Organisations to support new businesses

There are many different organisations who can help you to plan and launch your new business and avoid costly mistakes.

We work with partners, including the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) [no link], to ensure that residents wishing to start a new business in New Forest can access impartial advice to help them grow and be successful.

Keep up to date with new sources of support and grants by registering to receive our free business enewsletter.

We also publish information on organisations to support existing businesses.

We also publish information on Support for businesses in specific sectors.

New Forest Start-up Business Support

Find out about our Council initiatives and events to support local businesses.

The Solent LEP Growth Hub

Free local start-up support is available via the Solent LEP Growth Hub. The service is available to all New Forest based small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and the self-employed, regardless of age of the business or sector in which it operates.

The service acts as an impartial first point of contact and will help you to navigate to the right advice and support for your particular circumstances.

The Growth Hub can also advise on grants and, finance and training and initiatives to help grow your business.

To speak with a member of the Solent LEP Growth Hub, complete the enquiry form on the Solent LEP website.

The Prince's Trust provides support and resources for business start-ups by young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30.

Call 0800 842 842 for free or visit the Prince's Trust website.

Inspiring Enterprise provides help to unemployed people and people who are not working, such as carers and graduates. If you are in Hampshire and want to start your own business or become self-employed, it offers one to one support with advice, ideas and business planning. There are also training courses, peer networking and workshops.

Call 01329 223242 or visit the Inspiring Enterprise website.

X-Forces provides mentoring, training and funding for those in the armed forces looking to start their own enterprise.

Call 0800 3689533 or visit the X-Forces website.