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The Start Line & The Start Up Exchange

Helping Dorset’s entrepreneurs take the next step

Whether you’re thinking about starting a business or are already up and running, there’s free support available to help you move forward. Dorset Council has partnered with Evolve to deliver two tailored programmes – The Start Line and The Start Up Exchange – both funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Alongside these workshops, eligible participants will also have the opportunity to apply for a Start Up Grant, offering between £500 and £4,000 (with a 30% match required).

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Our Services

Why The Start Line & The Start Up Exchange?

Which programme is right for you?

The Start Line – for aspiring entrepreneurs

Do you have a business idea but haven’t yet taken the plunge? The Start Line is for individuals who want to test and shape their ideas, gain confidence and identify the next steps.

What you’ll gain:

  • Hands-on, interactive workshops (available face-to-face or online)

  • Practical tools to shape your idea and assess viability

  • One-to-one support from experienced business advisors

  • Connections with other people starting their business journey

 

The Start Up Exchange – for early-stage founders

If your business has already launched but is less than three years old, The Start Up Exchange will help you build momentum, tackle common challenges and grow sustainably.

What you’ll gain:

  • In-person and online workshops focused on real business challenges

  • Peer-to-peer learning and local networking with other founders

  • One-to-one tailored advice from Evolve’s business advisors

  • Opportunities to strengthen your plans and growth

 

Start Up Grants – extra support to help you grow

In addition to attending either The Start Line or The Start Up Exchange, you may be eligible to apply for a UKSPF-funded Start Up Grant.

  • Grants of £500 – £4,000 available

  • Must be matched with a 30% contribution from your business

  • Open to participants who have completed a Start Up programme and a one-to-one support session

  • Designed to provide vital investment for early-stage business activity

All grant applications are assessed by a panel, and successful applicants must complete projects by 31 January 2026, with final claims submitted by 28 February 2026.  Find out more here.

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“Working with Evolve has been instrumental in shaping our future. The strategic advice provided has equipped us with a clear vision and the skills to implement it effectively. We now have a stronger financial foundation, ready to drive the company towards new successes. We’re grateful for their support and expertise.”
Alan Hyde
Managing Director, DDC Dolphin

HOW EVOLVE HELPS?

Find a workshop near you!

The Start Line & The Start Up Exchange events will be delivered in sessions starting in October 2025, across the Dorset Council area.  You need only attend one of the sessions:

 

THE START LINE

 

Swanage

Tuesday 14 October, 09.30-12.30

Swanage Pier

 

Lyme Regis

Tuesday 24 October, 09.30-12.30

Lyme Regis Development Trust

 

Online

Tuesday 11 November, 18.00-21.00

 

Blandford

Friday 28 November, 09.30-12.30

The Crown Hotel, Blandford

 

Sherborne

Wednesday 10 December, 09.30-12.30

Studio Sherborne

 

Bridport

Wednesday 7 January, 18.00-21.00

The Hayloft

 

Online

Thursday 8 January, 12.00-15.00

 

Ferndown

Friday 9 January, 9.30am – 12pm

Arena Business Centre

 

To register for one of The Start Line events listed above CLICK HERE

THE START UP EXCHANGE

 

Online

Monday 29 September, 11.00-14.00

 

Dorchester

Tuesday 7 October, 12.00-15.00

The Corn Exchange

 

Wimborne

Monday 20 November, 17.00-20.00

Location to be confirmed

 

Gillingham

Wednesday 3 December, 09.30-12.30

Old Brewery Café & Kitchen, Gillingham

 

Weymouth

Friday 9 January, 10.00-13.00

Location to be confirmed

 

Online

Tuesday 13 January, 09.30-12.30

To register for one of The Start Up Exchange events listed above CLICK HERE

 

 

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OUTCOME

Gain clarity and move forward

Here’s just some of the benefits our clients experience…

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Clarity of Mind

Gain clear direction and enhance focus with actionable guidance every step of the way.
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External Perspective

We bring experienced and unbiased views to your business.
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Accountability

We will help you stay on track with committed, expert guidance.
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Increased Confidence

Build confidence through Evolve's supportive coaching sessions.
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Personal Growth

Evolve both personally and professionally with continuous support.
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Network & Connections

Expand your professional network using our extensive business network and connections.

