Prosperity Hampshire

I want to start a business – where should I begin?

Begin with the official guidance on GOV.UK, which explains business structures, registration, tax and licences.

Set up a business – https://www.gov.uk/set-up-business
You can also explore broader support via the business.gov.uk support finder.

Is there government support to help me start or grow my business?

Yes. The Help to Grow programmes provide training and support for leadership, digital adoption and scaling.

Help to Grow: Management – https://smallbusinesscharter.org/help-to-grow-management
Help to Grow: Essentials (online) – https://smallbusinesscharter.org/about-help-to-grow-management-essentials

Can I speak to someone for business advice or help finding funding?

Yes. The Business Support Service (England) offers free general advice and signposting.

Telephone: 0800 998 1098
Email: enquiries@businesssupportservice.co.uk
You can also use Sat Nav for Business to search grants and funding schemes.
Sign up (free): https://www.umisatnav.co.uk/sign-up

What loans are available for start‑ups and growing businesses?

Start Up Loans (British Business Bank) offer government‑backed fixed‑interest loans and mentoring: https://www.startuploans.co.uk
The Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS) helps established SMEs secure growth finance through accredited lenders:
https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/finance-hub/growth-guarantee-scheme/

How can the Hampshire Growth Hub help me directly?

We provide guidance, signposting and diagnostics to help with:

Starting a business
Scaling and innovation
Skills and workforce development
Finding grants, loans and investment
Procurement readiness

Share your business goals and challenges, and we’ll introduce the most relevant programmes, advisers or partners.

Are there local organisations that offer free or low‑cost support?

Yes:

The IncuHive Group – incubation, coworking, mentoring and (in some areas) free impartial advice: https://www.incuhive.co.uk
InsideOut Support – free 30‑minute consultation for operational challenges: philippa@insideoutsupport.com
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) – advice, services and member support: https://www.fsb.org.uk

I need help with tenders and procurement – where do I find opportunities?

Hampshire County Council Procurement – https://www.hants.gov.uk/ business/procurement
ProContract supplier portal (register to view open tenders).
For bid‑writing support, Bid Logic Solutions assists SMEs with bid management and tender reviews.

How can I improve my team’s skills or access training?

Options include:

Skills Bootcamp – www.hants.gov.uk/business/skillsbootcamp
Help to Grow: Management (University of Winchester and others nationally)
Apprenticeships – Upskilling and recruitment including incentive options and levy funded opportunities. For more information, please speak with our specialist skills services team -

The Hampshire Growth Hub can help identify relevant apprenticeship standards and promote vacancies.

How do I connect with local business networks and events?

Consider:

Hampshire Chamber of Commerce – www.hampshirechamber.co.uk
B2B Expos – https://www.b2bexpos.co.uk
Athena Network (women’s networking) – theathenanetwork.com
Business South Enterprise Centres – https://businesssouth.org/enterprise-club/enterprise-centres/

There are also specialist clusters such as the South Central Defence & Security Cluster, Life Sciences South Innovation Cluster and Creative and Digital Cluster. (Use hotlinks to go to these websites)

Where can I find grants for innovation, technology or business growth?

Explore:

Innovate UK – https://www.ukri.org/councils/innovate-uk/
Made Smarter – https://www.madesmarter.uk/
Find a grant (Government) – https://www.find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/
UMi Get Funding – www.umigetfunding.co.uk

Frequently Asked Questions