Generic business support organisations

Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP)

• ED team provide business support and signpost to partners
• funded by Council Tax, other revenue income and Government grant
• website: bcpcouncil.gov.uk.

Dorset Business Mentors

• mentoring support for Dorset businesses
• employed by Dorset Council, Hosted by DGH. Funded through ERDF, Council contributions and fees
• website: dorsetbusinessmentors.uk.

Dorset Growth Hub

• provide fully-funded business start-up and growth support
• funded by ERDF and Council match (time and spend)
• managed by WSX Enterprise
• website: dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk.

YTKO – Outset and GetSet

• business start-up and growth support
• funded by ERDF
• website: ytko.com.

Sector Specific Support (including Clusters)

Community Action Network (CAN)

• charity that provides professional and practical support to the voluntary sector in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
• funded by donations, Council?
• website: www.can100.org.

Central Government Funded and EU Funded

Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy

• building a stronger, greener future by fighting coronavirus, tackling climate change, unleashing innovation and making the UK a great place to work and do business.
• Government-funded
• website: gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-business-energy-and-industrial-strategy.

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)/Jobcentre Plus (JCP)

• provides job seeking and training support
• Government-funded
• website: gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus.

Dorset LEP

• work with local/national providers covering finance, mentoring, business planning and training
• business support and information to find the right advice, support and funding
• contact via email or enquiry form
• website: https://www.dorsetlep.co.uk

Innovate UK

Drive productivity and economic growth by supporting businesses to develop and realise the potential of new ideas through innovation

• Government-funded
• non-departmental
• part of UK Research and Innovation
• website: gov.uk/government/organisations/innovate-uk.

Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)

Bournemouth Coastal BID

• delivering Business Plan by investing in creating a strong trading environment through improving vitality and viability of the area
• funded by levy payers
• website: coastalbid.co.uk.

Bournemouth Town Centre BID

• delivering Business Plan by investing in creating a strong trading environment through improving vitality and viability of the area
• funded by levy payers
• website: towncentrebid.co.uk.

Christchurch BID

• delivering Business Plan by investing in creating a strong trading environment through improving vitality and viability of the area
• funded by levy payers
• website: christchurchbid.co.uk.

Poole BID

• delivering Business Plan by investing in creating a strong trading environment through improving vitality and viability of the area
• funded by levy payers
• website: poolebid.com.

Chambers of Trade/Commerce

Bournemouth Chamber of Trade & Commerce

• referrals to business support and networking
• funded by membership fees
• website: bournemouthchamber.org.uk.

Christchurch Chamber

• discuss business development and promotional opportunities and review planning applications, traffic management and town centre issues
• funded by membership fees
• website: christchurchchamber.co.uk.

Dorset Chamber

• provide business support (including exporting), networking and online training
• funded by membership fees
• website: dorsetchamber.co.uk.

Federation of Small Business (FSB) – Wessex

• provide advice, financial expertise, support and a lobbying voice in government
• funded by membership fees (not for profit)
• website: fsb.org.uk.