Interested and want to participate?

Register now to build momentum in your business
Book a Call
Funded programme at no cost to the business. Funded by UKSPF

OUR TEAM

Meet your advisors

Through discussions, reflections, and guidance, our coaches bring real-life experience and insights that directly contribute to the success of your business.

David Mutton

Business Advisor

Becky Phillips

Business Advisor

CASE STUDIES

Our Client Success Stories

We’ve helped hundreds of businesses succeed and develop new opportunities for growth.

Amtek Engineering Solutions

Driving Growth and Productivity at Amtek Engineering Solutions.

Strategic Development and Team Engagement through Evolve’s Growth & Productivity Programme.

Thrive

Anglo American Oil Company

Broadening Horizons at Anglo American Oil Company Through Evolve’s Growth Group.

Expanding Leadership and Strategic Insight with Evolve’s Growth Group Programme.

Thrive

BCP Council

Empowering Entrepreneurs: BCP Council’s Success with Evolve’s Ignite Start-Up Programme.

Supporting New Business Ventures through Targeted Guidance.

Ignite

U-Crew

U-Crew: Navigating the Path to Investment with Expert Guidance.

U-Crew, a startup creating a social app to connect marine and aviation crews with work opportunities, faced a significant hurdle

Ignite

Testimonials

Reviews and testimonials from our happy clients

Becky delivered the session with authenticity and conviction. Offering value to both start-up’s and established businesses alike, the session was a fantastic opportunity to reflect on my employer’s current marketing strategy. It was an important reminder to consider our brand messaging, and we have already started to integrate this into our strategy and the way that we curate our social content. We hope this will help to increase engagement and generate more leads in the next few months.

Charlie Nicholas

Producer
  • Winchester Business Success Programme

It felt like the right time to invest in myself so I could continue steering the business effectively. The real value from the funded programme came from the people, the perspective, and the practical tools it offered. It was informative, engaging, and most importantly, it made me think differently.

Tatiana Hibberd

Founder, Clean Deep Services
  • Funded Business Support
Growth Groups

Although it can be challenging to step away from the day-to-day running of the business, it’s vital to make space for strategic thinking. Taking time out to work on the business, rather than just in it, allowed me to pause, reflect and reassess where we’re heading. The workshop created that opportunity and delivered real value.

Michele Whitehurst

MD, Actisense
  • Funded Business Support
Growth Groups

Just want to take a moment to thank you for all your help and support over the past few years. We’ve absolutely loved the away days with you – they’ve been hugely valuable for us. One of the key take-aways flowing from an earlier Away Day is that we agreed, carefully over time, to renew our team. This has brought in younger staff; and results of this and other decisions speak for themselves. This year, even at the eight-month mark, we’re on track for our best year ever! Your guidance has been instrumental in driving this success and we’re excited to see what the future holds.

Richard Barker

Finance Director, Spetisbury Construction
Growth and Business Advice

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.

Alan Hyde

Managing Director at DDC Dolphin
Growth and Business Advice

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

Production Manager, Trimetals
  • Funded Business Support

Warren does not see himself as a guru and would be embarrassed to be referred to that way.  But when I think of seeking support from my network on any business topic, if not life topic, invariably I’m after someone who has seen, experienced and done it all, from financial to operations to strategy. From big business to little business, but who also understands the importance of family and health, and not just business ‘success’, that person is pretty much always Warren, my guru.

Mark Cribb

MD, Urban Garden
Coaching and Mentoring

Collaborating with Amy and the whole Evolve team has been an incredibly seamless experience. Amy’s professionalism is evident in every interaction and her dedication to helping businesses thrive is inspiring. Amy’s commitment to going the extra mile ensures that each programme is tailored to meet the unique needs of Dorset businesses. I highly recommend working with Amy and the Evolve team.

Shelley Collins-Trevett

Shelley Collins-Trevett, Head of Business Growth, Dorset LEP
  • Funded Business Support

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!

