Organisations that can help you with your business

Our business team can signpost you to the relevant business support organisations that can help you in your growth plans and if you are seeking to set up a new business. 

Business Growth Opportunities in Guildford

Watch our video about business growth in Guildford.


Free advice and support service in partnership with Enterprise M3 Growth Hub and BE Group.

Existing and start-up businesses in the borough can benefit from Guildford Business Growth - our free-of-charge service which includes telephone advice, face-to-face monthly clinics and three workshops on specific topics tailored to a variety of business needs. 

For free support advice please call the business support helpline on: 0300 4563565.

To book into a business clinic please call 01483 478108.

To find out more about the Growth Hub visit https://www.enterprisem3growthhub.co.uk/the-growth-service.

Business Engagement at Surrey

Collaborating with industry is one of the University of Surrey's major strengths and key values. Our approach helps us to develop strong and long-lasting connections between academia and the wider business community and to use the knowledge, technology and skills available within the University to enhance industry competitiveness, productivity and performance.

We actively promote business engagement and knowledge sharing in a variety of ways, enabling businesses to benefit from the expertise of our world-class academics, our cutting-edge research facilities and to work with our top class students.

If you are interested in exploring the various ways of engagement, please contact our Business Development team, who will be happy to discuss your specific business needs and help create innovative solutions by connecting you to our relevant teams.

Please see https://www.surrey.ac.uk/business

Surrey University sponsor page


Queen's Award for Enterprise

Guildford Borough is an outstanding centre for innovation and enterprise. Businesses with something special to celebrate can apply for the prestigious Queen's Award for Enterprise in one or more of the following categories:

  • Innovation
  • International Trade
  • Sustainable Development
  • Promoting Opportunity (through Social Mobility)

 For more details on eligibility, the application process and the benefits of winning an award, visit: https://www.gov.uk/queens-awards-for-enterprise

 

Roadmap to Business Success - EU-funded start-up Entrepreneurship Programme

The highly regarded business incubator, SETsquared, are running a series of two-day courses for entrepreneurs with an idea for a tech-based product or service, and founders of early-stage ventures. Funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), this programme will put your business on the path to success, including free business mentoring for eligible companies. 

The courses will run in Farnborough, Basingstoke, Guildford, and Woking, and cover all the essential elements of starting a business.

Fully funded places are available. Find out more and apply for a place at setsquared.co.uk/hubsupport or contact us at business@guildford.gov.uk.

Becoming a Business South Champion

We have now joined Business South, which represents businesses in the south of England  and works hard to make a difference to individual organisations and to the wider economy with its Champions programme. The strength that such an influential group of organisations represents, has achieved a huge amount for the region.

The Champions Programme aims to:

  • promote our area
  • demonstrate the importance of different sectors
  • influence policies and investment decisions
  • deliver on a range of projects.

Our Local Economy Manager, Chris Burchell, says: "Supporting economic growth in the area is a key priority for us as part of our economic strategy and by working with Business South, we believe we can enhance our support for the local economy. We are therefore delighted to become a Business South Champion and anticipate a strong working relationship that will benefit the region."

Business support

Surrey Chambers of Commerce

Surrey Chambers of Commerce provides regular business-to-business events and networking opportunities and offers an important voice for business.


Enterprise M3 Funding Escalator

The Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership has committed £5.5 million of capital to create a new funding escalator, comprising a loan scheme and an equity fund managed by The FSE Group. If you are an ambitious SME based within the Enterprise M3 geographic area with the potential to deliver high growth and employment opportunities, you may be eligible to apply. More information is available by visiting: www.thefsegroup.com/enterprise-m3-funding-escalator.


Other business support organisations

Surrey Technology Centre and Set Squared Partnership - The Surrey Technology Centre provides space for small technology (research, development and design) companies in one of the most prestigious Science Parks in the UK and Western Europe.

Invest in Surrey - For businesses wishing to locate in Surrey/Guildford please see the Invest in Surrey website which highlights how the county is an excellent location for new investment.

Department for International Trade - Export support - free advice and subsidised training.