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.
Growth Support Programme
The Growth Support Programme is accessible to existing businesses across Devon with up to 12 hours of remote support to help you grow your business. The programme is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund which means the support will not cost you a penny.
We can help you with all aspects of your business such as marketing, finance and business planning.
The support provides:
- One-to-one virtual meetings with an experienced business advisor
- A range of virtual webinars on a variety of digital and business related topics such as social media, building a website and much more.
Visit our dedicated page to dind out more about the Growth Support Programme.
This has now finished but a new programme of support is coming soon.
The Heart of the South West Growth Support Programme is receiving up to £1,294,302 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, 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. For more information visit this page. The accountable body for this programme is Devon County Council, working with the following delivery partners: BIP, Cosmic, North Devon +, SBA, and YTKO.

Farming & Food Business Resilience
We can offer 3 hours of fully-funded, one-to-one support for farming, farm diversification and food processing businesses.
This is available to eligible businesses across the Heart of the South West area, including Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay. The aim is to help businesses build resilience and be better able to adapt and respond to changing circumstances such as impacts of EU exit, changes to agricultural support and any other external factors that present challenges and opportunities.
Businesses can access a one-to-one meeting with a business adviser, which will include a business review and creation of a business support action plan to outline future steps and activities.
East Devon: Adapt & Thrive
East Devon District Council have launched the East Devon Adapt & Thrive Programme which offers a range of fully funded webinars and one-to-one support for startups and existing businesses across East Devon.
While we have offered business support across East Devon for some time, this new programme of support has been put in place particularly to help businesses and those looking to become self-employed during the ongoing pandemic.
Whether you are looking to start your own business for the first time, are already trading or employing staff then this support is here for you. We have joined with local digital agency Cosmic to provide a range of free one-to-one support and webinars.
To find out more please visit our dedicated Adapt & Thrive page.
West Devon & South Hams
If you are located in South Hams or West Devon then thanks to funding from the local authorities we can provide free business support whether you are an existing business or just starting up. That means you can access tailored support with one of our experienced business advisors completely free.
The support you could receive may include a mix of:
- One-to-one advice with an experienced business advisor which we do virtually using an online platform such as Skype or Zoom.
- Telephone and email support when you need it.
- From time to time we may also offer free virtual webinars on a selection of useful topics.
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.