Start-Up Surrey returns to turn ideas into reality

How Katie turned her dream into a business with Start-Up Surrey

When Katie Penn was working in accountancy, she often dreamed of running her own business. She wanted to help people through spiritual healing and guidance but was not sure how to turn her idea into something real.

With support from Start-Up Surrey, Katie launched Louella's Light, a business that offers spiritual healing and intuitive guidance sessions in Lightwater and online for women across Surrey and beyond.

Speaking about the support she received, 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."

Katie is one of 140 Surrey residents who have benefited so far from Start-Up Surrey, a fully funded programme that helps people take their first steps into business.

What the programme offers

Funded by Surrey County Council and delivered by business support specialists IncuHive, the next phase of Start-Up Surrey is now open and will run until March 2027.

The programme will support Surrey residents who are thinking about starting a business, as well as businesses that have been trading for less than 12 months. Around 120 people and businesses are expected to benefit.

Participants will have access to:

• One-to-one mentoring

• Business health checks and assessments

• Introductory workshops

• Peer support from other business owners

• Specialist masterclasses

The support is designed to help people develop their ideas, build confidence and create sustainable businesses.

Most of the programme will be delivered online, making it easy for people across the whole of Surrey to take part. Face-to-face support will also be available at locations around the county.

How to access support

Start-Up Surrey is open to:

• Surrey residents who are considering starting and registering a business in the county

• Surrey-based businesses that have been trading for no more than 12 months