Adam Thompson

Founder of Photo Experience
  • Funded Business Support
Coaching and Mentoring

The expert coaching and guidance Evolve offer is invaluable. When you view business and strategy with perspective you can have thoughts and ideas to make decisions that will impact your business in a positive way.

Jack Barnden

Founder & MD
Coaching and Mentoring

The Evolve team has played an integral part in making the Peer Networks programme a success in Dorset. The whole team has always acted with the highest standards and with great professionalism, be that in the management of the programme or the coordination. They are extremely diligent and organised and they have been pleasure to work with. Following their involvement with Peer Networks, they also successfully won a competitive tender for another business support programme we commissioned which they have approached with an equally excellent attitude.

Finn Morgan

Business Engagement and Dorset Gateway Manager, Dorset LEP
  • Funded Business Support

The training provided by Evolve has been invaluable for our leadership team. The sessions have equipped us with essential skills and fostered a culture of continuous improvement. We are now better equipped to handle complex challenges, engage our teams effectively, and drive the firm forward. We greatly appreciate Evolve’s expertise and commitment to our development.

Nigel Smith

Owner, Ellis Jones
Leadership and Management Programmes

I first met David in November 2022. Since then he has been a significant positive influence on my growth as a founder, providing invaluable advice and new opportunities for both my personal development and my business. Thank you, David, for your encouragement and help. I truly appreciate it and would gladly recommend you to any founder or organisation seeking advisory services.

Matt Hughes

Founder of Darwin
  • Funded Business Support
Coaching and Mentoring, Peer Groups

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.

Paul Craven

Director of The Lead Advisory Company & My Holiday Caravan
Peer Groups

Working with Warren was transformative for our startup. His expertise in creating pitch decks and financial forecasts has been invaluable. We now have the confidence and tools to present our business to investors effectively. We are excited about the future and anticipate good news soon. Thank you, Warren, for your invaluable support.

Ryan Bransome

Founder, U-Crew
Business Accelerator, Coaching and Mentoring

The Evolve peer group sessions are a great place to get away from the day to day, refocus and ultimately bounce ideas off other business people. The structure of the session permits open conversation with your peers and always provides useful insights that you would not be able to get anywhere else. The specific work books challenge you and really get you thinking on what is important in your business.

Julian Morgan

Director at Energy Advice Line Limited
Peer Groups

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.

Mark Northey

Owner, Norco GRP Ltd
Growth and Alignment Programme

It has opened my eyes and has been a great experience. The Business Accelerator programme has raised a lot of important questions and made me reflect, leading to a better business strategy

Ben Teversham

Sales Manager, Squire Technologies
  • Funded Business Support

Working with Evolve has been a game-changer for us and the businesses in their programmes. Their knowledgeable, skilled team brings real business experience and is genuinely invested in success. Their innovative approach and attention to detail have greatly improved our efficiency and impacted many businesses. Evolve’s commitment to understanding needs and delivering tailored solutions has exceeded our expectations. I highly recommend them to anyone looking to elevate their business. Evolve is more than a partner—they’re a catalyst for growth.

Rebecca Davies

Head of Enterprise, Skills and Industry at Dorset LEP
  • Funded Business Support
BCP Business Accelerator

The Evolve team were organised, forward thinking and a pleasure to work with. The Business Festival was a success, which helped us engage with our business community, understand their challenges and build connections. I would not hesitate to recommend Evolve to any Council or public sector organisation, looking for a team to organise successful events within their region.

Marelize De Beurs

Economy and Place Marketing Manager, Basingstoke and Deane Council
  • Funded Business Support

Warren has been instrumental in supporting Norco in its growth and success for many years. He has guided the team and I through huge change management, leadership and development, while giving an experienced and honest assessment on a regular basis to ensure we achieve our goals and objectives and deliver on our business strategy.

Mark Northey

Owner, Norco GRP Ltd
Coaching and Mentoring

Participating in Evolve’s Growth & Productivity Programme has been incredibly beneficial. The programme provided crucial insights into growth strategies and enhanced our team’s engagement through improved communication and leadership. While there is still work to be done, the progress we’ve made is very promising. Thank you to Evolve and the Dorset LEP for their support.

