Business Support

Running a business comes with challenges at every stage, whether you’re just starting out, looking to grow, or adapting to change. That’s why a range of support is available to help businesses develop, innovate, and succeed.

On this page, you’ll find information about the support available to businesses, including funding and grants, advice and mentoring, training opportunities, and specialist guidance.

Foodworks South West

Funded support is currently available to new and existing food and drink businesses – funded by the West of England Councils, West of England Combined Authority and North Somerset Council and being provided by the Future Food Partnership CIC through The Food WorksSW.

The West of England Food and Drink Support Scheme (WoEFDSI) is open to food producers, manufacturers, hospitality and food service businesses based in the area to help with technical and food development challenges faced by the businesses

The support can be delivered remotely or onsite depending on your business needs.

Find out more here: West of England – Funded Support | Empower Your Food Business Today — Food Works

West of England Growth Hub

The West of England Growth Hub provides bespoke support to North Somerset SMEs across finance and business support, technology and innovation, leadership and workforce development, green business support, and starting a business.

Find out more here: Growth Hub – Growth Hub

Tech adoption for growth

Tech Adoption for Growth is a £1 million government-backed research pilot delivered by Business West, aimed at helping businesses improve productivity through effective use of digital technologies. This is a continuation of the successful Tech for Growth programme, now expanded with central government funding.

Areas of Support:

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data management, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Social media, Accounting software, Digital systems, Digital brand strategy, Website design, Digital marketing

Support Routes:

Route 1 – One-to-One Consultancy: In-depth digital diagnostics and tailored support with an experienced tech adoption consultant

Route 2 – Group Workshops: Expert-led course of workshops covering key digital tools with peer-to-peer support and knowledge sharing

Selection into a support route is decided by the evaluation partner as part of the research pilot. Support is free, practical, impartial, and business-focused.

Eligibility:

Open to sole traders and SMEs in the West of England region (Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, Gloucestershire), including North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, and Wiltshire.

Ideal for businesses looking to:

Improve productivity and efficiency using technology, Get more value from their existing digital tools, Access expert guidance and practical support, Make changes that support long-term growth.

Apply here: Tech Adoption for Growth Application Form

Skills bootcamps

Heavily subsidised bootcamps to support people to develop skills across areas, including leadership and management, construction, and project management.

Find out more:

Skills Bootcamps in the West of England – West of England Combined Authority

Partner grant opportunities

South West Enterprise Fund – Established Business Grant

Funding Amount: £2,000

Eligibility: Entrepreneurs aged 18-30 in Somerset, Bath & North East Somerset, and North Somerset. Business must be trading and less than 2 years old.

Funding can be used for:

• Expanding product lines or service ranges

• Upgrading equipment or other business needs to increase revenue

• Bringing in another revenue stream

• Increasing production where there is proven demand

• Buying materials or stock for new product lines

• Creating prototypes

• Building websites or booking systems

• Funding training

• Supporting product development

Application: Open all year; decisions every month.

Apply here: SWEF Enterprise Fund – Established Business Grant – Somerset Community Foundation

National support - The Business Academy

The Business Academy (formerly Export Academy) now supports all growing businesses, not just those looking to export. The platform provides webinars and online support on various growth topics.

Marketing, Communications & Branding Academy – Fuel your business growth through great marketing, communications & branding – Business Academy – business.gov.uk

A webinar series designed to help small businesses find their voice and scale with confidence, delivered by award-winning experts with live Q&A sessions.

Topics Include:

• Authentic branding for growth – Purpose-led, authentic branding that builds trust

• Leading the change – Constructing a marketing engine that drives growth

• Fuel your growth through storytelling – Using narrative to enhance brand and engage audiences

On-demand access to recordings available for any missed webinars. Free registration. Link: Business Academy: Marketing, Communications & Branding

Other Business Academy Topics:

• Start Your Business – Series on starting and growing a new business

• Sustainability for Growth – Benefits of embracing sustainable business practices

• SME Funding & Financial Management – Accessing investment, loans, grants, and financial management

Business in North Somerset

Whether you’re a local business looking to grow, a resident seeking to develop new skills, or exploring investment opportunities, the Business in North Somerset site provides the information and support you need.

Visit: North Somerset Business & Resident Support | In North Somerset

Additional events for food and drink businesses

All events are specifically for food and drink businesses. Partners can add these free events to their calendars and share with relevant businesses.

Grow with Confidence: SALSA, Shelf Life & Claims for Food Producers. Wednesday, 11 March 2026 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | The Engine Shed – Grow with Confidence: SALSA, Shelf Life & Claims for Food Producers — Food Works
Stand Out With Personality: Branding for Food & Drink Founders. Thursday, 19 March 2026 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | The Food Works SW Stand Out With Personality: Branding for Food & Drink Founders — Food Works
Cut Through The Noise: Leveraging the Media, Influencers, Branding & AI for PR Success. Tuesday, 24 March – Wednesday, 25 March 2026 | Day 1: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM, Day 2: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM | The Food Works SW Cut Through The Noise: Leveraging the Media, Influencers, Branding & AI for PR Success — Food Works
Photography and Videography Workshop. Tuesday, 21 April 2026 | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM | The Food Works SW Photography and Videography Workshop — Food Works
Photography and Videography Workshop. Thursday, 11 June 2026 | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM | The Food Works SW View All Events: The Food Works SW Events. Photography and Videography Workshop — Food Works

Business Support