DORSET LEP FUNDED BUSINESS GROWTH PROGRAMMES 

Dorset LEP provides a fully funded, specialist bid writing support service to help more Dorset entrepreneurs, SME’s and projects access government funds to power their business growth, increase collaborations and drive innovation.   

Find out more about our bid writing support

Dorset LEP provides a fully funded, horizon scanning service to help more Dorset entrepreneurs, SME’s and projects to identify government funds to power their business growth, increase collaborations and drive innovation.  

Find out more about our horizon scanning service

Funded by Dorset LEP, forty businesses of growth potential have the opportunity to partner with Evolve through the Growth & Productivity Group initiative.

Included are one-to-one coaching and group sessions, which explore strategic growth, funding for growth, leadership for growth, internationalisation and so much more.

The programme starts in September 2024 and finishes in March 2025.

To find out more click here. 

A new programme supporting businesses to diversity into the rapidly growing defence and security sector. Workshops and networking events will: 

• Highlight opportunities across the defence sector
• Understand the supply chain requirements and future procurement opportunities
• Hear first-hand case evidence from customers and suppliers about their defence journey
• Collaboration and connect with wider stakeholders and primes
• Signpost your business to other support organisations

To find out more click here. 

From interconnectivity and automation to machine learning and real-time data, this fully funded programme will help your business:

• Understand the latest digital advancements
• Identify and adopt specific technologies
• Achieve significant benefits providing a competitive advantage

Funded by the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership and delivered by SWMAS Ltd, this programme supports SME manufacturers based in Dorset.

To find out more click here. 

The NHS faces a pivotal moment, grappling with significant workforce pressures, increasing care demands, and structural barriers to innovation. Despite these challenges, the NHS has unmatched potential to lead globally in health and social care innovation (The Sinker Review, 2024).

This programme is designed to support innovative businesses to engage with the health and social care sector and wider research and development community in Dorset, and to explore future supply chain opportunities that meet the health and care needs of Dorset’s population.

To find out more click here. 

Dorset LEP is funding two-thirds of the cost for eligible Dorset based businesses to join Focused For Business' renowned Funding Accelerator programme. This means more Dorset companies can access excellent advice and support in preparing for investment, finding the right investors and negotiating and securing investment for their business. To find out more about the programme click here. 

Dorset LEP are pleased to be working with Evolve on a series of funding workshops helping businesses explore funding avenues and growth strategies. 

Join Evolve in collaboration with Dorset LEP for a series of FREE Funding workshops in 2025. 

To find out more and book your place click here. 

In partnership with the British Business Bank, Dorset LEP is bringing you Meet the Funder, a fireside chat with Dorset Business Angels, in person at Barclays Eagle Labs at Foundry, Poole. This event aims to guide you through the mind of an investor, explore their thinking when looking at opportunities and question their approach or thoughts on your own business proposition.

At a time when raising investment is difficult and cash is vital, it is more important than ever to understand fully the approach taken by investors when considering an investment opportunity.

This event aims to guide you through the mind of an investor, explore their thinking when looking at opportunities and question their approach or thoughts on your own business proposition.

There will also be limited opportunities for 1-2-1 conversations with the investors following the fireside chat.

We will shortly be announcing further dates.

The Digital Skills Hub is an inclusive centre for residents and business owners in the Boscombe-Bournemouth area. Funded by BCP Council and delivered by Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, the Hub aims to boost economic growth and prosperity in the area by enabling residents and businesses to be more productive, successful and entrepreneurial. The Hub offers a wide-range of free events and workshops that cater to a number of needs, from basic computer skills, employment advice and wellbeing, to enhanced digital and business learning.

Visit the Digital Skills Hub website

Dorset LEP, in partnership with Silicon South and the Boscombe Digital Skills Hub has launched a series of free business masterclasses to give senior leaders and decision makers in local businesses the tools and knowledge to translate their initial ambition into a clear strategy for long-term success. The support is offered through 7 monthly morning sessions at the Digital Skills Hub in Boscombe starting on June 12th. To find out more and book a place click here.

Dorset LEP, in partnership with Evolve and the Boscombe Digital Skills Hub run a business accelerator programme which offers mentorship, development workshops, networking opportunities and funding support to those looking to develop digital, creative and technology businesses. The programme helps people develop their ideas and refine business plans, through specialist advice and a supportive environment. To find out more and book a place click here. 

Every Monday from 2pm-4pm, the Digital Skills Hub offers the following array of free business services to SME owners of all levels and sectors in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area. The offering includes specialist business advice, social media advice and funding and grant support. 

To find out more and book your place with specialist advisors click here.