New Business Accelerator Programme launches to support more than 150 Dorset businesses

A new fully funded Business Accelerator Programme is launching to support more than 150 early stage businesses across Dorset with practical workshops, one to one advice and opportunities for peer-led learning.
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Rachel Hadfield
October 7, 2026

A new fully-funded business accelerator is launching this November to support more than 150 early-stage businesses across Dorset over the next two and a half years.

 

The Business Accelerator Programme will be delivered by Evolve Advisory in partnership with Business Growth Dorset, providing practical workshops, one-to-one business support and opportunities to connect with other businesses and the wider Dorset business community.

 

Designed for businesses in any sector, the six-month rolling programme will allow eligible businesses to join throughout the year, providing an ongoing route into support for early-stage businesses across the county.

 

The programme will include practical workshops covering some of the key challenges faced when establishing and growing a business, including finding and winning customers, finance and funding, developing the right business model, building connections and making use of AI and digital tools, alongside a market place event to allow participants to showcase their concepts, products and services to the local businesses community.

 

Participants will also be able to access up to two hours of one-to-one support with an Evolve business advisor, giving them the opportunity to explore their individual challenges, priorities and next steps. Workshops will be delivered across the county, welcoming businesses from Bridport to Bournemouth, with selected sessions also available online.

 

David Mutton, Business Advisor at Evolve Advisory and programme lead, said: “Starting a business can be exciting, but there’s a huge amount to work through and understand in those first few months and years. Often it isn’t more information that people need, but the opportunity to talk through their ideas, challenge their thinking and learn alongside others going through similar experiences.

 

“The Business Accelerator has been designed around that. It will bring together practical workshops, individual support and connections to help business owners build strong foundations and make more informed decisions about what comes next.

 

“The rolling format is also really important. Businesses don’t all start at the same time, so being able to join throughout the year means the support is there when they need it.”

 

Shelley Collins-Trevett, Business Growth Dorset, added: “We’re delighted to be working with Evolve to deliver the Business Accelerator Programme and provide long-term support for Dorset’s early-stage businesses.

 

“New businesses play an important role in our local economy and we want to make sure founders across Dorset can access high-quality support as they establish and grow their businesses. Over the next two and a half years, this programme will create an ongoing opportunity for business owners to access advice, develop their skills and connect with the wider support available across the county.”

 

The Business Accelerator Programme is open to businesses based within the Dorset Council and BCP Council areas.

 

Businesses must be registered as a Limited Company or Sole Trader and will need to provide a company registration number or UTR as part of the eligibility process.

The programme is fully funded by Business Growth Dorset, with the first workshops beginning in November 2026.

 

Dorset business owners who would like to find out more about the Business Accelerator Programme and upcoming workshops can register their interest now.

 

Once registered, businesses will be contacted with further information about the programme, eligibility and forthcoming opportunities.

Authored by:

Rachel Hadfield

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