The B&NES Business Support Service
Pre-starts and self-employed residents of Bath & North East Somerset can access free expert advice to help them start, grow and succeed.
The B&NES Business Support Service offers a series of webinars to help build confidence in crucial business topics, including finance, marketing and business planning. Participants can also access dedicated one-to-one support, as well as new peer networks.
Get Involved
Contact our service provider Cool Ventures by emailing info@coolventures.co.uk, visiting the Cool Ventures B&NES funded support website page, or calling 01225 580850 to find out more and register on this free service.
The B&NES Business Support Service is supported by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and has received £945, 821.20 for this project.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK, by investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. Find out more.
Future Bright
Future Bright helps self-employed B&NES residents or residents in work who would like to go self-employed, with dedicated coaching and (depending on eligibility) access to a support grant.
START
The START programme is aimed at those who have an idea for a technology-based business but would like to develop it further. It includes 28 hours of learning worth £1400, which could lead to a coveted spot in a local business incubator/accelerator for 6 months.
West of England Growth Hub
The West of England Growth Hub is a free resource providing support, advice and guidance to pre-starts and self-employed people. Their website contains a dedicated section on starting in business, and their advisors can assist you in finding the right support.
Princes Trust
Princes Trust offer training and mentoring support funding and resources to become the best entrepreneur you can be. The free enterprise programme is split into four sessions: information session, workshop, build your business and launch.
Help to Grow
Get help to start up with Help to Grow. Check what you need to do to set up your business and how to get help from government-backed schemes.
B&NES Council Business
Find guidance with business rates, licensing, food safety and other services.
Supplying the South West Portal
This portal provides a user friendly, intuitive process to advertise all open tenders and quotation opportunities for councils in the South West.