Evolve Business Accelerator launches third cohort in Boscombe

The Evolve Business Accelerator, delivered in partnership with BCP Council and the Digital Skills Hub in Boscombe, officially launched its third cohort earlier this month.
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Rachel Hadfield
September 30, 2025

The Evolve Business Accelerator, delivered in partnership with BCP Council and the Digital Skills Hub in Boscombe, officially launched its third cohort earlier this month. This fully funded, seven-month programme offers entrepreneurs in the digital, creative, and technology sectors across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole practical, high-impact support designed to accelerate business growth. Sessions are held at the Digital Skills Hub on the first Wednesday of the month.

Over the course of the two previous cohorts, the accelerator has supported dozens of start-ups in developing their ideas, strengthening their business models, and accessing vital resources such as funding and grants advice. Just as importantly, participants have gained invaluable peer-to-peer learning, sharing both the joys and challenges of running a business while building lasting networks.

This latest cohort brings together a diverse group of founders working across industries as varied as technology, education, gaming, film, leadership development, and more. Among them is a digital rewards platform encouraging shoppers to support over 100 independent businesses in the BCP area; an architecture and design practice dedicated to creating sustainable, soulful spaces; and a tabletop gaming company bringing families and seasoned players together through fast-paced miniature skirmishes supported by accessible painting tutorials.

The group also includes a leadership consultancy that uses AI-powered simulations to challenge decision-making skills; a sleeve to protect your jewellery; an affordable, app-based tuition platform designed to make 11 Plus preparation engaging and stress-free; and the Bournemouth International Film Festival, a new cultural event celebrating emerging filmmakers and first-time screenwriters. Alongside them are organisations focused on empowering young people through leadership programmes, making neurodiversity guidance more accessible via AI. Finally, the cohort features a creative strategist and founder of a video studio helping entrepreneurs tell authentic, human-first stories that cut through the noise.

Together, these businesses represent the ambition, creativity, and entrepreneurial energy that the accelerator is designed to support.

David Mutton, Business Advisor at Evolve and Accelerator facilitator said: “We’re proud to continue our partnership with BCP Council and the Digital Skills Hub to deliver this popular programme. It’s always a pleasure to host the Accelerator and inspiring to see the innovation and ambition coming from local founders – and this new cohort is no exception.

“Over the coming months, we’re looking forward to working closely with each of these entrepreneurs, helping them refine their strategy, overcome challenges and ultimately fulfil their ambition.”

Authored by:

Rachel Hadfield

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Evolve’s support was instrumental in our investment journey. Warren’s expertise in developing our pitch deck and financial forecasts has given us the confidence to approach investors with a strong proposition. We’re excited about the potential and appreciate the support from the Dorset LEP that made this possible. Thank you, for helping us take our innovative sunscreen to the next level.

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Matt Hughes

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The Evolve Business Accelerator was brilliant for me and my business. Their support helped refine our strategy, expand our services, and achieve significant growth. The mentors were incredibly supportive and provided invaluable insights to plan and scale. All this working alongside such a great peer group of like-minded business owners, where we can all discuss and overcome challenges together! A big thank you to the Evolve team for their support, and I would strongly advise anyone starting out, or already established in business to reach out to Evolve and discuss the help available!

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The programme has really kicked me to reflect and made me want this. The company is going to drive forward and not simply go with the flow.

Ben Smith

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I have found the Evolve Peer groups provide a valuable support network with like minded local business leaders, which has created time for reflection outside of the office and as a business we have gained real advice and coaching from the Evolve team.

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The support from Evolve has proven invaluable over the past year – even for more established businesses, it is worthwhile to take a brief step back from day-to-day operations and assess your overall strategy and business direction. The long-term peer group format gives the opportunity to form meaningful relationships with other local founders and business owners, with an open forum to both discuss challenges and celebrate each others’ successes. Thanks to the support and guidance from Evolve, we have significantly developed our strategic plan, and have successfully applied for innovation grants to develop exciting new products which will act as pillars of our future growth. We highly recommend both the Evolve Business Accelerator programme and the wider Evolve support network for any business looking to grow.

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Working with Warren and Evolve has been instrumental in shaping DDC Dolphin’s future. The strategic advice and leadership training provided have equipped us with a clear vision and the skills to implement it effectively. We now have a stronger financial foundation and a more aligned leadership team, ready to drive the company towards new successes. We’re grateful for their support and expertise.

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Nicole Cook

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Taking part in the Evolve Business Accelerator as a Computer Science student at Bournemouth University has been a game-changer. I joined with a revolutionary idea for a scalable, cost-effective air quality monitoring system to address the limits of current, expensive solutions. Over nine months, Evolve gave me the knowledge, confidence, and entrepreneurial mindset to turn this into a viable business. The mentorship, workshops, and support helped me validate my idea and build a sustainable model. I’m incredibly grateful and would recommend the Accelerator to any student or aspiring entrepreneur looking to make an impact.

Atanas Burmov

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It’s been fantastic because we’ve had the opportunity to step out of the office and the questions have been steered. It’s got everybody opening up and they’ve been a lot more open and honest about what the gaps are, where the holes are and what we need to fill. We’ve taken that away and implemented that in the higher management meetings. We’ve implemented so much from the Evolve sessions that will go towards the company yearly objectives and I hope will continuously improve what we’re trying to do within the business.

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