Organisations to support existing businesses

There are many different business support options available and different routes for you to take, depending on your business type, your growth plans and the support you require.

We work with partners, including the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), to ensure that existing businesses in New Forest can access impartial advice to help them grow and be more resilient.

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

As your business grows, you may need to register for VAT and/or consider whether a different legal structure is more suitable. Visit the GOV.UK website for further information on growing your business.

We publish information on organisations to support new businesses.

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

Business survival guide

We have teamed up with Business South to produce a business survival guide. The guide is designed to business improve their resilience during difficult trading conditions including diversification, future planning and accessing finance. 

New Forest business survival guide (PDF) [595KB]

Small and medium sized business support

Free local business support is available through the Hampshire Growth Hub, based at Hampshire County Council.    

The hub's services aim to address barriers to growth, including access to investment and talent, and for businesses that are not 'investor ready' to help them prepare for the next stage of their business. 

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

The service is available to all New Forest based small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), regardless of age, stage of growth or sector.  

Their team also have access to a free grant finder service to source finance and grant funding.  

Contact growth.hub@hants.gov.uk