Why the South West is ideal for founders
Unmatched business growth:
- Businesses in the South West benefit from a strong talent pool, competitive operating costs and a high quality of life.
- The region is well-connected, with strong transport links via road, rail, and air, as well as access to leading universities, world-class marine, aerospace, renewable energy research and thriving export markets.
South West Investment Fund (SWIF): Fostering success
The South West Investment fund (SWIF), launched by the British Business Bank, is a £200 million investment fund to support the growth of small and medium-sized businesses across the South West of England.
SWIF offers a range of commercial finance options with loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million. The new fund covers the entire South West region including Bristol, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire.
Meet the team that champion the South West's founders
At the heart of the North West’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is a dedicated team of experts supporting businesses through every stage of their journey. From investment directors to marketing professionals, our team is here to ensure your success.
Funding, loans and grants for start-ups
Accessing the right funding is critical to any founder’s journey. In the South West, there are a wealth of grants, loans and funding opportunities designed to:
- Manage cashflow during early-stage growth.
- Help founders build skilled teams.
- Support innovation and business development.
Explore the options:
- Government grants: Non-repayable funds for eligible projects.
- Start up loans: Low-interest loans to help kickstart your business.
- Private investment funds: Strategic funding with mentorship opportunities.
Accelerators and incubators: Catalysts for success
Joining an accelerator or incubator can transform your start-up. These programs offer:
- Office space: A collaborative environment for innovation.
- Investor access: Direct connections to funding opportunities.
- Expert mentorship: Guidance from industry leaders and peers.
Many accelerators operate on an equity exchange model, taking a small stake in your business in return for their services. Popular South West incubators include:
- SETsquared Partnership
SETsquared is a collaborative partnership among the universities of Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Southampton and Surrey. It offers business incubation, mentoring, and investor readiness programs, and has been recognized as a leading university-based business incubator globally. - Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL) Hardware Incubator
BRL is the UK’s most comprehensive academic center for multidisciplinary robotics research. Its Hardware Incubator provides a supportive workspace for startups developing hardware, offering access to state-of-the-art facilities, mentoring, and business support. - Plymouth Science Park
Plymouth Science Park offers office and laboratory spaces, business support, and networking opportunities for start-ups and growing businesses. It is the largest science park in southern England, supporting a diverse range of companies. - Future Space
Part of the University of the West of England’s Enterprise Zone, Future Space provides office, laboratory, and workshop facilities, along with business support services, to start-ups in various high-tech sectors.
Success stories
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The North West offers everything you need to succeed: an unrivalled network of support, substantial funding opportunities and a collaborative entrepreneurial spirit. Start your journey today and be part of the region’s incredible growth story.