Somerset Start Up & Grow

Free support for Somerset businesses

Four images showing different types of entrepreneurs and small business owners in their workplaces

As an established SME, you want to be able to scale and grow your business confidently.

Supported by Somerset Council through the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund, our fully-funded programme gives you up to six hours of support and access to the essential knowledge and tools you need to tackle your business challenges.

Our local business advisors can help you with strategy & planning, finance, operations, marketing, innovation, HR, market diversification and more. Find out more details below, or get in touch today for an initial chat.

Eligibility

The programme is open to all individuals and any SMEs (with fewer than 250 employees) operating in or located under the Somerset Council local authority. You must be paying your taxes or business rates to Somerset Council. If you're unsure, please use the Council Checker tool.

This support has proven to be extremely popular, and unfortunately, this means we are not able to accept any more pre-start businesses for our one-to-one support. However, we can offer you some great resources, including free online workshops, that will help you to explore your business idea further.
Somerset Start Up & Grow logo

Explore the free support available and have a chat with us today

Enter your details below and one of our team will be in touch.

Get the help you need to grow

Support for established businesses

As a small business owner, it's not out of the ordinary to feel like you're banging your head against a brick wall. There might be gaps in your knowledge. You may be feeling alone with no one to bounce ideas off. Or you might be too busy working in the business to allow any time for working on how to grow.

This is your chance to take a step back and get some fresh perspective. One of our expert, locally-based business advisors can bring you the clarity you need to help you move forward. 

During your initial session, held via video call, your friendly, non-judgemental advisor will thoroughly review your business with you and look at the opportunities for and barriers to growth.

This will be followed by ongoing support and a fully bespoke action plan, which may include guidance in areas such as business strategy, operational management, innovation, marketing, HR, risk and financial planning — as well as help tackling common challenges such as the ones below.

Marketing & customer acquisition
Small business owner looking at laptop and mobile phone on desk
If your products or services are great but your customers can’t seem to find you, we’ll help you change that. Together we’ll refine your message, identify your ideal audience, and build a marketing strategy that actually converts — from improving your website and social media presence to creating campaigns that bring in the right customers.
FIND YOUR CUSTOMERS

Strategic direction & planning
Small business owner and business advisor in a meeting
Feeling unsure of your next move or struggling to prioritise? You don’t have to do it alone. We’ll work with you to clarify your direction, sense-check and validate your ideas, and turn your goals into an actionable plan. You’ll gain the structure, accountability, and confidence you need to make informed decisions and move forward with purpose.
PLAN YOUR NEXT MOVE

Financial management
Small business owner going through financial and tax paperwork
Many business owners admit they “just don’t get the numbers”. If finances feel confusing or stressful, we’ll help you regain control. From understanding your numbers and improving cash flow to pricing correctly and staying compliant with HMRC, we’ll guide you step by step — giving you clarity, confidence, and a stronger financial foundation for your business.
MASTER THE NUMBERS

Operations & systems
Small business owner analysing a system on a computer in his warehouse
Running everything manually can quickly become overwhelming. We’ll help you introduce simple, effective systems — from CRM tools to automation and workflow management — so you can save time, reduce stress, and focus on growth. Together, we’ll create smooth, scalable operations that make running your business easier every day.
SCALABILITY MADE SIMPLE
Access the Carbon Action Fund

By going through EDCAP or our other green business support programme, Prosper, you will be able to apply for the Carbon Action Fund.

Businesses and community organisations can now apply to the Carbon Action Fund for decarbonisation equipment recommended as part of a carbon action plan.

Read the full details here and contact us about getting your carbon action plan in place, so you can submit a strong application.

Eco aware business owner outside her shop
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CARBON ACTION FUND
Look out for our upcoming events

Roadshows across East Devon
Held at local venues throughout East Devon, our inspiring roadshows feature motivational speakers, networking opportunities, showcase companies and topical workshops.

