to develop a support plan, catering for the individual needs of the adult social care business.

Intensive Support: Up to 30 hours of free “intensive support” is also available for businesses seeking to plan or develop an innovative business solution, to grow, or to assist businesses in areas where there may be a gap in service provision.

Additional Support: Free training, guidance and mentoring is available, covering a wide range of aspects of business, including sales and marketing, digital business, ethical organisational management and providing mental health support for employees.

Creative Innovation and Growth (CIAG) Grants Fund

The grants fund has been established by Devon County Council to encourage the development of “outreach” activities in the community to promote and support independence and keep people healthier for longer.

Revenue grants of between £5,000 and £40,000 will be available to support providers to implement innovative ways of diversifying their business to help people maintain their independence.

Capital grants of between £20,000 and £80,000 are on offer for providers, particularly social enterprises, to undertake capital work which enables them to make use of new technology where this will help grow or diversify their business or allow them to undertake additional outreach activities.

Find out more information on the Creative Innovation and Growth (CIAG) grants fund >>