Chris Guy

Managing Director of Amtek Engineering Solutions
  • Funded Business Support
Peer Groups

The group helped me take a step back and look at things differently. It’s made a real difference having that kind of support and input from people who’ve been through similar experiences.

Jenny Freeman

MD, Neon Secure Access
  • Funded Business Support
Growth Groups

Evolve offers a fantastic peer group which adds huge value to myself and my business!

Martin Smith

Owner & Founder of Talent Group
Peer Groups

There was a real value in being reminded of things I knew but hadn’t thought about in a while—sometimes a little wisdom goes a long way.

Nicole Cook

Head of Delivery, Salad
  • Funded Business Support
Growth Groups

Attending Evolve’s Growth Group Programme was incredibly valuable. The workshops on business strategy, planning, and leadership helped me broaden my horizons and gain new insights. Meeting other leaders facing similar challenges was both supportive and motivating. Joining a business peer group has allowed me to continue benefiting from this broader perspective. Thank you to Evolve for this transformative experience.

Axel Hildebrand

Business Development Director, Anglo American Oil
  • Funded Business Support
Coaching and Mentoring, Peer Groups

Participating in Evolve’s Digital and Creative Growth Group Programme has been incredibly valuable. The sessions on growth strategies, planning, leadership, and employee engagement have given me the confidence and tools to drive our business forward. The new connections and perspectives I gained have been instrumental in supporting our growth. Thank you to Evolve for this fantastic opportunity.

Emma Lynch

Founder & MD, BBD Boom
  • Funded Business Support
Peer Groups

Partnering with Evolve for the Ignite Start-Up programme has been brilliant for our local entrepreneurship support efforts. The comprehensive training and personalised mentoring provided to participants have led to the successful launch of numerous new businesses. The value of this programme is clear, and we are thrilled with the results. A big thank you to the Evolve team for their expertise and commitment!

BCP Council Representative

  • Funded Business Support
Start-Up Programme

I have worked with Warren on a number of successful acquisitions and disposals. We often worked together many months or even years ahead of the ultimate transaction in order to achieve the optimal result. Warren’s skills include being able to see the wider commercial and strategic benefits of a transaction and therefore ensuring that a coherent and considered plan is devised and implemented well in advance. I actively recommend Warren and his team to anyone considering how they might best maximise an exit from their business.

Mark Brooks

Mark Brooks
Exit Planning

The Evolve team have a huge amount of real world experience over many years in the entrepreneurial and business growth sector.

Great humans, running a great business, offering real solutions and support with integrity and authenticity. No fluff, just fast paced learning and support.

Mark Cribb

Owner & Founder of Urban Garden
  • Peer Groups, Coaching & Mentoring
Coaching and Mentoring, Peer Groups

In the 4 years I have been working with Evolve, I have doubled my turnover.

Chris Palmer

Owner & Founder of Anytech Solutions
Peer Groups

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

Student, Bournemouth University
  • BCP Business Accelerator

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.

Russell New

Co-Founder, Intego Sun Protection
  • Funded Business Support
Growth and Business Advice

Evolve is a safe space for businesses to share challenges and explore solutions from diverse perspectives. David and his team lead engaging workshops, encouraging participants to trust the process and question decisions, providing secure ways to move forward. Evolve is a vital business growth resource, offering time to review, question, monitor, and plan business development, learning from personal and shared experiences.

Claire Main

Economic Development Officer at BCP Council
  • Funded Business Support

The Evolve Business Accelerator is a fantastic programme for founders in the early stages of developing a business idea. The programme was instrumental in helping me develop HR Diagnostics to MVP stage and I would have struggled to get where I am without this help and support. The mentors have a pragmatic and approachable style, and they are good at connecting people through their extensive network. Thank you to the Evolve team 🙂

Tania Harland

Tania Harland, Founder HR Diagnostics
Business Accelerator

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.

Joseph Salmon

Managing Director, Salmon Marine
  • Funded Business Support
BCP Business Accelerator

READY FOR GROWTH?

Take your business to the next level with Evolve

Book a Call

01202 030982

[email protected]

3 Winchester Place, Poole BH15 1NX

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