Arts University Bournemouth Innovation Studio
The AUB Innovation Studio Residency Programme is to help you develop your ideas into a business or a creative career. Designed to support both pre-start-ups and small businesses seeking support, the Residency Programme delivered by Arts University Bournemouth will help you design your product or service, trial and prove ideas and concepts with potential users, build and test prototypes, create a robust business plan and build a network setting you up for success.
Visit the AUB Innovation Studio website
Business Support Service
The free to access national Business Support Service can help small businesses of all stages to find the right support and impartial advice, whether you are just starting out or growing your venture. Advisers provide tailored guidance and information on schemes and publicly funded business support programmes available in your area and across England. Delivered on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.
Visit the government's Business Support Service website
Creative Start Up Programme for 50+
The Old School House is hosting a 7 session course for people aged 50+ who are ready to realise new ambitions in freelance creative career paths.
The course will help build strong foundations - whether the business is just starting out, in need of a refresh, or ready to grow. Together with mentors from the local arts and culture scene, the course will guide you through planning, branding, pricing, marketing and more - with interactive classes, free optional extra workshops and bespoke 1-1 mentoring.
Supported by Digital Skills Hub in Boscombe, this course will run from September to December 2024, and costs £120 for 7 sessions.
To find out more and apply click here.
Dorset Growth Hub
Providing support to businesses across Dorset. Specialists provide guidance and information on all aspects of business, including start-up, growth, finance and digital.
Visit Dorset Growth Hub's website
Enterprise Nation
Designed for small businesses Enterprise Nation connects you to the resources and expertise to help you succeed.
Visit Enterprise Nation's website
Open University and Start-up Loans
Start Up Loans has partnered with The Open University to create a range of courses designed to help entrepreneurs succeed in business. These courses provide a rich source of vital information for anyone who’s new to being their own boss, as well as would-be business owners who are considering taking the plunge. Covering digital skills to bookkeeping and accounting, the courses are designed to help business owners understand more about the key aspects of running a business – from the day-to-day to growing a venture.
Visit the Start-up Loans website
Prince’s Trust
Support for starting a business – the Prince’s Trust has helped over 90,000 young people to start their own business – and you could be next. They work with 18 to 30-year-olds living in the UK to turn big ideas into a reality
Visit the Prince's Trust's website
Rebel Business School
Their mission is to make starting a business achievable for anyone and everyone, no matter what your starting point or background.
Visit Rebel Business School's website
Start Your Own Business
Free resources to help you start and grow a successful business
Visit the Start Your Own Business website