Government funding is fuelling programme to help Bay start-ups

Businesses and potential entrepreneurs from across Torbay are being offered the chance of a leg-up to help with a start-up.
A ‘Start-Up Torbay’ support programme was launched earlier this year and is led by experienced TDA Business Advisor Kim Thornton.
It aims to provide continued support to Torbay’s pre-starts, new-starts and growth-ready businesses. The programme is completely free for those taking part and gives people the confidence, skills and practical advice needed to start and/or expand a business.
The initiative has received £114,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is completely free for Torbay residents.
In total, Torbay has received £1,764,043 from UKSPF to invest in local projects with the aims of building pride in place, increasing life chances, supporting local business, and people and skills.
The Start-Up Torbay programme provides flexible, practical and collaborative support, delivered by trusted industry experts through a mix of both one-to-one appointments, Start up and Growth Workshops.
It is open to anyone in Torbay who is looking to start a business, as well as any Torbay-based business or individual looking to grow their enterprise.
To date, the programme has offered support to 48 Torbay businesses and given the confidence to 26 budding entrepreneurs to actively explore self-employment, with a further six start- up businesses having launched.
“One business that attended a recent workshop said: “We are extremely grateful for such a fully funded and fabulous learning experience that has grown my business.”
Another said: “Kim Thornton has been incredible in supporting me with my new business plan. Kim has been nothing short of approachable and supportive and always there to give advice or help. She has a wealth of knowledge and is very flexible working around my existing commitments”.
Cllr Chris Lewis, Cabinet Member for Place Services and Economic Growth for Torbay Council, said: “Whether you’re thinking of starting a business or seeking to take your established business to the next level, this support programme can offer some valuable expert guidance at no cost. I encourage all budding entrepreneurs and start-up businesses from across Torbay to get involved and find out how they could benefit.’’
TDA is managing Torbay’s UKSPF Investment Plan on behalf of Torbay Council, overseeing procurement, allocating funding, and managing the contracts of those organisations delivering the projects. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK by investing in communities and place, supporting local business.