Do you know someone planning to start their own business?

Woman in brown suit holding a laptop, with a quote: “BIP's input on my business was incredibly useful” – Sarah Newland, Keyboard Smash Ltd. Credit: BIP

We’re funding ‘Somerset Start Up and Grow’, a free programme helping people turn ideas into successful businesses.

Delivered by Business Information Point (BIP), North Devon Plus, and Cosmic, it provides new and early-stage businesses with expert one-to-one support, workshops, and practical tools to get started and grow.

Participants begin with a one-to-one session via video call with an experienced business advisor to talk through their ideas and plans. They’ll then be supported to complete a comprehensive business plan that covers all the essential aspects to start and grow a sustainable business.

There will also be the opportunity to attend workshops on a range of topics such as marketing strategies, using AI for productivity, building customer relationships and more. This will be followed by a final review with recommendations, and signposting to other regional support and funding schemes.

And it’s not only for those looking to start a business. Existing small businesses with fewer than 250 employees can also benefit, receiving a diagnostic review and bespoke Support and Growth Action Plan to strengthen their strategy, marketing, HR and finance, in addition to support with any other challenges they may be facing.

In a nutshell:

It’s free to anyone in the Somerset Council area
The programme provides up to 6 hours of one-to-one advice and access to additional, free workshops
It helps people take their ideas from concept to trading – and supports existing small businesses to grow.

If you know someone starting out – or running a small business and looking for help – tell them about Somerset Start Up and Grow. They can register now through BIP’s Somerset Start Up and Grow page and start their journey with professional, local support.