For SME owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, strengthening digital skills proved essential to navigating an increasingly digital world—from reaching wider audiences to managing and growing a business more effectively. The Digital Skills Hub supported this journey by opening access to online opportunities that might otherwise have felt out of reach.

Through a range of services, events, masterclasses, and a dedicated business accelerator, the Hub helped businesses learn how to market themselves, build confidence, and grow with purpose—enabling many to move closer to their full potential.

Resources

Arts University Bournemouth

The leading arts university for creative industries. Businesses have access to specialist facilities, including laser cutting and 3D printing.

BCP Council

Business support and advice across the board.

Bournemouth & Poole College

Working with around 2,000 businesses across the region, they offer flexible, cost-effective training which has helped thousands of businesses increase sales, productivity and efficiency.

Bournemouth University

There are several opportunities for businesses to collaborate with the university through a variety of different programmes.

Business Growth Dorset

Dedicated to supporting businesses at all levels across Dorset, including Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Business Improvement Districts

BCP’s four Business Improvement Districts deliver additional services, improve the local trading environment and develop projects which benefit business. The four BCP BIDs are Bournemouth Coastal, Bournemouth Town Centre, Christchurch and Poole.

Dorset Business Mentors

A programme of industry leaders supporting businesses, charities and social enterprises by strengthening resilience and capability — from early-stage ventures through to medium-scale trading.

Dorset Chamber

Dorset’s leading business support organisation, offering solutions to help your business grow and succeed.

Dorset Council

Business support and advice across a range of topics, including funding.

Dorset Growth Hub

Offers information and guidance for new businesses getting started and existing businesses looking to grow.

Evolve Advisory

A coaching and development company based in Poole, providing advice on starting, growing and exiting a business, alongside leadership and team development programmes.

Federation of Small Businesses

With over 45 years of experience, this non-party political organisation supports small businesses and advocates for meaningful change.

UK Government

A comprehensive directory of finance and support for your business

Innovate UK

Helps companies grow through the development and commercialisation of new products, processes and services.

Skills & Learning

Working with local communities and partners to offer employers a wide range of staff training programmes.

South West Investment Group Finance

An award-winning responsible finance provider offering flexible loans and support to start-ups and small businesses with growth ambitions.