Business Support Organisations

Business Link

Business Link is government's online resource for businesses. It is now enhanced with new, easy-to-use tools to help you start up, improve and grow your business.
Area: National

Confederation of British Industry (CBI)

The premier lobbying organisation for UK business on national and international issues. Works with the UK government, international legislators and policy-makers to help UK businesses compete effectively.
Area: National

Enterprise First

Enterprise First is the biggest enterprise agency in the region, helping businesses in Hampshire (and beyond) to start up and develop.
Services include: free business advice from impartial advisors; workshops lead by business professionals; Blackwater Valley Business Network (BVBN).
Area: County-wide

European Information Service Centre and Enterprise Europe Network

The European Information Centre assists companies in developing their business in the EU and is part of a network of more than 280 EISCs. The Southern Area European Information Centre offers a range of services that can benefit the one-person band as well as the bigger companies.
Services include: help in seeking business contacts in Europe; tender search service; funding opportunities; help with EU legislation
Area: County-wide

Federation of Small Businesses (FSB):- Wessex Region

The Federation of Small Businesses exists to promote and protect the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms through lobbying, events and advice to its members.
Area: County, regional and national

Hampshire Chamber of Commerce

Hampshire Chambers is a newly-established organisation owned by the three main Chambers of Commerce in Hampshire, namely North Hampshire, Portsmouth and  South East Hampshire and Southampton & Fareham Chambers of Commerce. This partnership provides one point of contact with which to engage some 2,500 plus Chamber Members throughout Hampshire.
Services include: lobbying and representation; events; skills and training
Area: County and national

Institute of Directors (IOD) South

Aims are to provide the services required by members, support the development of corporate Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and be the voice of business leaders in the area.
Area: Regional

In-Biz (South East)

InBiz exists to promote, develop and support individual and group enterprise and initiative amongst all sectors of the community
Services include: 3 stage programme for business start-ups; focussed enterprise support programmes; general business advice and support
Area: Regional

Get Mentoring

Get Mentoring, led by the Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative (SFEDI), will recruit and train thousands of business mentors in the UK from the small, medium and micro business community.
Area: National

Mentor-net

Business mentoring scheme for SMEs in the south of England. It is a confidential service provided by the not-for-profit Mentor-net programme and volunteer Business Mentors, who are drawn from experienced members of the business community and the professions.
Area: Regional

Mentorsme

Mentoring portal for businesses  seeking a mentor or wanting to become a mentor.
Area: National

Prince’s Trust

The Prince’s Trust is a UK charity that helps young people overcome barriers and get their lives working. They help young people realise their potential and transform their lives. Services include:
Enterprise Programme - Funding and support to help young people (aged 18-30) to start their own business. Low interest loan of up to £5000. From those who are unemployed (or working 16 hours a week or less) and are unable to obtain funding from other sources.
Team – a 12 week programme of personal development training for young people (aged 16-25). Join a team of up to 15 participants. Rebuild self-esteem and think about their futures. Run from over 300 locations around the UK.
Area: National

SETsquared Partnership

SETsquared is a collaboration between the universities of Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Southampton and Surrey which partners in enterprise activities and collectively supports the growth and success of new business opportunities through spin-outs, licensing and incubation. The Partnership also works with industry through research collaboration and consultancy.
Services include:
Support services and office space; practicial help from experienced entreprenuers; help with access to funding; support to help companies develop traction overseas.
Area: County wide

South East Innovation and Growth Teams

South East Business Innovation and Growth provides focused innovation support for  companies in the South East, regardless of size or nature of business. Support is available through locally based Innovation and Growth Teams (IGTs); in Hampshire, these are West Surrey and NE Hants, Solent (South Hampshire, Winchester, East Hants, Test Valley) and Thames Valley (includes Basingstoke)
Services include: workshops, on-site consultations, seminars and training programs in the areas of securing new business and access to knowledge and research, etc.
Area: Regional

Southern Entrepreneurs

Southern Entrepreneurs is intended to benefit micro businesses and sole traders.
Services include: training; peer support network; networking events; access to professional advisors; analysis of training needs; help with business needs.
Area: Eastleigh and surrounding area

StartUp Britain

StartUp Britain is a campaign by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs to celebrate, inspire and accelerate enterprise in the UK.
Area: Nationwide