Call for business advice
Prosper Business Support
Devon Elevation Fund
The Devon Elevation Fund, being part of the Community Renewal Fund, will provide grants of between £2,500 and £25,000 for projects that help businesses and community organisations
Learn More
Join Prosper for free, transformative business support
We’re excited to launch our new, free business support programme for pre-start and trading businesses in Mid Devon, East Devon and Exeter.
This specialised support is designed to help you grow your business in the direction you want to take it. Whether that means improving productivity, reaching net zero goals, move into new markets, developing new products or an array of other business changes, Prosper can get you on track.
Partnering with digital agency and social enterprise, Cosmic, we are delivering support under four categories:
- Businesses looking to grow & adopt new practices
- Green business support
- Start-up support
- Businesses looking to employ staff.
Every business is unique, and our 25+ years' experience means we are able to tailor our support specifically to you.
Eligibility
This support is available to businesses or entrepreneurs based in or looking to start up in East Devon, Exeter, and Mid Devon. If you're unsure, you can check by inputting your postcode into the Council Checker.
REGISTER FOR PROSPER
Start your journey with Prosper here. We just need a few quick details and then we'll get in touch with you.
REGISTER FOR PROSPER HERE
Start your journey with Prosper here. We just need a few quick details and then we'll get in touch with you.
How it works
The first step of the Prosper programme is a one-to-one session with one of our experienced business advisors. Every eligible business receives this. It's a chance for you to discuss the challenges you're facing, and the goals you're looking to achieve.
You'll take a holistic view of your business with your dedicated advisor during this in-depth meeting. You'll then create an action plan and decide on which type of support best suits your needs. This could be in the form of further one-to-one mentoring, information workshops, peer support networks, access to our new self-learning platform or a combination of any of these.
Sit down, either online or in-person and work through your business challenges with a dedicated advisor.
Sometimes it can be hard to see the wood from the trees when you're running the daily operations of your own business. Being able to get an outside, impartial point of view and having the time to step back and focus on your business goals can be a truly valuable experience.
Our advisors have worked with thousands of businesses and have a wealth of experience and knowledge to help guide you through whatever your challenges or aims. They are also there to hold you accountable and keep you on track with your goals.
Learn new ways to grow and manage your business through our comprehensive workshops.
Delivered by our experienced advisors, our information workshops tackle a broad spectrum of business challenges and provide valuable guidance and insight. Areas covered include how to access funding and investment for business expansion, sales planning, identifying new markets or products, understanding pricing, digital strategy, sustainable business practices, carbon reduction, marketing & social media, growing your team, hiring for the first time and much more.
Following your initial diagnostic session, your advisor will work with you to decide which workshops are best suited to you and your business' progression.
Build lasting connections with other businesses to share and discuss challenges, knowledge and business insights.
Having someone who can relate to your challenges is always reassuring, especially if you find owning and running your business isolating at times.
Prosper Peer Support connects you with like-minded business owners so you can share ideas, opportunities and insights, and collaboratively work through common business issues.
It's a trusted network of connections to support you not only while you're involved in the Prosper programme, but also in the future.
Learn and enhance your skills at your own pace with our innovative self-learning platform.
If the day-to-day running of your business gets in the way of in-person or online sessions or workshops, your business advisor can point you to relevant areas of our self-learning platform. On-demand, you can access expert videos, how-to guides, quizzes to embed your learning and links to further handy resources so you can expand your knowledge at a time and pace that suits you.
Your advisor will then follow up to help you work through how to apply your learning to achieve the best outcomes for your business.
Sit down, either online or in-person and work through your business challenges with a dedicated advisor.
Sometimes it can be hard to see the wood from the trees when you're running the daily operations of your own business. Being able to get an outside, impartial point of view and having the time to step back and focus on your business goals can be a truly valuable experience.
Our advisors have worked with thousands of businesses and have a wealth of experience and knowledge to help guide you through whatever your challenges or aims. They are also there to hold you accountable and keep you on track with your goals.
Learn new ways to grow and manage your business through our comprehensive workshops.
