Free Business Start-Up Support Across Dorset
Evolve is working in partnership with Dorset Council to offer a programme of free business breakfasts and practical workshops across Dorset.
Who is it for?
Have a business idea but not sure where to begin?
Whether you’re exploring a business idea or are in your first year of trading, Evolve is working in partnership with Dorset Council to offer free, practical business start-up support to help you take your next steps with confidence.
Here’s what’s on offer, across the County:
Start Up Business Breakfasts
Join local entrepreneurs, business owners and advisors for an informal morning of networking, practical advice and first-hand experiences.
Start Line Workshops
Practical, interactive workshops to help you explore your business idea and understand what’s involved in getting started. From identifying customers and marketing your business to financial planning and the practicalities of setting up, you’ll gain valuable guidance and the opportunity to speak with an experienced business advisor.
On Track Workshops
Follow-up workshops to help you review your progress, tackle challenges, explore opportunities and plan your next steps, with support from business advisors and fellow entrepreneurs. These will be available to book once you have attended a Start Line Workshop.
Book your place below!
Find an event near you
Upcoming free business breakfasts and workshops taking place across Dorset.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration, practical guidance or an opportunity to meet other local entrepreneurs, find an event that works for you and reserve your free place below.
Start up Business Breakfast (Shaftesbury)
- November 11, 2026
- The Grosvenor Arms, High Street, Shaftesbury SP7 8JA
- Free - funded by Dorset Council
- 09.00-11.00
Start up Business Breakfast (Bridport)
- November 11, 2026
- The Hayloft, Bull Hotel, 34 East Street, Bridport DT6 3LF
- Free - funded by Dorset Council
- 09.00-11.00
Start up Business Breakfast (Dorchester)
- November 24, 2026
- Olive & Wilde, 28 South Street, Dorchester DT1 1BY
- Free - funded by Dorset Council
- 09.00-11.00
The Start Line: Turn your business idea into action (Shaftesbury)
- November 27, 2026
- The Grosvenor Arms, High Street, Shaftesbury SP7 8JA
- Free - funded by Dorset Council
- 09.00-12.00
Start up Business Breakfast (Wimborne)
- December 2, 2026
- The Lion Hotel, Wimborne
- Free - funded by Dorset Council
- 09.00-11.00
The Start Line: Turn your business idea into action (Bridport)
- December 11, 2026
- The Bull Hotel, Bridport
- Free - funded by Dorset Council
- 09.00-12.00
Frequently Asked Questions
Our events are designed for people across Dorset who are thinking about starting a business or are in their first year of trading. Whether you have an early-stage idea or are taking your first steps into self-employment, there’s support available to help you move forward.
Yes! All business breakfasts and workshops are fully funded by Dorset Council, meaning there’s no cost to attend. Places are limited, so advance booking is required.
Not necessarily. If you’re considering self-employment but aren’t sure where to begin, our events are a great place to explore your options, ask questions and get inspired.
Our Start Up Business Breakfasts are informal networking events where you can hear first-hand experiences from local business owners in a panel format, make connections and discover available support.
The Start Line is a more structured, interactive round table style workshop covering the practical steps involved in starting a business, from understanding your customers to marketing and financial planning.
On Track workshops are designed to help you build on what you’ve learnt at The Start Line. They’re an opportunity to review your progress, discuss challenges, share experiences and get practical guidance on your next steps. These will be available to book once you have attended a Start Line Workshop.
Yes! You’re welcome to attend a Business Breakfast and The Start Line workshop. If you’ve attended The Start Line, an On Track session will be offered to you, so you can check-in and we can help you continue making progress.
Yes. Our workshops include opportunities to ask questions and discuss your business ideas with experienced Evolve business advisors. Additional one-to-one support is available at the end of the Start Line Workshops.
Topics include finding and winning customers, business finance, business models, validation, funding, pitching, legal protection, AI and digital working.
We’re hosting events in towns and communities across Dorset between October 2026 and March 2027. You can find upcoming dates, locations and booking details in the events section above.
Simply find the event you’d like to attend in the events table above and click the booking link to register. You will be contacted closer to the time with a reminder, parking details and what to expect.