Are you looking to grow as an entrepreneur?

So you've got a small business in London and you're wondering what you can do next. Whether you're looking for faster growth or simply yearn to develop your skills, there's no shortage of routes to expand as an entrepreneur.

From investment to community, let's explore your options – plus how Grow London Local can point you to the right support.

1. Upskill yourself (and your team)

It may sound obvious, but investing in yourself often pays richer dividends than any outside funding.

Consider joining a specialist masterclass, digital‑marketing bootcamp, finance workshop or even a short business-management course.

These not only sharpen your toolkit, but help you build confidence and stretch your thinking beyond day-to-day operations. Ideal if you want to scale, pivot or just become a better leader.

Start upskilling now

2. Seek out growth finance

Venture capital (VC) isn't for everyone – but seed funding, revenue‑based finance and match-funded grants from local organisations can help inject money for growth.

Programmes run by London councils, innovation hubs or business networks often cater specifically to small businesses.

And a smart application can unlock more than just cash: you gain visibility, mentorship and credibility.

Get financial support to grow

3. Share your experience – mentor other business owners

Ever thought about coaching other people? When you mentor a new business owner – perhaps through a formal incubator or informally via your network – you deepen your own knowledge.

Explaining your process back to someone else often reveals insights you'd never have noticed yourself. It strengthens your leadership skills and opens doors to fresh collaborations.

Read our simple guide to business mentoring

4. Build or join a local community

London's boroughs brim with networks that cater to specific industries: hospitality, tech, creative – you name it.

Being an active member of a community helps you test ideas, share referrals, access events and more.

You can attend business networking events in your local area to meet like-minded founders.

If you don't find the right group, why not start one? It's a genuine service to your peers and an outlet for your own creativity.

Learn how to open, run and grow a community space

5. Work with complementary businesses or partners

Perhaps there's a consultant you could team up with to deliver workshops, or a product supplier whose marketing engine could amplify yours.

Joint ventures let you reach new audiences and the fresh perspective can spark entirely new offerings.

How Grow London Local can help you

Grow London Local is here to be your quiet support system – whether you're after referrals to training providers, help navigating council grant programmes or introductions into niche communities.

Our Business Support Managers offer a free consultation to establish what kind of development you're after. And you'll find us frequently posting insightful content about upskilling, funding and networking.

Don't worry, we won't give you the hard sell. But we can direct you to helpful articles, sources of funding, lists of London-based events and masterclasses and more. The more precise your goal, the easier we can help.

Five relevant Grow London Local services to explore

1. Team leader – level 3: learn how to support and manage team members, manage projects, deliver operational plans and more.

2. Certificate in principles of team leading (level 2): learn the principles of team leading and develop your understanding of business.

3. Business funding including asset finance and business loans: funding options range from asset finance and block discounting to short and medium term business loans designed for growth.

4. Business mentoring and coaching services: get support with many areas of business, including building financial plans and developing strategies for expansion.

5. Coaching for growth-oriented change-makers: you don't need another course. You need clarity, alignment and momentum, and a wise elder who's actually in there with you.

You can also ask your Business Support Manager to recommend the right one to begin.

Whether you're exploring VC, learning new skills, keen to mentor others or determined to build a vibrant local circle – you don't need to go it alone.

The paths to growth are many and Grow London Local can help you find the way with curated services, expert advice and community connections suited to your ambitions.

Read more

• Celebrating Pride 2025 with stories from queer-owned businesses

• Staying ahead when business is slow

• Social media marketing for small businesses in London: a brief guide

Find the right support for your business

At Grow London Local, we understand that you’re passionate about your small London business. That’s why our website is packed with resources tailored to you. Find more support