Delivered by our experienced advisors, our information workshops tackle a broad spectrum of business challenges and provide valuable guidance and insight. Areas covered include how to access funding and investment for business expansion, sales planning, identifying new markets or products, understanding pricing, digital strategy, sustainable business practices, carbon reduction, marketing & social media, growing your team, hiring for the first time and much more.
Following your initial diagnostic session, your advisor will work with you to decide which workshops are best suited to you and your business' progression.
Build lasting connections with other businesses to share and discuss challenges, knowledge and business insights.
Having someone who can relate to your challenges is always reassuring, especially if you find owning and running your business isolating at times.
Prosper Peer Support connects you with like-minded business owners so you can share ideas, opportunities and insights, and collaboratively work through common business issues.
It's a trusted network of connections to support you not only while you're involved in the Prosper programme, but also in the future.
Learn and enhance your skills at your own pace with our innovative self-learning platform.
If the day-to-day running of your business gets in the way of in-person or online sessions or workshops, your business advisor can point you to relevant areas of our self-learning platform. On-demand, you can access expert videos, how-to guides, quizzes to embed your learning and links to further handy resources so you can expand your knowledge at a time and pace that suits you.
Your advisor will then follow up to help you work through how to apply your learning to achieve the best outcomes for your business.
Choose from four areas of support
Business Growth
Managing a business comes with many challenges and all too often you might want to change something or grow in a certain direction, but don't know where to start.
Are you looking at taking your business into new markets, or planning on launching a new product or service? Do you need help with planning, managing finances or applying for grant funding? Or would you like to feel more confident in your pricing strategy, marketing or digital skills? This support is designed for businesses looking to grow, change and adopt new practices.
One of our expert advisors will help you look holistically at your business and identify the primary issues you face and the opportunities for real growth and change. Together, you'll then create a clear, manageable plan of action that you can work through.
We could help you with:
- Exploring new accounting packages to streamline your financial processes
- Advice on Making Tax Digital and how to use accounting software
- Streamlining your office processes through new software such as Microsoft 365
- Looking at CRM systems to increase your sales and improve customer service
- Social media training to help you reach new customers
- Support with how to set up business website or online store
- Developing a new or updated marketing plan to access new markets
- Creating a strong business plan to help you launch a new product or service successfully
- Look at options to improve your manufacturing processes to make them more efficient
- And much more, depending on your business needs.
Prosper clients we've helped
"I wanted to write and thank you for the last two sessions. These one-to-one sessions are gold for a small business. I have found our time really helpful and you have provided me with the information and motivation to step out and do some more proactive marketing on my social media channels. I am very much looking forward to our next session."Ginny Banks, Virginia's Vintage Hire Ltd
Innovation & Resilience Fund
If you are a business owner in East Devon, you may be eligible to apply for funding through the new Innovation & Resilience Fund. Grants of between £3,000 and £30,000 will be available to support transformational projects that will lead to increase in productivity or creation of high value jobs. A match commitment of 30% of the total project cost will be required. Applications open on 8th April, 2024. Find the full details here.
If you're planning on applying and need help with business planning, financial forecasting, and a better understanding of how you can take your business or organisation on the journey to Net Zero then we can help under the Prosper programme.
Business Growth workshops
You can access these workshops once you've had your in-depth one-to-one meeting with our business advisor. Depending on the outcome of your action plan, these could be combined with further one-to-one mentoring, self-learning, or access to a peer support network. All fully-funded and totally tailored to your business needs.
Business Health Check
A look at all aspects of your business plan, your place in the current market, and opportunities for growth.
Pricing and Positioning your Products & Services
Explore different pricing strategies and work out how to set the right prices for your business.
How to Create a Successful Funding Application
A step-by-step guide on how to apply for finance to raise your chances of a successful application.
Authentic Networking to Grow your Business
Strategies to use during networking including online, private groups & events.
Ready to grow your business? Fill in a few, quick details here.
REGISTER FOR PROSPER
Green Business
It's going to become a necessity for every business to have a carbon Net Zero plan in place. We're committed to building sustainability into all of the support we offer. Our green business advice provides practical guidance on sustainable practices for businesses in Mid Devon, East Devon & Exeter.
