We are pleased to announce the extension of our successful Prosper business support programme until March 2026, offering a vital lifeline to entrepreneurs and small businesses across East Devon, Mid Devon and Exeter.
Delivered in partnership with East Devon District Council, Mid Devon District Council, Exeter City Council and the Growth Hub, Prosper provides fully funded, tailored support to help local businesses navigate rising costs, recruitment challenges and the fast pace of digital change.
The initiative is open to start-ups, sole traders, micro businesses, SMEs and aspiring entrepreneurs, and is delivered by trusted local partners Business Information Point (BIP) and Cosmic. Businesses can access between 4 and 12 hours of support, including:
- One-to-one sessions with experienced business advisors
- Interactive workshops and peer networks
- Sector-specific events tailored to local industries
Support is shaped around each business’s unique needs, with examples including:
- Start-up guidance: confidence-building, tackling barriers, and planning essentials
- Business health checks: reviewing plans, finances, markets and growth opportunities
- Practical workshops: covering bid writing, AI for productivity, and more
- Specialist advice: on funding, marketing, HR and recruitment
- Sector-specific sessions: focused on tourism, food & drink, hospitality, retail and construction
The programme has already helped hundreds of businesses across the region.
Ginny, founder of Virginia’s Furniture Hire, said:
“These one-to-one sessions are gold for a small business. The advice I received was practical, tailored and immediately useful – it gave me confidence and the push I needed to overcome business challenges.”
“Having that support free of charge is incredible, and I’d encourage anyone running or starting a business to take advantage.”
Councillor Simon Clist, Cabinet Member with responsibility for economic growth, said:
“Prosper is about unlocking the potential of our local economy by supporting the people at its heart – our entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized businesses.
“By offering free, expert guidance at a time when many are facing rising costs, skills shortages and the need to adapt, we are helping businesses across East Devon, Mid Devon and Exeter to build resilience and seize new opportunities.
“I am delighted that the scheme has been extended and would encourage all businesses and entrepreneurs to sign up now via the Growth Hub.”
Businesses and entrepreneurs can sign up now via, www.heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk/prosper-sign-up/
Prosper has received £181,790 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
UKSPF proactively supports the delivery of the UK government’s five national missions: pushing power out to communities everywhere, with a specific focus to help kickstart economic growth and promoting opportunities in all parts of the UK.