DEVON County Council has announced the extension of its successful Prosper business support programme until March 2026, offering a vital lifeline to entrepreneurs and small businesses across East Devon, Mid Devon and Exeter.

Delivered in partnership with East Devon District Council, Mid Devon District Council, Exeter City Council and the Growth Hub, Prosper provides fully funded, tailored support to help local businesses navigate rising costs, recruitment challenges and the fast pace of digital change.

The initiative is open to start-ups, sole traders, micro businesses, SMEs and aspiring entrepreneurs, and is delivered by trusted local partners Business Information Point (BIP) and Cosmic. Businesses can access between four and 12 hours of support, including:

• One-to-one sessions with experienced business advisors

• Interactive workshops and peer networks

• Sector-specific events tailored to local industries.

Support is shaped around each business’s unique needs, with examples including:

• Start-up guidance: confidence-building, tackling barriers, and planning essentials

• Business health checks: reviewing plans, finances, markets and growth opportunities

• Practical workshops: covering bid writing, AI for productivity, and more

• Specialist advice: on funding, marketing, HR and recruitment

• Sector-specific sessions: focused on tourism, food and drink, hospitality, retail and construction

The programme has already helped hundreds of businesses across the region.

Ginny, founder of Virginia’s Furniture Hire, said: “These one-to-one sessions are gold for a small business. The advice I received was practical, tailored and immediately useful – it gave me confidence and the push I needed to overcome business challenges.” “Having that support free of charge is incredible, and I’d encourage anyone running or starting a business to take advantage.”

Businesses and entrepreneurs can sign up now via: www.heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk/prosper-sign-up/

Prosper has received £181,790 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

UKSPF proactively supports the delivery of the UK government’s five national missions.