Build: Not-for-Profit Growth Programme

Practical and fully-funded business growth programme for charities, social enterprises. mutuals, cooperatives and BCorps.   

Running a not-for-profit isn’t easy. Balancing purpose with sustainability, keeping on top of governance and finances, and leading teams with confidence can be a challenge – especially when resources are stretched.

That’s where Build comes in. This programme delivered by Dorset Chamber for Business Growth Dorset, is designed to help Dorset’s charities, social enterprises and B Corps build the skills, networks and confidence to grow stronger and go further.

What You’ll Get

• Workshops on finance, governance, leadership, risk and resilience
• Specialist sessions on AI for impact and cyber security
• Free Networking Launch Event
• A Dorset-wide peer learning network to share challenges and solutions
• Practical resources from trusted organisations

Who It’s For

Trustees, directors, chairs, treasurers and founders of Dorset-based charities, for charities, social enterprises. mutuals, cooperatives and BCorps.   

Supporting our High Streets

Practical, fully-funded, support for high street businesses to grow, adapt and thrive.

Independent retailers, leisure and hospitality businesses, are the heartbeat of Dorset’s high streets. But with rising costs, online competition and changing customer expectations it can be tough to keep businesses strong and profitable.

Working in partnership with Business Growth Dorset, Dorset Chamber is delivering a series of FREE online workshops specifically for Dorset’s independent retailers –  helping equip them with vital tools and knowledge to support business growth and unlock new opportunities for innovation. 

What You’ll Get

• Self-assessment ‘health check’ tool to benchmark your business strengths and spot areas for improvement

• Nine workshops covering finance, business planning, digital marketing, HR, customer service, merchandising and more

• Insights from industry specialists and successful retailers who’ve been where you are

• Practical resources to put learning into action

• Sessions are delivered 6pm-8pm – to avoid clashing with opening hours

Who It’s For

Independent retailers, shop owners, hospitality, leisure and visitor economy managers and other town centre businesses, across Dorset and BCP areas who want to strengthen their operations and stay competitive. BID managers and key stakeholders are also very welcome to join and engage in these sessions.

Fully Funded Business Support

Business owners and leaders across Dorset can access three new fully-funded support programmes designed to help them grow, innovate and secure investment.  

Delivered by business advisory experts Evolve and funded by Business Growth Dorset, the programmes are tailored to meet the needs of ambitious SMEs at different stages of their growth journey. From starting out, to preparing for investment, to exploring innovation and leadership in a changing world, each programme offers practical, hands-on support and expert guidance. 

UKSPF business grants now open!

Dorset Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) 25-26 and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) Business Grants are open.   It has funds totalling £810,283 for grants covering business productivity, upskilling, REPF and Startup support. A mix of both capital and revenue funding is available.

All projects must complete before 31 January 2026. 
 

Becoming Net Zero

Net Zero resources to support you to decrease your carbon footprint. As awareness of the importance and significance of decreasing carbon emissions grows, businesses need to adapt processes, behaviours and mindsets to meet targets.

We will continue to update the information here and signpost to training and relevant services.