Find organisations that can help your business

Guildford is home to many organisations that could help your business. Our business support partners are ready to offer support to your company.

If you have a query you can contact our business team by emailing business@guildford.gov.uk.

You can get free business advice and mentoring provided by the Enterprise M3 Growth Hub.

Start-up and current businesses in the borough can access the support. 

The Growth Hub support can be:

• one-to-one 
• through the national business helpline
• via a regular events programme

Find out more about the Enterprise M3 Growth Hub (opens new window)

The University of Surrey promotes business engagement and knowledge sharing in many ways.

Businesses can benefit from:

• the expertise of world-class academics
• cutting-edge research facilities
• working with top-class students 

Joining with other industries is one of the major strengths and key values of the university. The university's approach helps to develop strong links with the wider business community. They use the knowledge and technology in the university to improve industry.

If you want to find out more, contact the university's Business Enterprise Programmes team. They will discuss your business needs and put you in touch with the relevant teams.

Visit the University of Surrey's website. (opens new window)

Becoming a Business South Champion could be beneficial for your organisation. As a champion, you become a member of the largest business network in the south. 

Here's what your business could gain from becoming a Business South Champion.

You can:

• connect with key stakeholders and influence change
• have plenty of business-to-business opportunities 
• increase the profile of your business
• share knowledge and best practice
• make important contacts 

The council is a member of the Business South Champions Programme. We benefit from regular strategic advice on economic matters. Business South delivers regular high-quality events and runs an Economic Regeneration Steering Group.

Find out more information about future events on the Business South website (opens new window) .

Guildford Online Job Club

A free virtual Job Club is available for Guildford residents. It launched in 2020 to support local economic recovery following the coronavirus pandemic.

The job club:

• can support up to 100 members
• helps school leavers and graduates
• is open to the unemployed and those facing redundancy 

The Job Club is delivered by The Stuart Mitchell Group. It helps individuals to understand their personal characteristics, qualities, skills and strengths. It guides them towards new career options involving employment, enterprise or volunteering.  

Business experts will help individuals learn new skills. The club will help people to return to employment or start a business of their own. This is through online lectures, group workshops, one-to-one mentoring, training and educational resources. Practical advice will include CV-writing and interview techniques. Participants can use a community forum to support each other.

Skills for Employment scheme

The Job Club is part of the council's Skills for Employment initiative.

The Skills for Employment scheme will:

• see how skills can be adapted and transferred between employers and business sectors
•  look at new industries such as green technology
• will look at collaboration opportunities through referrals and partnerships

The scheme will work with the Department for Work and Pensions and Jobcentre Plus. Surrey Chambers of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses will be involved. 

Apprenticeships

The Apprenticeship & Skills Hub offer free advice on apprenticeship and skills training. The Hub also offer support and guidance with:

• funding apprenticeship training
• levy transfers
• sourcing apprentices

To find out more email: Emily.Dumelow@hants.gov.uk or visit the Apprenticeship Hub. (opens new window)

Many other organisations are available across Surrey to support your business. They can offer advice to start-ups and other businesses. 

Surrey Chambers of Commerce

The Chambers provide regular business-to-business events and networking opportunities. It offers an important voice for business.

Surrey Chambers of Commerce (opens new window)  

Federation of Small Businesses

The Federation helps small businesses to achieve their ambitions. Members can get advice and support for their business.

Federation of Small Businesses (opens new window)

Department for International Trade

The Department for International Trade is an international economic department. It promotes British trade and investment across the world. 

Department for International Trade (opens new window)

Cyber Resilience Centre for the South East (CRCSE)

The CRCSE provides guidance and support from police officers and industry experts. They help businesses protect themselves with affordable cyber support. If you join the CRCSE you receive a free welcome pack as well as monthly contact from the centre. The welcome pack provides guidance on cyber security products and services.

Cyber resilience centre for the South East (opens new window)

Manufacturing Growth Programme Grant and Advice

This scheme is for small to medium manufacturing businesses.

Check your eligibility for the Manufacturing Growth Programme (opens new window)

Energy Bill Relief Scheme

This scheme provides energy bill relief for non-domestic customers. Discounts will be applied to energy usage between 1 October and 31 March 2023.

Find out more about Energy Bill Relief Scheme (opens new window)

LoCASE Grant Funding

LoCASE (Low Carbon Across the South East) is a grant funding programme for:

• small/medium businesses
• charities
• social enterprises

It offers grants from £1,000 up to £20,000, covering up to 40% of the cost for energy efficiency measures.

Find out more about LoCASE Grant Funding (opens new window)

The Queen's Awards for Enterprise celebrates outstanding achievements in UK businesses. 

Guildford is an outstanding centre for innovation and enterprise. If you think your company has something to celebrate, you can apply for the award. 

Winners are invited to a royal reception and presented with an award.

Winners say their businesses have benefited from:

• worldwide recognition
• increased commercial value
• greater press coverage
• a boost to staff morale

Businesses can apply in one or more of the following categories:

• innovation
• international trade
• sustainable development
• promoting opportunity through social mobility

For more details on the application process, visit The Queen's Awards for Enterprise website. (opens new window)