Devon Get Started will help anyone aged 25 and over in the county to get their ideas off the ground. Start-ups or social enterprises in their first six months who are facing continuity challenges, are also eligible for support.
For businesses that are already up and running, the County Council is offering help through Thrive Devon which aims to support SME productivity and competitiveness, helping businesses to grow, create jobs and reach new markets.
Devon Get Started aims to build confidence, managing start-up costs, and covering any skills gaps.
An assessment will help participants in the scheme through the various stages of business planning to discover their strengths, identify their goals and highlight opportunities as well as potential barriers to growth.
Led by qualified business coaches and advisors, the initiative offers a mix of workshops, peer support activities and one-to-one support.
The programme is suitable for businesses operating in almost all industry sectors and will specifically aims to reach individuals in Devon within sectors hardest hit by COVID-19 such as tourism, hospitality, retail, food and drink. Support will be offered across the Devon County Council area, especially in the priority areas of
Thrive Devon will offer a free diagnostic and training service, with tailor-made support that will enable businesses to improve and grow, including specialist workshops on topics such as digital skills, finance, marketing, HR and business planning.
To find out more about Thrive Devon and to enrol go to www.heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk/business-support-programmes/thrive/