In summary
Your Development Manager Nicky Kildunne can help you navigate the local business support and funding landscape. If there is a particular challenge or opportunity your business is facing, and you would like help to find the right support, then please do contact Nicky by email to request an online meeting. We also run events across the area, so why not pop along and meet Nicky there?
Featured news and events
Localised Business Support Programmes
Many of our local authorities are providing business support programmes, tailored to the needs of their local business community. Examples of new schemes across Hampshire and Dorset include:
The Business Growth Factory for Winchester City Council based businesses
Providing coaching and advice on incubation & scale-up support; commercialisation support; acceleration support; digital productivity for small businesses and net zero strategies. Find out more here.
STRIDE for businesses in Dorset Council area
Dorset Council has joined forces with the University of Plymouth to launch STRIDE - a programme to drive business innovation across the county, for SMEs and start-ups. Launch event 5th November. Find out more here.
Business Growth Programme for Havant based small businesses
This 6 month programme aims to empower Havant based small businesses with tools and knowledge to scale up and encourage networking and collaboration. The course will cover strategy, sales and marketing, business structure, financial planning, social media, and business goals. Find out more here.
Free Carbon Literacy Training for SMEs in BCP
Fully funded training in Carbon Literacy to help local businesses reduce their carbon impact. Find out more here.
Please sign up for your council’s business support newsletter or check their webpage for information local to you.
FSB Talks: Southampton
Join us at Barclays Eagle Lab for an info packed event featuring 3 different speakers plus the opportunity to network with other delegates.
Book your free delegate place now>
In other news
Upcoming Expos across the area
B2B expos provide unique opportunities to network, discover new products and learn about the latest industry trends with events across the South. By attending, you can connect directly with key decision makers, form strategic partnerships and build relationships that drive business growth.
Expos offer a platform to see innovative technologies, services and solutions that can enhance your business or give you a competitive edge.
Attending workshops and seminars helps you gain insights from industry leaders, offering valuable knowledge that can shape your business strategies.
Why not take a stand at a B2B Expo?
Taking a stand boosts your brand visibility, attracts potential customers and enables direct engagement with decision makers. It showcases your products or services in a focused environment, building credibility and opening doors to new sales opportunities.
B2B Expos are offering £100 discount on the price of a stand for FSB members for their Salisbury and Southampton 2024 Expos. To activate the code, add FSB100 in the ‘coupon code’ box and B2B will add the discount.
Here are the free to attend B2B expos coming up locally during November:
Solent University Innovation Vouchers
Grants (up to the value of £5,000) are available to support small businesses in the Solent area and beyond, to access expertise from Solent University’s academics for innovative ideas to grow and improve your business.
The scheme aims to enable local businesses to access research, to promote the acquisition of skills and create links between small businesses and Solent University, to contribute to the growth of businesses in the region.
The project would be based on specific challenges faced by your business. Examples of projects include proof of concept, service improvement, digital or product/service innovation and much more.
The Solent team is keen to talk to business owners about their potential projects. If you would like to be put in touch, please do contact your local FSB Development Manager [email protected]
Full information can be found here>
Still in the news
Venturefest
14th November – Utilita Bowl
Meet up with the region's innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors, to share ideas, network, and grow businesses.
As a founding partner for Venturefest, Solent Partners would like to invite you to Venturefest at the Utilita Bowl on 14 November.
To get your free ticket simply click here and use Promo Code: VFSSPartners
- Click on “Get Tickets”
- Enter the code in the “promo code” box
- Click “Apply” (very important step!)
- Your discount will be applied to the All-Day Admission Ticket making it £0.00
- Select 1 ticket and click “Register”
Basingstoke and Deane Workforce Development Grant Scheme
The Basingstoke and Deane Workforce Development Grant Scheme provides funding to local micro businesses and small to medium sized enterprises to invest in their workforce, equipping employees with new skills and knowledge to support business growth and organisational resilience as well as supporting the professional development of employees.
The scheme is open to any micro business or SME who is trading in and has a physical presence within the borough of Basingstoke and Deane.
Basingstoke and Deane Apprenticeship Business Fund
The Basingstoke and Deane Apprenticeship Business Fund aims to support any micro business or small to medium sized enterprise (SME) to access local talent through an apprenticeship.
Eligible businesses can apply for grants of £5,000 per apprentice to support with the costs of recruiting and retaining a new apprentice. Businesses can apply for funding for up to three new apprenticeships under the scheme which has a rolling deadline.
More news and activity near you
- Surrey
- Thames Valley
- More from FSB South Central
- Cornwall
- Devon
- Gloucestershire, Bristol and Bath
- Somerset and Wiltshire
- More from FSB South West
Get in touch
Your FSB Development Manager for Hampshire, Dorset and Isle of Wight is Nicky Kildunne. If you'd like more information about the topics above, or if you have news about this area that you'd like to share, please get in touch.
- email us: [email protected], or [email protected] for Dorset
- follow us on X: @FSBHantsIoWDor
- follow us on Facebook: FSB Hampshire, Dorset and Isle of Wight
- connect with me on LinkedIn: Nicky Kildunne
- catch regular news updates and more on YouTube: FSB Hampshire, Dorset and Isle of Wight