What's good for the planet is good for business
42% of SMEs in the UK have started on the road to making their business fit for Net Zero1. Start your journey and begin reaping the benefits...
Get free carbon audit from a professional carbon accountant and subsequent tailored advice on how to reduce energy and potentially lower costs.
Appeal to clients who are going through their own green transformation. Every business is going to have to increase their sustainability soon, meaning your existing and future clients will be reviewing how green you are.
Attract investors. 80% of mainstream investors now consider environmental credentials when choosing which businesses to invest in. Don't get sidelined by a greener competitor.
Make gradual changes at your own pace. There will come a time when Government policy becomes mandatory for small businesses. Stay one step ahead to avoid having to make untimely changes later on.
Appeal to increasingly green-focused consumers. Nearly 1 in 3 claim to have stopped purchasing certain brands or products because they had ethical or sustainability-related concerns.
Want to do your bit, but not sure where to start? Get in touch to explore the free support available.
Whatever stage you're at on your Net Zero journey - whether you're yet to start or you've made some initial changes - the guidance we provide will be relatable, effective and led by your business needs.
We could help you with:
- Understanding the key facets of sustainable business practice and practical ways to apply them
- Exploring ways to reduce your energy and water consumption and reduce business overheads
- Engaging your team to think sustainably and drive a greener cultural change
- Understanding which sustainable certification is right for your business and how it can support growth
- Looking at ways to reduce your digital carbon footprint
- How to promote your sustainable activities without greenwashing
- Free carbon audits
- How to build an Environmental Management System
- And more...
Green Business workshops
Here's a glimpse of the workshops you can access when you join the Green Business element of the Prosper programme. Depending on your personal action plan, these could be combined with additional support.
Digital Net Zero
Practical strategies for reducing your digital carbon footprint, and exploring new technology that could benefit your business.
Developing a Net Zero Workforce
Learn how to create a workplace that contributes to a sustainable future for your business.
Sustainable Certification
Explore the distinctions between Social Enterprise, B Corp & more, and work out which certification is right for you.
Sustainable Marketing
In a world where consumers are more conscious than ever, discover how to build a brand that resonates with authenticity.
Sustainable Business Practice
Gain insights into the key facets of sustainable business practice and learn practical approaches to foster growth.
Ready to make your business greener? Fill in a few, quick details here.
REGISTER FOR PROSPER
Start-up Support
Are you considering starting a new business? Have you always wanted to be self-employed? Or have you started and you're looking for some additional advice? Our free start-up support is here to help.
Available to start-ups in Exeter, Mid Devon and East Devon, the guidance we provide is interwoven with digital strategy which is essential for the success of any new venture in today's world. Learn the common mistakes to avoid and give your new business the best possible start. Our support is delivered by expert advisors here in Devon who know and understand the local market.
It's an exciting yet daunting time. There's a lot to consider, but with guidance from our experienced business advisors, you're in good hands.
We could help you with:
- Business planning
- Building confidence
- Market research
- How to identify resources
- How to avoid common mistakes
- Legal structure
- Registering your business
- How to manage, organise, run, market, finance & grow a new business.
Access our Enterprise Clubs
When you join the Prosper programme under Start-up Support, you'll have access to our Enterprise Clubs. Benefit from peer-to-peer sessions where you can meet other like-minded people in a similar position to you. These sessions are also a great way to talk through your ideas and issues with one of our experienced business advisors.
Ready to get started? Fill in a few, quick details here.
REGISTER FOR PROSPER
Employment Advice
Are you looking to expand your team or take on new staff for the first time? Our practical employment advice for small businesses is designed to help you sustainably create a supportive environment and achieve the next stage of growth.
Delivered by local, Devon-based business advisors who know and understand the local market, our free support can help you hire with confidence.
We could help you with:
- How to take on a new employee or an apprentice
- Employment legislation & requirements
- Self-employment
- Inclusive employment
- Setting wages
- Recruiting & hiring
- Alternatives to redundancy.
