Unlock Free Business Support with Prosper Business Support

Looking to grow your business or get your start-up off the ground? The Prosper Business Support programme offers free expert guidance for entrepreneurs and trading businesses across East Devon, Mid Devon, and Exeter. Whether you’re looking to boost productivity, embrace sustainability, or break into new markets, this programme has everything you need to thrive.

The Prosper Business Support project, led by Business Information Point (BIP) and Cosmic, provides hands-on support through one-on-one sessions, workshops, and a self-learning platform—all at no cost to you.

What Can Prosper Business Support Do for You?

The programme is broken into four key areas, designed to meet the unique needs of your business:

• Business Change: Ready to grow? We’ll help you adopt new practices, improve your digital skills, enter new markets, or launch new products.
• Green Business Support: Want to make your business more sustainable? Our team will provide advice on how to go green, without the greenwashing, and offer free carbon audits to help you lower your carbon footprint.
• Start-up Support: Just starting out? Get expert guidance on business planning, market research, and the essentials like legal structures and financial forecasting.
• Employment Advice: Expanding your team? Learn how to navigate employment legislation, set competitive wages, and recruit the right talent for your business.

Who Is Eligible?

The Prosper Business Support programme is available to businesses and entrepreneurs based in East Devon, Mid Devon, and Exeter. Whether you’re a pre-start business looking for guidance or a trading business ready to scale, this programme offers tailored, hands-on support to help you grow.

Why Join Prosper Business Support?

• Completely Free: Access expert business support and resources at no cost, funded through this collaborative initiative.
• Tailored to Your Needs: Following an initial diagnostic, you’ll receive a customised action plan to tackle your unique business challenges.
• Sustainability Focused: Receive green business advice, free carbon audits, and strategies for integrating sustainable practices into your business model.
• Digital and Growth-Oriented: Learn how to leverage digital solutions to streamline operations and boost productivity, helping you compete in the modern marketplace.

How It Works

1. Initial Diagnostic: You’ll start with a one-on-one diagnostic meeting where we’ll assess your business’s current situation and identify key areas for growth.
2. Tailored Support: Based on your diagnostic, you’ll receive a customised action plan. This could include one-on-one advice, peer group access, or workshops tailored to your business’s needs.
3. Continuous Learning: Access our self-learning platform, filled with resources to help you develop new skills, adopt sustainable practices, and grow your business.

FAQs About Prosper Business Support

Who can join Prosper Business Support?
The programme is open to pre-start businesses, existing businesses, and entrepreneurs located in East Devon, Mid Devon, and Exeter.

How much does the programme cost?
It’s completely free! The support is fully funded and offered at no cost to eligible businesses.

What kind of support is available?
You’ll have access to one-on-one business advice, workshops, a self-learning platform, and peer groups, covering everything from business growth strategies to sustainability and employment advice.

How do I register?
You can register for the programme through the Heart of the South West Growth Hub. Simply fill out the registration form to get started.

Does the programme focus on sustainability?
Yes! The programme emphasises sustainability, offering green business advice, free carbon audits, and tools to help you achieve your net zero goals.