New business support programme launches across Dorset to help start-ups

Aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners across Dorset are set to benefit from access to start up business grants, alongside two brand new business support programmes, delivered by Evolve, in partnership with Dorset Council.
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Rachel Hadfield
October 1, 2025

The new initiative, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) will see Evolve deliver two tailored programmes – The Start Line and The Start Up Exchange – aimed at individuals taking their first steps into business and those looking to build momentum.

With a focus on practical business challenges, both programmes will offer in-person, hands-on workshops and personalised, one-to-one sessions with experienced business advisors.

The programmes will be delivered this autumn across key towns in the Dorset Council area – including Blandford, Bridport, Dorchester, Ferndown, Gillingham, Lyme Regis, Sherborne, Swanage, Weymouth and Wimborne – with workshops set to begin this autumn.

The Start Line is designed for those who have an idea for a business but haven’t yet made it a reality. The workshops help participants assess their idea’s viability, build confidence and get focussed on their next steps.

Meanwhile, The Start Up Exchange is for founders of businesses less than three years old, helping them to build momentum and tackle the early challenges of running a business, with peer-to-peer learning and local connections at the heart of the programme.

Once participants have attended either a The Start Line or The Start Up Exchange event, they may be eligible to apply for a UKSPF-funded Start Up Grant.

David Mutton, Business Advisor at Evolve and programme lead, said: “Starting a business for the first time can often feel overwhelming, but with support and the right approach, we can help you feel ready to take that next step.

“Whether you’ve got a great idea and don’t know where to start, or have already launched and now want to grow, we’ll meet you where you’re at and help you move forward. Dorset needs more entrepreneurs – and we’re proud to play a part in helping them succeed.”

Cllr Richard Briggs, added: “I warmly welcome Evolve’s new engagement and look forward to working with them to help us deliver our ambitious economic growth plans and to provide support to business – new and old – in improving productivity and employment expansion in Dorset.”

The business support programmes are free to access for to anyone living in the Dorset Council area.

Registrations for start up grant applications are open from 29 September and more details can be found via Dorset Council’s UKSPF.

For further details, workshop dates and registration information click here.

Authored by:

Rachel Hadfield

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