Start-up support
Looking to start a business in Surrey?
We can provide help and support to turn your idea into a reality.
Get in touch for free advice and start-up support from our team of business experts.
Why start a business in Surrey?
From a fantastic location with excellent links to London and beyond to a highly-skilled workforce driving world-class innovation, there are many reasons to start a business here.
Our region accounts for 14% of all business births in the South East.
And with a business survival rate of nearly 90%, it’s clear we have all the ingredients for your business to be successful in Surrey.
Looking for help on getting started? Contact our team of experts who can provide helpful guides and advice when starting out.
Business Surrey support form
Nine steps to starting a business
1. Think of an idea
2. Research the market
3. Decide on your legal structure
4. Develop a business plan
5. Sort out legal affairs and permits
6. Secure finance and funding
7. Develop your brand and online presence
8. Market your business
9. Secure your first sales
Help and advice
Starting and growing a business is not easy. There are many issues that may crop up which you may not have thought about or dealt with before.
Some of the most common themes include:
- Marketing, promotion and sales
- Legal and regulatory support
- Access to funding
- Innovation and technology
- Going green
- Export and import
- Talent, recruitment and apprenticeships
- Leadership, management and transformation
The key thing to remember is that you are not alone and there’s lots of help out there. Sometimes you just need to ask – which is where Business Surrey comes in.
Contact us
How we can help
Business Surrey is committed to helping businesses in Surrey get the right kind of advice and support.
You can also find practical support and information in the Setting Up section of the Government’s website.
Business support directory
Find the expert support your business needs via our online directory of local, regional and national support.
Events and workshops
Connect and network with like-minded people. There are dozens of events and training sessions on our events page.
One-to-one support
Looking to fast-track your business growth? Get tailored free business advice from our expert Growth Hub team.
Meet the experts
Renée Canter | Enterprise Mentor
Renée Canter is the Enterprise Mentor at Business Surrey, helping businesses of all sizes get the support and advice they need to thrive. With a background in HR and an interest in skills and development she has worked in a variety of sectors – including self-employment.
Meet Renée
Sarah Joy | High Growth Enterprise Mentor
Sarah Joy is Business Surrey’s High Growth Enterprise Mentor, operating within the Growth Hub service. She brings decades of experience working directly with global brands and high-growth scale-ups.
Meet Sarah
Lucy Huddlestone | Enterprise and Triage Information Officer
Lucy Huddlestone brings over 15 years of experience in the publishing and media industries, with a career spanning advertising, bibliographic data services, and international business development.
Meet LucyUpcoming events
FSB Connect Reigate & Banstead
Join us at the Reigate Civic Centre for a friendly, welcoming morning designed to help you build relationships, share your business story, and connect with the vibrant local business community.
22 January 2026 @ 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Directors Connect – Online coffee and connect
Come along to our informal online meet up exclusively for IoD members in Surrey, Berkshire and the surrounding areas.
26 January 2026 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Mole Valley for business seminar: Strengthening business through community impact
Businesses of all shapes and sizes have the potential to deliver positive and meaningful impact within their local communities, through social, environmental and economic initiatives.
27 January 2026 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm