In summary
Keep an eye on our social pages, and updated regional news page to find out what we are doing, and what business support and events we are attending throughout Devon. We have been fortunate to meet so many members and small business owners already this year and we want to thank you for your input, which remains central to the hard work and lobbying we are doing across Government. Enjoy this month's newsletter.
Email and contact details below.
Featured news and events
Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) is delighted to announce the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FIPL) programme has been extended for a further year.
Anyone who manages land on Exmoor can now apply for funding, for one-off projects that support the purposes of the National Park.
Exmoor has a proud and unique farming heritage where many farmers are passionate about wildlife and sustainability. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs DEFRA is extending its funding for the (FiPL) ‘programme’ for another year. The scheme forms part of the government’s Environmental Improvement Plan, with additional funding for Exmoor related projects granted until March 2026.
A dedicated FiPL team within Exmoor National Park Authority administer this scheme, offering support and advice to applicants. Since July 2021 ENPA has delivered almost £2.4 million worth of support for FiPL projects, with 172 successful projects completed.
FSB Business Bootcamp: Riding the Waves to Success
FSB Business Bootcamp is coming to Portsmouth this June!
Join other small businesses and business support organisations to Ride the Waves to Success at our Bootcamp in Portsmouth this June.
You're sure of a warm welcome and we look forward to seeing you online on Wednesday 18 June 9am - 2pm.
In other news
Workplace Digital Skills Programme
The free Workplace Digital Skills programme is delivered by Cosmic for Devon businesses. This programme is helping small businesses and employees gain essential digital skills. Training must be completed by 30 June 2025.
This expert-led training provides between 30 and 35 hours of training helping you.
- Boost Workplace Productivity – Learn how to use Microsoft 365, OneDrive, and Teams stay organised.
- Enhance Digital Confidence – Master essential workplace tools and AI-powered automation to work smarter.
- Improve Online Presence – Understand how to get found online, use digital marketing effectively, and grow your business.
Interested in joining? Express your interest here >
Innovate UK loans
Innovate UK is offering up to £25 million in loans to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for late-stage R&D projects with strong commercial potential. Loans range from £100,000 to £2 million, covering up to 100% of eligible costs, with interest rates from 3.7% to 7.4%.
Projects must lead to innovative new products, processes, or services and focus on future economy areas such as net zero, health and wellbeing, or next-gen digital technologies. Applicants must demonstrate the need for funding, ability to cover interest and repayment capability.
Find out more: Innovate UK Loans for Future Economy: Round 20
Still in the news
Digital & Leadership Skills Bootcamp (Devon)
Don't miss out on the opportunity to join these fully funded Skills Bootcamps starting in January with bootcamps available in Digital Marketing, Leadership and Management and Digital Business Skills. These 10-week courses are designed to help you enhance your digital marketing techniques, refine your business acumen, or develop strong leadership abilities.
Open to residents of Devon aged 19 and over, the courses are delivered primarily online, making them accessible to fit around your schedule.
Send less business waste to landfill and more to a good cause
A Good Thing is a not-for-profit, volunteer run organisation that makes it easy for businesses to donate unwanted items to local charities.
Free for businesses to make donations of up to 3 small (less than 5m3) items per month, up to a value of £1500. For larger or high value donations there is a small fee.
It is a simple-to-use app that makes donating easy. Input what you have, where you are, what timeframe you’re working to and what charities you’d like to support. The app does the matchmaking by finding a local charity that has a need for what you’re offering.
More news and activity near you
Get in touch
Your FSB Development Manager for Devon is Carmen Hanif. If you'd like more information about the topics above, or if you have news about this area that you'd like to share, please get in touch.
- email us: [email protected]
- follow us on Facebook: @FSBDevon