As part of the UKSPF 2025 to 2026 priority to support Enterprise Culture, Dorset Council has allocated £55,000 of funding to enable new and developing enterprises to grow and prosper.
Support is provided in 2 different forms.
Workshops and one to one support
A programme of free events and one to one (1:1) support, available through our partner Evolve. The sessions will allow for development of ideas, plans, business proposals and cash flows. Individual 1:1 support is available both on the day and as a follow up.
| Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Swanage | Tuesday 14 October | 9:30am to 12:30pm |
| Lyme Regis | Friday 24 October | 9:30am to 12:30pm |
| Online | Tuesday 11 November | 6pm to 9pm |
| Blandford | Friday 28 November | 9:30am to 12:30pm |
| Sherborne | Wednesday 10 December | 9:30am to 12:30pm |
| Bridport | Wednesday 7 January | 6pm to 9pm |
| Online | Thursday 8 January | Midday to 3pm |
| Ferndown | Friday 9 January | 9:30am to 12:30pm |
| Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Monday 29 September | 11am to 2pm |
| Dorchester | Tuesday 7 October | Midday to 3pm |
| Wimborne | Monday 20 October | 5pm to 8pm |
| Gillingham | Wednesday 3 December | 9:30am to 12:30pm |
| Weymouth | Friday 9th January | 10am to 1pm |
| Online | Tuesday 13 January | 9:30am to 12:30pm |
Full details available from Evolve, including details of 1:1 support.
Start up support grants open 29 September 2025
Applicants should apply for the start up support grants online. The ‘how to apply’ guide will provide further details.
Available grants
Grants between £500 and £4,000 can be applied for in addition to a 30% match fund by the business.
You must have engaged on a Startup course prior to application (other courses attended within the last 2 years may be eligible if evidenced) and receive 1:1 support available free from our business partner Evolve.
Evolve will provide a code which will allow an online application. See full details and eligibility of the grant scheme.
How grants are awarded
All applications will be assessed and verified. Eligible applications will be reviewed by a grants panel who will decide if a grant should be awarded. The panel decision is final.
Projects can only start once the award is made and must be completed by 31 January 2026.
Payments are made in arrears, with all claims required to be complete by 28 February 2026. Expenditure needs to be by bank transfer not credit card.
For further information, email: