Aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners in Gillingham, Shaftesbury and surrounding areas are set to benefit from new start-up grants and two dedicated support programmes, delivered by business advisory company Evolve in partnership with Dorset Council.

Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the initiative will see Evolve deliver The Start Line and The Start Up Exchange – tailored programmes designed for those taking their first steps into business and for founders looking to build momentum.

With a focus on practical business challenges, both programmes will offer in-person, hands-on workshops and personalised one-to-one sessions with experienced business advisors.

The programmes will run this autumn and winter in key towns across the Dorset Council area – including Blandford, Bridport, Dorchester, Ferndown, Gillingham, Lyme Regis, Sherborne, Swanage, Weymouth and Wimborne.

The Start Line is designed for those who have an idea for a business but haven’t yet made it a reality. The workshops help participants assess their idea’s viability, build confidence and get focussed on their next steps.

Meanwhile, The Start Up Exchange is for founders of businesses fewer than three years old, helping them to build momentum and tackle the early challenges of running a business, with peer-to-peer learning and local connections at the heart of the programme.

Once participants have attended either a Start Line or Start Up Exchange event, they may be eligible to apply for a UKSPF-funded Start-Up Grant.

David Mutton, business advisor at Evolve and programme lead, said: ‘Starting a business for the first time can often feel overwhelming, but with support and the right approach, we can help you feel ready to take that next step.

‘Whether you’ve got a great idea and don’t know where to start, or have already launched and now want to grow, we’ll meet you where you’re at and help you move forward. Dorset needs more entrepreneurs – and we’re proud to play a part in helping them succeed.’

Councillor Richard Briggs, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, added: ‘I warmly welcome Evolve’s new engagement and look forward to working with them to help us deliver our ambitious economic growth plans. These programmes will provide vital support to new and existing businesses, helping to boost productivity and create more employment opportunities across Dorset.’

The Start Up Exchange will take place in Gillingham at The Old Brewery Café & Kitchen on Wednesday 3 December, 09.30-12.30 – to register and to see dates of other events venues across Dorset visit https://evolveadvisory.co.uk/service/the-start-line-the-start-up-exchange-funded-by-dorset-council/

The business support programmes are free to access for anyone living in the Dorset Council area.

For details on grants, visit Dorset Council’s UKSPF website.