Benefit from the new apprenticeships policy
From 1 April 2024, the UK government will pay the full cost of apprenticeships for people under the age of 21 at small businesses. The government currently classifies a small-to medium-sized business as having up to 250 employees, but it plans to raise the threshold to 500 employees, meaning around 1,000 more companies become SMEs. Through Prosper, we can offer guidance on how to take on an apprentice.
The benefits of apprenticeships for small businesses:
- Save on recruitment costs
- Bring in increased diversification across your teams
- Increase your staff retention rates and employee satisfaction
- Improve talent acquisition
- Help fix the skills shortage within your business and your wider industry
- Introduce industry-leading skills and practices.
Employment Advice workshops
Our Employment Advice support includes access to practical workshops that will help you take the next step with your business. Depending on the outcome of your action plan from your one-to-one session with our business advisor, these could be combined with further mentoring, self-learning, or access to a peer support network.
Employing People for the First Time
Presented by Trevor Vanstone from Perspective HR, this is a comprehensive guide to all the ins & outs of recruiting to expand your business.
Be Your Own Boss
An in-depth guide to the fundamental digital skills crucial for launching and thriving in today's business landscape.
How to Create a Successful Funding Application
Learn what to do when applying for finance to raise your chances of a successful application.
Growing your Business in a Digital World
This workshop is designed to equip you with the essential digital tools and strategies needed to propel your ventures forward.
Ready to grow your team? Fill in a few, quick details here.
REGISTER FOR PROSPER
Culture, Leisure & Tourism Fund
The Rural England Prosperity Fund has been created to boost the rural economy as part of the government’s levelling-up programme. £110m has been made available to be invested in projects that boost productivity, create rural job opportunities and support improvements in community infrastructure.
Investment will be distributed through local authorities, and the priorities of each area will be carefully considered. Farm businesses looking to diversify, community projects, rural venues, and tourism facilities could all benefit. Capital grants will also be available to support digital infrastructure in village halls, pubs and post offices, and to support new or existing natural, cultural and heritage sites. The parameters of the scheme are broad, creating a lot of opportunity for organisations and communities to be given an extra boost where it is needed most.
How to apply
If you’re looking to apply for the Rural England Prosperity Fund, here’s what you need to know:
- The funding is available for both new and existing projects between 2023 and 2025.
- How your project may impact the environment and how it sits with the government’s commitment to being net zero by 2050 should be considered, as this may be questioned on application.
- How your project may benefit your local community is also likely to be questioned. For example, if the renovation of a farm or community building employs local builders and local people to subsequently run the business, the application is more likely to be approved.
- Showing a clear and robust plan on your application is essential.
- Funding pots will be allocated to local authorities, with application details to be announced when the funding is released. We’ll be updating this page with more information on this as soon as we have it.
- Some local authorities have released information on how much funding they have been allocated:
> See Teignbridge
> See East Devon
> See Cornwall
How we can help
Unfortunately there is no funded support available but if you need assistance with your Rural England Prosperity Fund application, we can help you on a commercial basis, so please get in touch. We’ve been supporting rural businesses, communities and farmers for over 25 years, and we’re experts in preparing funding and planning applications.
Devon Elevation Fund
The Devon Elevation Fund, being part of the Community Renewal Fund, will provide grants of between £2,500 and £25,000 for projects that help businesses and community organisations
Learn More
Get in touch to see how we can help
Get the latest funding updates
If you're a business seeking finance, it's important to keep up to date on local funding opportunities. Stay ahead by signing up to our newsletter which regularly features all the latest funding news.
Select "yes" in the box above to subscribe to our email list. We will send you updates on upcoming free workshops, small business-related news and articles, as well as local funding and support no more than twice a month. We never sell or share your details with third parties and you can unsubscribe at any time. Please check our privacy policy to see how we store and manage your submitted data.
How this support is funded
Prosper is funded by the UK Government and is receiving up to £569,422 of Shared Prosperity Funding. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is the Managing authority for these funds. The accountable body for this programme is Devon County Council.
Devon County Council is project managing the programme on behalf of East Devon, Mid Devon and Exeter councils, with business support provided by Business Information Point and Cosmic.
Delivery partners
Delivery partners
1 McKinsey Quarterly survey.
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