The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has launched a new project for businesses in Devon and Somerset.
The LEP has launched Access to Finance SW, a free community platform for growing businesses in the region. Devon and Somerset are set to receive improved access to funding opportunities, guidance, best practice and finance support through the project.
Karl Tucker, chair of the Heart of the South West LEP, said: "Access to Finance SW is a fantastic tool to help leaders of small and medium-sized businesses get the funding and finance expertise they need.
“It helps businesses connect with and learn from other successful business leaders, along with funding and finance experts, ask questions, gather information, connect and progress their business.
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"You could be a startup, established company, or a community interest company or social enterprise. It’s a dynamic marketplace of advice and support and we are delighted to help fund this vital platform. I’m convinced it will help the small business community to achieve their goals and enhance their positive impact on the South West and beyond.”
Access to Finance SW is completely sector-agnostic and open to businesses working in all sectors including retail, hospitality, agriculture, technology, professional services, logistics, manufacturing and more.
The project has been developed with support from Tech South West, a support network for technology companies in the South West, and other stakeholders.
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In July the LEP commissioned a scoping report into a potential Social Impact Fund for the area, which covers Devon, Somerset, Plymouth and Torbay.
The study will be carried out in partnership with social impact consultancy AchieveGood, and will seek to establish what the fund could look like and how it would support inclusive growth in the area.
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