Programmes

Find out more about the programmes available to help your new business take off.

Our full schedule of funded business support programmes will be launching soon. For more information please contact businessgrowthdorset@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk


Resources

Here are some key support services designed to help you successfully launch your business.

Arts University Bournemouth Innovation Studio

The Residency Programme helps develop ideas into a business or a creative career.

BCP Council

Business support and advice available to businesses based in the Bournemouth Christchurch & Poole Local Authority area including Shared Prosperity Fund.

Business Support Service

Helps small businesses at all stages to find the right support and impartial advice.

Digital Skills Hub

Helps small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in the BCP area with digital skills.

Dorset Business Mentors

Linking accomplished business leaders as mentors to businesses, charities and social enterprises in Dorset.

Dorset Council

Business support and advice available to businesses based in the Dorset Local Authority area including Shared Prosperity Fund.

Dorset Growth Hub

Providing support, guidance and information on all aspects of business, including start-up, growth, finance and digital in Dorset.

Enterprise Nation

Designed for small businesses Enterprise Nation connects businesses to the resources and expertise.

Evolve

Providing advice on starting, growing and exiting a business, supporting the business, leader and team.

Intellectual Property Office (IPO)

The official UK government body responsible for intellectual property (IP) rights including patents, designs, trade marks and copyright.

Open University and Start-up Loans

A range of courses designed to help entrepreneurs succeed in business.

Prince’s Trust

Support for 18 to 30-year-olds living in the UK to start a business.

Rebel Business School

Make starting a business achievable for anyone and everyone.

SBA

Supporting enterprise and business success across the South West.

Start Your Own Business

Free resources to help start and grow a successful business

Finding Finance

Securing funding for your business can be challenging, with many options to navigate and various organisations offering support. To help, we've compiled a selection of funding opportunities and the services that provide them.


Locations

Commercial Property Search

Our councils can support you with free, confidential and impartial service enabling businesses and interested parties to search for commercial property space in the Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole areas.

Business Parks

Dorset is home to many high-quality employment sites driving the growth of local businesses, accommodating inward investment and facilitating export to new markets.

Co-working locations

Co-working hubs / office space