Support for Small Businesses
Creating opportunity, driving innovation and supporting growth
The University of Exeter Business School is committed to supporting small businesses, entrepreneurs and local communities. Through leadership development, innovation support, research partnerships, student enterprise and regional collaboration, we help businesses access the expertise, talent and networks they need to grow responsibly.
We are part of an established ecosystem working across the University of Exeter to provide holistic support to SMEs.
Small Business Charter
We are proud to hold Small Business Charter accreditation, which recognises our role in supporting small businesses, local economies and student entrepreneurship.
More information about Support for Small Businesses
Support to start and grow
We support ambitious SMEs and entrepreneurs through practical programmes, mentoring and business growth opportunities. The Help to Grow: Management programme is designed for senior managers of small and medium-sized businesses, while our accelerator and business support activity helps founders and SMEs test ideas, strengthen strategy and grow sustainably.
- Leadership and management development
- Mentoring and peer learning
- Accelerator support and growth planning
- Connections to business networks across the South West
Innovation, research and expertise
SMEs can access research-led insight and specialist expertise across the Business School’s strengths in environmental sustainability, responsible leadership and technological transformation. Through collaborative projects, consultancy, knowledge exchange and innovation programmes, we help partners explore new ideas and turn evidence into practical solutions.
- Research and consultancy partnerships
- Digital innovation and circular economy expertise
- Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and innovation projects
- Support for sustainable business models
- Exeter Innovation Accelerator
Student entrepreneurship and enterprise
Entrepreneurship is part of the Exeter student experience. Students and graduates can access start-up support, mentoring, enterprise communities and opportunities to test and launch new ventures. SMEs can also benefit from student consultancy, placements and live projects that bring fresh thinking to real organisational challenges.
- Start-up support and incubation
- Enterprise societies and founder networks
- Student consultancy and live business projects
- Graduate and placement opportunities
Talent and skills for employers
We help employers connect with students, graduates and apprentices who can bring new skills and perspectives into their organisations. Degree apprenticeships, internships and project-based learning all help businesses build future capability while supporting student employability.
- Degree apprenticeships for employers
- Student and graduate recruitment
- Consultancy projects and placements
- Professional development and executive education
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Regional collaboration and wider impact
The Business School works with regional partners, business networks and innovation organisations to strengthen the SME community across Devon, Cornwall and the wider South West. This activity supports responsible growth, productivity, resilience and sustainable regional prosperity.
- Collaboration with regional networks and partners
- Business events, workshops and engagement activity
- Support for innovation-led businesses
- Contribution to regional economic growth
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Success stories and examples of impact
Supported over 100 innovative start-ups and SMEs.
Helped businesses secure £5.7 million in grant funding.
Enabled ventures to raise £15.3 million in investment.
Contact us about our business support
Please use the below link / contact form to get in touch.
Contact the Business Support Team
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