Running a business often means making important decisions with little time to step back and consider the options. At times, a fresh perspective can help bring everything into focus.

The Devon Business Support Programme offers practical advice based on each business, idea or challenge. From September 2026 to March 2027, eligible participants can access up to six hours of fully funded support. This includes one-to-one sessions with an experienced business adviser, as well as a programme of focused workshops.

Business Information Point and Cosmic will deliver the programme across Devon. While Business Information Point will provide wider business advice, Cosmic will offer specialist digital support.

Who can access the support?

Devon business support is available to established businesses, farmers and people considering self-employment in:

• East Devon
• Exeter
• Mid Devon
• Teignbridge
• South Hams
• West Devon

Meanwhile, North Devon+ provides support for businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in North Devon and Torridge.

Anyone unsure which local authority area applies can use the GOV.UK council checker.

The programme welcomes people from every sector, including farming and agriculture. For example, support can help:

• Sole traders
• Micro businesses
• Small and medium-sized businesses
• Social enterprises
• Community Interest Companies
• Farmers and agricultural businesses
• People exploring a business idea
• Young entrepreneurs aged 16 to 24

Practical support built around each business

Every business has different priorities. For example, one may need help attracting customers, while another may want to improve its finances or explore a new opportunity.

First, an experienced adviser will take time to understand the current situation. Together, the adviser and participant can then identify where support could make the biggest difference.

Depending on individual needs, the programme may include:

• Up to six hours of fully funded advice
• One-to-one sessions delivered online or in person
• Practical and impartial guidance
• Support with a particular challenge or business idea
• Clear, manageable actions
• Access to workshops covering useful business topics

A finished business plan is not needed before making contact. Early ideas and unanswered questions are welcome.

Support for established businesses

Running a business can leave little time to step back and think about what comes next. Whether you’re facing a particular challenge, planning on how to grow, or simply feeling unsure about where to focus, we can help. Your dedicated advisor will take the time to understand your business and identify actions likely to make the greatest difference.

Support could cover strategy, finance, marketing, operations, HR, and more, giving you greater clarity, renewed confidence and a practical way forward.

Help with starting a business

Do you have a business idea but aren’t sure where to begin? 

Learn Devon are offering a series of engaging courses exploring what self-employment means and the skills, qualities and confidence needed to get started. When you’re ready, BIP will help you explore your idea and work out whether it could become a viable business. From market research and planning to pricing, budgeting and legal structures, you’ll receive friendly, practical guidance to help you take those important first steps.

Farm business support

Farmers and agricultural businesses can access specialist advice based on the challenges and opportunities affecting their farms.

For example, advisers can help with farm business planning, diversification, funding, agricultural practices and changes in government policy. Above all, the support will focus on the needs of the individual farm and its future.

Digital business support from Cosmic

Digital tools can save time, improve productivity and help businesses reach more customers. Yet choosing the right tools can feel difficult, especially when technology changes so quickly.

Cosmic can provide practical digital business support in areas such as:

• Building a stronger online presence
• Improving digital marketing
• Exploring AI and workplace automation
• Understanding cybersecurity
• Improving digital confidence
• Choosing technology that supports genuine business needs

In addition, Cosmic will help businesses identify changes that suit their team, goals and available resources. The aim is to make technology feel useful, manageable and relevant.

Support for young entrepreneurs

Do you have an idea that you’d love to turn into a business? Perhaps you’ve already started earning money from a skill, hobby or side hustle but aren’t sure how to take it further. Or maybe you’re simply curious about working for yourself and want to find out what’s involved.

If you’re between 16 and 24 years old, you can access free, one-to-one mentoring to explore your ideas, develop useful business skills and build the confidence to move forward.

You don’t need any previous experience or a completed business plan. Your mentor will give you a friendly, non-judgemental space to ask questions, test your thinking and work out your next steps – from understanding your customers and developing your offer to budgeting, marketing and creating a simple plan. If you’re interested in upskilling in a specific area, they can also refer you to a relevant Learn Devon course.

Practical business workshops

The programme will include workshops designed to offer useful guidance that can be applied within the workplace.

Topics will include digital marketing, AI, business productivity and preparing websites for changes in online search. New workshops will be added throughout the programme.

Find out more

The Devon Business Support Programme runs from September 2026 to March 2027. Eligible participants can receive up to six hours of fully funded support.

Complete the short registration form and a member of the Business Information Point team will make contact to discuss the support available.

The programme is funded by Devon County Council, participating local authorities and the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It is delivered by Business Information Point and Cosmic.