10 September 2021

Up to £2,000 available for COVID-19 impacted businesses

black, yellow and red circular identifier with text saying Back to Business

Dorset Gateway, Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership’s business growth hub, has launched a new support package for small and medium businesses in the BCP Council area. Funded through BCP Council's Bounce Back Challenge, the Back to Business initiative is free for businesses who’ve been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The service tailors support to the specific needs of each applicant. After an initial consultation to help leadership teams identify aspects of operation that have been impacted through the pandemic, Dorset Gateway’s advisors are on hand to signpost a wide range of support measures available. Whether that’s skills and talent development, improvements to systems, product innovation, access to markets or another aspect of business operation. 

Rebecca Davies, Head of Enterprise, Skills and Industry at Dorset LEP, said: “Businesses across the BCP area have been impacted significantly through the Covid-19 pandemic. The whole team here at Dorset Gateway are keen to help those hardest-hit get back to business and emerge from the pandemic stronger and more productive.”   

Back to Business support is available to any business is in the BCP council area with fewer than 250 employees. Priority will be given to businesses where annual turnover has been severely impacted during COVID-19 pandemic.  

Finn Morgan, Business and Engagement Manager for Dorset LEP, said: “The form of support will depend entirely on the business need, but successful applicants can receive up to £2,000 worth of funded support. The help and advice will come from a range of expert and professional delivery partners.”   

Dorset Gateway’s Back to Business initiative is part of a much wider package of Bounce Back Challenge funding for business across the BCP Council area.

Councillor Philip Broadhead, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy at BCP Council, said:  “Following a competitive application process, we are pleased to award this grant to Dorset LEP. This project is just one of many innovative initiatives that our latest package of discretionary business support will now bring to life. It will contribute towards Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s reputation as a place where businesses can continue to flourish and grow.’’ 

Businesses in the BCP Council area can find out more and register for Back to Business support at: www.dorsetlep.co.uk/backtobusiness.

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