Small businesses in Dorset have begun accessing a free support scheme featuring training videos, drop-in sessions and one-to-one guidance from experts.
WSX Enterprise has launched Transformational Business Support (TBS) specifically for people running, starting or scaling up small business ventures.
The scheme is generally available on an affordable annual subscription but thanks to an agreement between the not-for-profit provider and Dorset LEP, the first 300 takers in the county are fully funded to receive a 100% discount or all or most content for the next seven months, up to the end of March 2023.
Peter Grant, WSX Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “TBS is designed to offer essential help for sole traders and small companies.
“They might be hairdressers, plumbers, builders, therapists, food and drink producers, crafts people, tattooists, mechanics, painters and decorators, and so on.
“The scheme is open to students with a business idea alongside their courses, unemployed workers seeking to invest their redundancy settlements in new careers, would-be influencers ready to monetise their YouTube channels and business hobbyists keen to supplement their main income to cope with the cost-of-living crisis.”
Under the scheme, specialists in the business advice team at WSX Enterprise are available to provide diagnostic reviews, twice weekly drop-in sessions and other dedicated support.
At the same time, an online library of more than 200 video tutorials amassed and updated under various WSX Enterprise programmes, can be accessed 24/7.
Subjects covered include marketing, time management, financial planning, website design, cyber security, social media and how to build a personal brand.
Dorset LEP has helped to make TBS available free of charge for the first county businesses to sign up by using funds awarded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
Rebecca Davies, Head of Enterprise, Skills and Industry at Dorset LEP, said: “Businesses in Dorset, like most other businesses in the UK, are continuing to experience a range of challenges such as increased energy costs, skills and workforce shortages and supply chain disruption.
“While these issues provide challenges for businesses, there are also many opportunities that exist though local and national business growth and support programmes.
“To help ensure businesses are well placed to get advice and support that is right for them, we want to provide them with one-to-one, tailored business diagnostics and reviews.
“Dorset LEP is committed to supporting effective and impactful business growth in Dorset and ensuring the county maximises investment for business growth and we are delighted to be working with WSX Enterprise as one of our delivery partners.”
For more information on TBS in Dorset, visit https://digital.wsxenterprise.co.uk.
For details on how to access the discount code, email contact.tbs@wsxenterprise.co.uk.
ENDS
Image caption –
HELP FOR BUSINESS. Peter Grant, Chief Executive of WSX Enterprise, says Transformational Business Support will provide essential help for sole traders and small companies battling the cost-of-living crisis.
Notes to editors:
WSX Enterprise is a not-for-profit company delivering a wide range of business support and entrepreneur services including start-up loans, business mentoring, innovation support and business design. Most services are delivered free or heavily subsidised with government and European funding. Transformational Business Support provides essential tools and resources including more than 200 online video tutorials plus weekly drop-in sessions and one-to-one support from expert mentors and advisers. For more information, visit https://digital.wsxenterprise.co.uk. Media enquiries on this news release to Scott Sinclair on 07500 796666.