The Croydon Business Support Programme is live!

Croydon entrepreneurs to benefit as new business support programme launches

Local residents with side-hustles and small businesses are getting a major boost thanks to a new free support programme launched in Croydon this month.

 The Croydon Business Support Programme, run by StartUp Croydon and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through the Croydon Council, officially launched at Weatherill House Business Centre on 6 November. The packed event brought together dozens of aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community leaders for an evening of inspiration, networking and learning.

The five-month initiative, which runs until March 2026, offers fully-funded workshops, one-to-one business advice sessions and access to a specialist incubator for those ready to scale up. It is designed to help local people transform small ventures and side-hustles into sustainable full-time businesses.

Delivered in partnership with London South Bank University (LSBU) and Orbit, the programme covers everything from finance and marketing to investment readiness, pitching and growth strategy.

“We were blown away by the enthusiasm in the room,” said Saffron Saunders, Chief Executive of StartUp Croydon. “Croydon has an incredible pool of talent — people who just need the right guidance and support to take their next step. That’s exactly what this programme is here to do.”

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, added: “It’s a privilege to be at the launch of this business support programme and to see the council using UK Shared Prosperity Funding to support innovation across SMEs here in Croydon.”

Participants will also benefit from networking events, mentoring and the chance to work with LSBU’s team of student specialists, offering tailored support for high-growth businesses.

The programme is free to join, but spaces are limited. Anyone interested can sign up or learn more at: https://startupcroydon.co.uk/entrepreneurs/croydon-business-support-programme/