Funding and Investment Ready Programme opportunity

SME businesses in Dorset, like most other SME businesses in the UK, are continuing to experience a range of challenges in obtaining debt or equity finance to propel their business growth. 2022 was a challenging year for business with high energy prices and inflation causing issues for many. Gross bank lending saw a significant rise in 2022 however this was not reflected in the number of smaller businesses accessing external finance which fell compared to 2021.

Dorset LEP wants to help ensure businesses are well placed to address and overcome these challenges whilst being able to take advantage of opportunities that arise thorough local and national programmes. The finance and funding ecosystem is complex and difficult to navigate and this programme seeks to provide Dorset SMEs with the best chance of success in terms of accessing finance and funding for their business to grow.

We are keen to appoint a supplier to deliver a Funding and Investment Readiness Programme for businesses across Dorset county. 

For further information please download the /userfiles/files/Board%20paper%20minutes/2023/DorsetLEP%20Funding%20and%20Investment%20Ready%20Programme%20tender.pdf