Twelve early-stage businesses from across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have completed a six-month accelerator programme aimed at helping local entrepreneurs grow and succeed.
The founders were celebrated at a special event hosted at the Digital Skills Hub in Boscombe by Evolve Advisory, the organisation delivering the Evolve Business Accelerator.
The programme is funded by Boscombe’s Towns Fund and supports businesses working in the digital, creative and technology sectors.
The event brought together this year’s cohort, previous participants and local mentors, highlighting how the programme has helped local founders build sustainable businesses and strengthen their networks.
This year’s group included ventures in air sensor technology, marine systems, marketing and film production. Each participant received one-to-one mentoring, business workshops, peer support and advice on accessing investment and markets.
David Mutton, Business Advisor at Evolve, told Bournemouth One that the event showed the value of supporting new businesses: “It’s been a pleasure to host the Accelerator with such a driven and inspiring group of people. They are always learning and always pushing forward.”
Councillor Richard Herrett from BCP Council also attended. He said: “The scheme is clearly delivering a service to local businesses as well as supporting the regeneration of Boscombe through education and opportunity.”
Twelve fully funded places are now available for the next intake of the programme, which starts in September. It is open to founders with a developed business idea or trading businesses up to three years old, located within the BCP Council area and working in digital, creative or tech sectors.
Applications are now open through Evolve Advisory.