Grants, Funding and Projects

We have strong and robust relationships with the organisations that provide funding and finance for small business. There are challenging times ahead and we are strategically placed to be able to introduce you to the right people at the right time.

The types of packages on offer are wide, varied and change regularly. We can help you review your plans for growth and identify where potential funding may be available, then work with you and the organisation to submit applications.

Business Improvement through Skills Training Phase II - Building Business Networks

This BIP training and support project also aims to help you to improve your businesses prospects and long term viability through a combination of peer to peer discussions, a series of business master classes and individual training sessions in the workplace. From these activities BIP also intends to facilitate the development of business networks.

Through this package of training and support we aim to help your business to improve competitiveness, attract more customers, safeguard jobs and improve your profitability.

The project is available to micro businesses and SME in West Devon, the Northern half of the South Hams and the Northern half of Teignbridge and will run until September 2012.

The series of master classes available will offer training in essential business subjects like Finance, Marketing, Customer Care and Business Management and will work to increase the number of businesses that have business, marketing and financial plans. One to one training will also be available to help you ensure that the skills you learn are implemented and have a positive effect on your business performance.

BIP will also be offering a facilitation service to develop informal business networks in your area. Our experience has shown that bringing businesses together often stimulates dialogue between its participants which can lead to trading between businesses, joint purchasing, joint marketing and other collaborations

Assistance through the project is highly subsidized thanks to the project funders with master classes carrying a small charge of £20 per attendee and one-to-one sessions also carrying a fee of £20 per session. The project has been part funded by the Local Action Leader Program, these European funds are managed by Defra, The South West RDA, and distributed locally by Greater Dartmoor LEAF utilizing the services of Devon Renaissance, with South Hams District Council as the accountable body. Other funders are West Devon Borough Council.

The aims of this project link to the first objective of the Greater Dartmoor LEAF Local Development Strategy of Creating and Growing Business.

Please keep an eye on our  Workshops page for details on our Master Classes.

New Enterprise Allowance

BIP has recently started delivering the New Enterprise Allowance Programme in Devon and Cornwall. This is a new Government initiative for people that have been unemployed for six months or more and are thinking of starting up their own business or becoming self-employed. The programme provides support from business advisors and mentors in developing their business plan prior to commencing trading. The assistance also continues during their first six months of being in business.

Those partaking in the programme are supported by the New Enterprise Allowance for the first six months of trading (worth £1275) and also have the opportunity of a business loan of up to £1000 when they start trading to further aid them in getting their business off the ground.

Business Support South West are also working with us to co-ordinate the mentor resource for the area and are currently seeking successful business owners that would like to give a little time to supporting prospective entrepreneurs. Job Centre Plus are anticipating that over 700 new businesses will start over the next two years through their involvement with the project; enhancing the local economy and benefiting all businesses in the area. You can help us to make this a success by getting involved.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer business mentor please get in touch with BIP on Free Phone 0330 1000338 or team@bipwestdevon.biz . There will be a travel allowance available and help and assistance from a business advisor who can advise you along the way.

If you are currently unemployed and thinking of starting your business or becoming self employed you will need to speak to your local job centre. They will be able to tell you all about the New Enterprise Allowance Scheme and if you are eligible they can refer you onto the programme.