Dorset LEP lockdown recovery support

Dorset LEP’s business growth hub, Dorset Gateway, is providing an enhanced package of business support to help local businesses through the ongoing restrictions.

The updated support package will help rural businesses get online, provide SME leaders with peer-to-peer guidance and overcome new operational challenges for exporting. This support from Dorset Gateway is in addition to the free advice, signposting and innovation funding bid-writing services already available to businesses in Dorset.

Still open for applications is Crowdfund Dorset Business which provides businesses in need of a cash injection with up to £5,000 of match-funding. Dorset Gateway are proud to be continuing this immensely popular scheme which is fast approaching an impressive milestone for funding allocated. Businesses who have already benefitted include several hospitality, tourism, arts and retail businesses. If your business needs to bounce-back from the effects of COVID-19, or you know of someone who could benefit from this scheme, find out more on the Crowdfunder website.

Dorset Gateway is also refreshing its Business Directory and is inviting the region's business community, of all sizes and in any sector, to register and feature on this free online platform. In an effort to further support small businesses during this latest lockdown period, Dorset Gateway is also encouraging local retail, hospitality and tourism businesses that continue to operate to register during business directory sign-up to be a part of a regional #StillOpen campaign, currently raising awareness of businesses still operating in the south west.

Firstly, new to Dorset Gateway’s support offering is ShopAppy, an e-commerce platform available for local retailers to trial moving their goods and services online until 31 March. Delivered in partnership with Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and Chambers of Commerce in Bridport, Wimborne, Sherborne and Gillingham, this trial is open to retailers in these rural areas of Dorset.

Secondly, Dorset Gateway’s successful 2020 roll-out of the Peer Network Programme in Dorset has already reached 120 Dorset business leaders. Additional funding has now been secured to fund a further 66 new participant businesses. Benefits include guidance on business strategies, developing strong support networks, sharing working practices, ways to stay motivated and building workforce resilience.   

Finally, Dorset Gateway is now providing a specialist Export Declarations Service which will take away some of the stresses of getting to grips with the new rules and paperwork for exporting to the EU. This funded service is available for up to 200 businesses across Dorset, with some funding ring-fenced for businesses exporting for the very first time.

As the business growth hub for Dorset LEP, Dorset Gateway has access to a wide range of intelligence and insights that help shape packages of support. Sign up today to be included in the Business Directory and contact the team at gateway@dcci.co.uk www.dorsetlep.co.uk/dorset-gateway for more information on all support packages.

Notes to Editors:

Dorset LEP

Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership is a business led private and public sector partnership, promoting local economic growth and prosperity. Dorset LEP deliver projects that support and develop infrastructure, housing, skills, enterprise and business growth to achieve long-term economic benefit for all in Dorset.

For more information visit the Dorset LEP website http://www.dorsetlep.co.uk/

Dorset Gateway

Delivered by Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), in partnership with Dorset Chamber, Dorset Gateway is part of the national Growth Hub network, providing an informed and bespoke service, free to any Dorset-based businesses looking for help to source appropriate available solutions for growth and development.

Dorset Gateway offers free and impartial business advice, signposting to other support and funding opportunities to help businesses grow. As the central information and support hub for all businesses in the county, Dorset Gateway also provides access to a range of business engagement and innovation networks, and a fully funded bid-writing support service for businesses across Dorset.