Business Start-up School – Dorchester – Dorset Growth Hub

Thinking of starting a business?

Then apply for a FREE place on our extremely popular Business Start-up School 2 day workshop. 

Can I  attend?

✔ I have a Dorset postcode

✔ I am thinking of starting a business and I have a genuine business idea

✔ I have not yet started trading and have not registered my business yet

If you do not meet the above criteria and register for a place, you will be contacted by a member of the team to discuss your suitability for the course.

Why should I attend?

When you’re starting in business it’s important that you get the basics right. This comprehensive, fully funded, two-day workshop will provide information and guidance to help deal with the key issues that are going to be fundamental to setting up and succeeding in business. They are delivered by experienced start-up specialists – real business people who will give you the opportunity to ask questions and invite discussion. The workshops are provided for people planning on starting a business and those who have no previous experience of running a business.

What will I learn?

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

• Take a step back – before spending money or time, really focus on your idea

• Who are your customers? – identifying your ideal customer, market segmentation and customer profiling

• Market research – why bother and how to do this effectively

• Analyse your competitors – how can your business compete and how to stay ahead of your competitors

• Business plans – what is a good business plan, what to include, how to structure it and top tips

• Funding – identifying your costs and funding options

THE BUSINESS STUFF

• Suppliers and business support – what will your business need and how to find and manage them

• Pricing – deciding how much to charge and pricing techniques

• Insurance – different types of business insurance, essentials and considerations

THE LEGAL AND FINANCIAL STUFF

• Registering your business – sole trader, partnership, Limited Company

• Time management – how to keep all the plates spinning as a business owner

• Budgeting – how to produce a budget

• Finance – key financial documents, managing your business finances (cash flow, profit & loss) and VAT

BRANDING AND LAUNCHING YOUR BUSINESS

• Building your brand-defining your business, choosing a name and logo, USP, brand personality

• Your website – you WILL need one, DIY or professional

• Cost effective marketing – how not to spend a fortune

• Social media – which platforms to use and scheduling

• Find your first paying customers – 15 pro-active actions to take

• Launch your business – the end goal and also the beginning!

Please note this course is extremely popular and usually has a long waitlist, therefore please make sure that you are able to attend the event before you apply to attend. If your place is confirmed and you are not able to attend we reserve the right to exclude you from further bookings where places are in short supply.

This workshop is completely free and funded by the European Regional Development Fund. It’s delivered by Dorset Growth Hub and WSX Enterprise. It is only open to individuals that have Dorset post codes.