Businesses, aspiring entrepreneurs, and young people across Devon can now access free business support, mentoring and advice through a range of programmes delivered across the county.
From start-up ideas to established businesses, support is available to help businesses start, grow and develop. Depending on business needs and goals, support could include:
- Business growth and development
- Support starting a business
- Funding and finance management
- Digital tools and productivity
- Marketing and sales
- Leadership and people management
- Sustainability and net zero
The Devon Business Support Programme, delivered by Business Information Point, provides one-to-one guidance from experienced advisers across East Devon, Exeter, Mid Devon, Teignbridge, South Hams, and West Devon. For more information, visit the Growth Hub.
In North Devon and Torridge, businesses can access support directly through ND+’s BOOST programme, providing tailored advice, mentoring, start-up support, and business growth assistance.
Together, these programmes aim to support business growth, productivity and innovation across Devon while ensuring businesses can access locally delivered support in their area.
Businesses will also be able to find out more about available support at the Festival of Business, hosted by Devon County Council and the Federation of Small Businesses at Exeter College’s Future Skills Centre on 25 September. For more information, visit the event website.
Bringing together more than 100 local businesses, industry-leading speakers and support organisations from across Devon, this flagship event will provide practical advice, new opportunities and actionable strategies to help businesses survive, thrive, and grow through 2026 and beyond.
Councillor Simon Clist, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Assets and Resources, said:
“Businesses, entrepreneurs and farmers play a vital role in Devon’s economy, creating jobs and supporting communities across the county.
“The Devon Business Support Programme provides free access to experienced advisers, mentoring and practical guidance for people looking to start a business, grow an existing one or explore new opportunities.
“I would encourage anyone who thinks they could benefit from expert advice to find out more about the support available and come along to the Festival of Business to see what’s on offer.”
For people interested in entrepreneurship or self-employment, Learn Devon is also offering courses designed to help develop business ideas and build the skills and confidence needed to get started.
Aspiring entrepreneurs can access Learn Devon’s training to develop business ideas, skills, and confidence before progressing to either the Devon Business Support Programme or ND+’s BOOST programme, depending on their location and support needs.
Learn Devon is running two new entrepreneurship courses for young people aged 16 to 25 at the Passmore Edwards Centre, Newton Abbot, on Monday 28 September (10am to 12pm) and on Mondays from 5 October to 2 November (10am to 3pm).
For adults considering self-employment or preparing to start their own business, Learn Devon is also offering an online Preparing for self-employment course on Tuesdays from 29 September to 3 November, from 6pm to 9pm, and Mondays from 9 November to 14 December, from 6pm to 9pm.
Together, these courses provide a pathway into business support services across Devon, helping aspiring entrepreneurs gain the knowledge, confidence and practical support needed to start and grow a successful business.
Find out more about the Young entrepreneurs: Getting started course or contact Learn Devon via learndevon@devon.gov.uk or 01392 384094.
The Devon Business Support Programme is receiving up to £106,480 of funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (MHCLG), Devon County Council and District Councils.
The Business BOOST programme available in North Devon and Torridge through ND+ is funded by North Devon Council, Torridge District Council and ND+’s own investment and delivered locally by ND+.
For more information about the Devon Business Support Programme, visit the Growth Hub webpage. Businesses based in North Devon and Torridge can also find out more about ND+’s BOOST programme and local business support offer through the North Devon+ website.