Business
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Somerset business support
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Free business support for SMEs with Somerset Start Up and Grow
Whether you’re considering starting a business, are a start-up owner finding your way, or an established SME, you want to be able to scale and grow your business confidently.
Supported by Somerset Council through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, Somerset Start Up and Grow’s fully funded programme gives you access to the essential knowledge and tools you need to tackle your business challenges.
Events showcase Somerset’s business opportunities
Somerset’s economy will be in the spotlight in September when the Invest Somerset Showcase 2025 takes place, highlighting the county as a dynamic and thriving place for business and investment.
Taking place over 3 weeks in September, the showcase puts the spotlight on the key growth and innovation opportunities within the new Somerset Economic Prosperity Strategy 2025-45, highlighting the county’s key growth sectors, investment activities, as well as business support and innovation opportunities.
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Economic development news
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Wessex Leaders support regional projects in push for devolution
Leaders from across the Wessex Partnership region have today confirmed their joint commitment to a series of ambitious cross-regional projects, marking a significant step forward in their collective push for devolution and the creation of a Mayoral Strategic Authority for Wessex.
The 4 council leaders have agreed to support a number of proposals that will deliver tangible benefits to residents and businesses across the region.
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Business Finance Week returns to help small firms access funding
The British Business Bank is hosting Business Finance Week from 30 September to 9 October 2025, offering a packed programme of free in-person events, webinars and online sessions across the UK.
Aimed at helping small businesses navigate the often-complex world of finance, the initiative provides expert-led guidance on funding options for start-ups, scale-ups and established enterprises. Topics include early-stage investment, grants, lending, and financial planning, with sessions tailored to different business stages and sectors.
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Innovation vouchers help businesses explore AI with expert support
The Science and Technology Facilities Council’s Hartree Centre, in partnership with BridgeAI and Innovate UK Business Connect, is offering Innovation Vouchers worth up to £15,000 to help businesses explore and adopt artificial intelligence.
Targeted at sectors such as agriculture, construction, creative industries and transport, the vouchers provide expert technical support for AI feasibility studies, data analysis and digital planning.
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Win £10,000 with FSB and HSBC
Small businesses, sole traders and self-employed professionals have the chance to win £10,000 in a new prize draw from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), in partnership with HSBC UK.
Open until 31 July 2025, the giveaway is designed to help small firms invest in their business – whether that’s upgrading equipment, launching a new service, or building resilience for the months ahead.
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Grants available to help young people in Somerset start or grow a business
Somerset Community Foundation administers SWEF Enterprise Grants aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs and boost local enterprise.
2 funding pathways are currently available to support young people aged 18 to 30 in Somerset who are starting or growing their own businesses, including a Start-Up Grant of up to £500 for new ventures nearing revenue generation, and an Established Business Grant of up to £2,000 for businesses under 2 years old seeking to expand.
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Capital grants now open to support environmental improvements on farms
Defra has reopened its Capital Grants scheme, offering up to £150 million to farmers, land managers and rural businesses in England.
The funding supports practical environmental improvements such as hedgerow planting, water and air quality upgrades, and habitat restoration. With 78 eligible items across 6 categories, the grants can be used alone or alongside schemes like the Sustainable Farming Incentive.
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Great South West makes a bold pitch to lead the next chapter of UK manufacturing
Image courtesy of Great South West Partnership
The Great South West Partnership has launched a major new Manufacturing Investment Plan, backed by Make UK, a renewed South West Manufacturers’ Network and the rollout of the Made Smarter programme across the region.
These 3 landmark developments represent a coordinated effort to position the Great South West as a powerhouse for UK manufacturing, and a magnet for global trade, investment, innovation, and industrial talent. The region already has the second largest advanced manufacturing capability in the UK and is critical to the delivery of the Government’s industrial strategy.
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Upcoming events to highlight in this month’s edition
The Somerset Food Trail Festival, taking place from 18 to 27 July 2025, is a countywide celebration of Somerset’s small-scale, environmentally conscious food and farming businesses.
Organised by the charity Sustainable Food Somerset, the event is modelled on arts trails and offers immersive “adventures in food” across multiple locations. It aims to boost demand for sustainable local produce, support the local economy, and position Somerset as a leading destination for gastronomic and eco-tourism.
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The Great South West Partnership’s Annual Conference will take place on Friday 17 October at Sandy Park, Exeter.
This year’s theme is “Leading the delivery of the UK’s Industrial Strategy” and will focus on the South West’s role in driving national economic growth.
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Check the following websites for further upcoming business events, ranging from online networking to in-depth workshops and in-person training sessions.
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