south gloucestershire business thrive programme
UP TO 12 HOURS OF FULLY FUNDED BUSINESS SUPPORT AND ADVICE apply todayWelcome to the South Gloucestershire Business Thrive Programme
Let 2026 be the year you take control of what’s next for your business!
- Feeling like your business could go further, but you’re not sure how?
- Struggling to find time to step back and plan properly?
- Want clarity on your next priorities?
- Looking for expert, practical support shaped around your goals?
Whether you want a fresh set of eyes, a trusted sounding board to sense-check your direction, or practical, hands-on support to help shape what’s next, we’re here to help.
Our Thrive programme is fully funded and offers focused, tailored support for established South Gloucestershire businesses. It gives you – and where helpful, your team – the time, space and expert input to think clearly, make confident decisions and take practical steps forward, all shaped around your business and its priorities.
The programme forms part of the South Gloucestershire business support service and is free to access, funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
Eligible businesses will receive:
Up to 12 hours* of tailored 1-to-1 support, delivered intensively and designed to help you make rapid progress by April 2026.
Dedicated expert guidance from a specialist matched to your business, offering practical, focused support and real-world experience.
Strategic clarity and direction, including acting as a sounding board, sense-checking decisions, exploring options, and helping you focus on what matters most.
Hands-on help to strengthen your business, such as marketing planning, financial forecasting, improving systems, website/SEO reviews, content support, HR guidance, and bespoke team training.
Further access to a range of free webinars to help enhance your, or your employees, business skills. View the webinars on the programme.
Who is it for?
This programme is likely to be a good fit if you:
Want time and space to think clearly
Value an external, impartial perspective
Are ready to take action
Want focused, practical support
This programme may not be the right fit for you if you:
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Are pre-start or unregistered (with Companies House or HMRC)
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Are looking for long-term or ongoing mentoring
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Do not have capacity to engage before April 2026
Is my business eligible?
The programme is open to all small and micro businesses and start-ups that are based in South Gloucestershire and have aspiration to grow.
Specifically:
Registered small/micro trading businesses (active in buying/selling goods or services) e.g. sole traders, partnerships and limited companies with fewer than 49 employees.
– Have a minimum annual turnover of £30,000 (or be able to demonstrate potential to grow)
Registered charities and community organisations.
You will need to be able to complete your support plan by April 2026.
Applying is easy
Register for the South Gloucestershire Business Support Service.
Complete the application form (with a broad idea of the support you need)
Attend an initial triage call.
Next steps
Meet your dedicated business expert to agree your support plan and priorities
Plan and book your sessions directly with your expert.
FAQs
Is Thrive Really Free?
Yes. Thrive is fully funded, so there’s no cost to eligible businesses. The programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
*What does "up to 12 hours" look like in practice?
A total of 12 hours of support is delivered over a short, intensive period, typically across several focused sessions. The exact format is shaped around your business needs and priorities.
Please note that the 12 hours relates to total support time, which may include the initial triage call, preperation, planning & follow-up, research and desk-based work by your expert, as well as direct contact time.
Who will I be working with?
You’ll be matched with one dedicated business expert whose experience best fits your goals and challenges.
Our experts can be found here: Our Experts
Do I need to know exactly what I want support with?
You’ll need to have a broad idea of the area you’d like support with (for example, growth, marketing, finance, systems or people management). Your initial triage call will then explore this in more detail and help refine the focus and priorities for your tailored support.
Can my team be involved?
Yes, absolutely – where helpful. While sessions are usually led by the business owner or manager, relevant team members can be involved if that will support better outcomes.
How are placed allocated?
There are 30 places available. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis to ensure the programme is a good fit and that businesses can realistically complete the programme before April 2026.
What happens after the triage call?
Your triage call will explore the needs outlined in your application in more detail. If Thrive is a good fit, we will help to refine the focus and priorities for your tailored support and agree a support plan.
You’ll be matched with a dedicated business expert who will contact you to book an initial meeting.
How long do I have to apply?
To be considered, applications should be submitted by 31 January. Places are limited, so early application is encouraged.
About the funding of this programme:
Business Thrive Programme is funded by South Gloucestershire council and is delivered by us, Cool Ventures. This is a time-limited programme which aims to support 30 businesses.
Due to limited spaces and funding, we will invite eligible applications to an initial ‘triage’ call during which we will define your support needs. If your application does not qualify for support through this programme, we will offer you support through the South Gloucestershire Universal Business Support Service.
If you would like to find out more about the triage process, please give us a call on 08000 418293 or drop us an email info@coolventures.co.uk.
Get In Touch
Customer Services
Tel: 08000418293
email: info@coolventures.co.uk
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Registered address: 7 High Street, Chipping Sodbury, Bristol BS37 6BA
Company registration number: 07713005