Dorset businesses can access a range of free workshops and events throughout January designed to support growth, funding and digital skills.
Business Growth Dorset has unveiled its new year programme, which includes sessions on everything from R&D tax credits to artificial intelligence and cyber security.
The workshops kick off on 7 January with a webinar on understanding R&D tax credits, running from 10am to 11am.
Later in the month, the organisation will host two Growth Forum events at The Corn Exchange in Dorchester. The first, on 13 January from 9am to midday, promises three sessions designed to encourage new thinking and clear direction for business owners looking to step back from day-to-day operations.
A second Growth Forum focused specifically on AI and automation will take place on 28 January, exploring what artificial intelligence really means for businesses and how technology is changing teams and roles.
The programme also includes specialist support for different business sectors. On 22 January, a session tailored for charities, mutuals, cooperatives and social enterprises will explore marketing, storytelling and brand trust, helping organisations communicate more effectively with funders and communities.
Independent retailers can benefit from a dedicated session on 22 January covering essential finance management skills, including budgeting, forecasting and margin management. A follow-up digital essentials workshop for small businesses will run on 29 January.
Tech-focused businesses can attend a session at Bournemouth University on 14 January examining the impact of AI on the technology sector, whilst a Scale-up Smart Tech webinar on visual and immersive technologies is scheduled for 28 January.
Those looking to secure funding can join a “Start-up Funding Made Simple” webinar on 19 January, or attend the first event in the Funding for Scale series on 28 January at Evolve in Poole. The latter will help ambitious businesses find and secure the right funding to grow with confidence.
Other sessions include a webinar on simplifying the bidding process (12 January), using research to inform marketing strategy (21 January), and cyber security (26 January).
Business Growth Dorset is supported and managed by Dorset Council with funding from the Department for Business and Trade, delivering services across the county including Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Full details of all workshops and booking information are available at businessgrowthdorset.co.uk/events
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