Dozens of entrepreneurs in Surrey will get fully-funded support to launch their business idea via Start Up Surrey. Funded by Surrey County Council, and delivered by specialist consultancy Incuhive, Start-up Surrey’s next phase is launching now, to run until March 2027.
The launch follows the success of the Start-Up Surrey pilot, (also delivered by Incuhive) from August 2025 to March 2026. During the eight-month pilot, the programme attracted 191 enquiries, enrolled 140 entrepreneurs and delivered more than 650 individual support interactions, including one-to-one mentoring, peer support and online masterclasses. Participants came from all 11 Surrey Districts and Boroughs.
The new programme will support Surrey residents considering starting a business, and businesses in their first 12 months of trading, and is expected to support around 120 businesses and residents. The support will include one-to-one mentoring, diagnostic assessments, induction workshops, peer-to-peer support and specialist masterclasses, helping participants develop their ideas, build confidence and establish sustainable businesses.
The programme will be delivered predominantly online, making it accessible across Surrey, alongside opportunities for face-to-face support at various locations across the county.
Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said:
“Start-ups play a crucial role in Surrey’s economy, with latest figures showing nearly 6,500 businesses are founded across the county every year.
“That’s why I’m pleased to be able to announce a more comprehensive programme of support is now available for those with bright business ideas via our Start-Up Surrey initiative.
“More than 100 entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses from across Surrey will benefit from this expert support in the next six months – and every one that gets off the ground will bring added benefits to our economy, creating local jobs and boosting prosperity in our communities.”
George Scott-Welsh, CEO of The IncuHive Group, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to continue delivering Start-Up Surrey. The results from the pilot showed just how much demand there is for practical, accessible support for people taking those first steps into business.
“Starting a business can be incredibly exciting, but it can also be daunting. Having an experienced mentor to talk through an idea, challenge assumptions and help you understand what to do next can make an enormous difference.
“What is particularly exciting about this next phase is that we can build on everything we learned during the pilot. We already have a fantastic network of mentors, strong relationships across Surrey and a proven support pathway, so we can hit the ground running and help more Surrey entrepreneurs turn good ideas into viable, sustainable businesses.”
From dream to reality: Katie’s start-up story
Katie Penn spent years working in accountancy but always dreamt of starting her own spiritual healing business and to help others reconnect with themselves. Through Start-Up Surrey, Katie turned that ambition into Louella’s Light, a spiritual healing and intuitive guidance practice now running sessions in Lightwater and online for women across Surrey and beyond.
Speaking about her experience of the programme, Katie said: “You really helped me a lot with your calming presence and years of wisdom. You know my brain is like a wild horse that needs taming.”
How Surrey Start-ups can access help
The programme is open to Surrey residents considering starting and registering a business in the county, as well as Surrey-based businesses established for no more than 12 months.
All support is fully funded by Surrey County Council, meaning eligible participants can access expert business guidance without charge. To find out more about Start-Up Surrey and register your interest, visit the Start-up Surrey page, email support@incuhive.co.uk, or call 0800 689 3564.
Further support for start-ups is also available from Business Surrey.