There is no cost to you - the programme is fully funded by East Devon District Council. So, if you're keen to reduce your carbon emissions and develop your organisation in a way that is fit for the future, we're here to help.

Today

Somerset clients we've helped

A testimonial from a Somerset Start Up & Grow client that says: "The advice received from BIP was very helpful in putting me back on track in moving my business forward. Chris understood my business which made it easy for us to bounce ideas off each other. I have started to put a couple of the ideas in motion already." From Mahalia's Kitchen, Somerset.
A testimonial from a Somerset Start Up & Grow client that says: "The advice gave me the confidence that I have been doing all the right things regarding my business even though I felt it had been such hard work and I was going down the wrong road. My BIP business advisor reminded me of other things I could try and gave me new ideas to think about to put into action." From Lindsay at Veda Coda Therapy, Somerset
Are you ready to grow your business? Fill in a few, quick details here.
REGISTER FOR PROSPER

"It's challenging being an entrepreneur with great ideas and a desire for growth, but not being able to ground them strategically myself. Your ideas will help me unlock what it is that I need to express when communicating my services.  

It can all be a little too overwhelming to do everything at once. I  appreciate the links for further support. I now have something tangible to work with. Our meeting has been priceless, and I look forward to sharing how this is unfolding in the future."

Kam, Kamaljit
"Chris was very engaging, approachable and easy to talk to. He was up to speed with my business and very knowledgeable. He had some really useful ideas and I left feeling motivated, heard and understood."
Charlotte, Vintage & Patch
"Chris listened, understood what I was saying, and offered me guidance on the next steps in line with my business goals. He was super helpful, caring, and considerate."
Quantum Communications

    "It's challenging being an entrepreneur with great ideas and a desire for growth, but not being able to ground them strategically myself. Your ideas will help me unlock what it is that I need to express when communicating my services.  

    It can all be a little too overwhelming to do everything at once. I  appreciate the links for further support. I now have something tangible to work with. Our meeting has been priceless, and I look forward to sharing how this is unfolding in the future."

    Kam, Kamaljit
    "Chris was very engaging, approachable and easy to talk to. He was up to speed with my business and very knowledgeable. He had some really useful ideas and I left feeling motivated, heard and understood."
    Charlotte, Vintage & Patch
    "Chris listened, understood what I was saying, and offered me guidance on the next steps in line with my business goals. He was super helpful, caring, and considerate."
    Quantum Communications

      Workshops to help you grow & thrive

      Our information workshops provide valuable guidance and insights into navigating the business space today. Join the programme and, following your initial one-to-one session, your advisor will work with you to decide which workshops are best suited to you.

      Person in office using AI tools for business productivity
      How To Save Time & Boost Productivity with AI
      Learn how to get better results from AI tools—save time, boost productivity & improve communication.
      Shop owner smiling and delivering good customer service
      Creating Lasting Customer Relationships
      Build strong customer relationships that drive loyalty & growth, and learn engagement strategies that work.
      Two business owners using technology to streamline their business processes
      Streamlining Processes for Better Insights & Efficiency
      Our hands-on workshop walks you through using Power Platform to boost productivity & make smarter decisions.
      Co-workers looking at a chart on a wall
      Designing & Delivering Value-Driven Products & Services
      Learn to design and deliver products customers love using insights & tools that drive real value.
      Small business owner on phone while looking at laptop
      Accelerating Growth Through Smarter Marketing Strategies
      Learn how to align marketing with business goals to attract, engage & convert customers.

      Build the business you've always envisioned

      We're ready to help. Fill in some quick details here.
      SEND US YOUR DETAILS & WE'LL GET IN TOUCH

      Funding and delivery partners

      Somerset Start Up & Grow is funded by Somerset Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK by investing in communities and place, supporting local businesses, people and skills.

      The Somerset Start Up & Grow programme is being delivered by Business Information Point, North Devon Plus and Cosmic.

      Funding and delivery partners for the Somerset Start Up & Grow programme