Did you know that the Dorset Gateway can help any Dorset based business to navigate the extensive support options available throughout the county? Please see the following link to view a variety of upcoming workshops, events, training and funding opportunities:
The Arts Development Company
Litter Free Coast and Sea, in partnership with the Arts Development Company, are looking to commission an artist, designer or maker to create an art installation or creative campaign that celebrates the alternative, environmentally friendly packaging some beach kiosks are using.
Dorset Community Action
Dorset Community Action (DCA) provides a professional business support service to assist local Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprises to become stronger organisations, and to deliver better services to our communities. We believe that our communities have the solutions to many of the challenges society now faces, and we can support you to unleash the power of local to create a better Dorset for all. Click here to see events pages.
Dorset Growth Hub
Provides free, fully funded business support to new, start-up and existing businesses.
Funding My Business – Wimborne – Tuesday 9th April, 9:30 – 13:30
This event is aimed at business owners seeking to understand the options available to them in funding their business. We guide you through different ways to finance your business including traditional means, alternative finance, crowdfunding and grants. We also provide insights into popular financing options such as StartUp Loans, finance finding portals, Dorset Growth Hub Grants and more besides.
For full listings of events for the Dorset Growth Hub, please see click here.
Dorset Engineering and Manufacturing Cluster – DEMC
Super Connect Pitch Day – Poole – Thursday 11th April, 9:00 – 17:30
Empact Ventures will be hosting its third Super Connect Pitch Day in Dorset, this time for Engineering and Manufacturing sectors with a focus on emerging technologies.
The Super Connect Pitch Day enable the best, emerging tech startups and scale-ups from around the world to engage and connect with decision-makers at larger organisations (e.g. corporates, brands, SMEs) to explore collaboration and pitching for funding from a blended set of providers (e.g. angels, VCs, grant and loan bodies.)
Dorset Food and Drink
Dorset Food & Drink is the membership organisation for food and drink businesses based in Dorset which produce, serve and sell great local products, as well as those which celebrate their connection to this beautiful county. It’s a community interest company limited by guarantee with an asset lock which means it’s truly not-for-profit. Please click here for upcoming events.
Dorset Local Economic Partnership (LEP)
Have Your Say in Shaping Dorset’s Economic Future: 3 dates
- Bournemouth – Wednesday 10th April, 8:30 – 10:00
- Shaftesbury – Thursday 11th April, 8:30 – 10:00
- Kingston Maurward – Friday 12th April, 8:30 – 10:00
Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (Dorset LEP) is delighted to welcome you and all business and industry leaders to our first round of consultation events on the county’s new Local Industrial Strategy. The strategy will outline how the LEP will work in partnership to deliver economic growth, prosperity and productivity in Dorset.
These events will provide opportunities for all stakeholders to share good practice, innovations and great ideas that are already being delivered in Dorset and could be scaled up. These will be highly interactive events with all partners having the opportunity to share their views.
Dorset Mentoring DORMEN
Taste of Mentoring – Kingston Maurward – Tuesday 9th April 9:30 – 11:30
This event is being run in conjunction with Dorset Food & Drink – and is open to all owners of businesses in the Food & Drink sector in Dorset. It is particularly suitable for those who want to mature and grow their business.
Innovate UK
Interested in applying for funding through Innovate UK competitions, search here for current offerings:
Please contact the Dorset Gateway for help and application support.
OutSet
StartUp Fair – Bournemouth – Tuesday 30th April, 10:00 – 17:00
This event will give you the opportunity to talk to Outset’s own team of Enterprise Advisors as well as specialists in accountancy, banking, law, commercial property, Licensing, GDPR, insurance, design, and websites to answer any and all questions you may have on launching your new business.
Finance Options
South West Investment Group Finance – SWIG Finance
SWIG Finance provides viable SMEs and start-ups with access to finance through dedicated business loan funds in the South West region, with loans from £500 – £100,000.
British Business Bank
A government-owned business development bank dedicated to making finance markets work better for smaller businesses.
Whether you’re looking for finance to start a business, grow to the next level, or stay ahead of the competition, they deliver a greater volume and choice of finance.
https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/
For help and advice about possible support available for your business, please contact The Dorset Gateway team: 01202 714 800 or visit The Dorset Chamber website.