Dorset businesses to benefit from funding boost

Dorset Council has welcomed the Government’s confirmation of £1.023 million in Growth Hub funding over the next three years, securing the continued delivery of Business Growth Dorset across both the Dorset Council and BCP Council areas.

Cabinet members will be asked to accept the Growth Hub grant and its associated conditions in its meeting next Tuesday 3 March.

Providing £341,000 annually from 2026/27 to 2028/29, this funding ensures that local businesses can continue to access free, expert advice and practical support to help them start, grow and thrive. With more than 400 businesses already supported, the service is on track to meet its target of assisting 530 businesses by the end of March 2026.

Business Growth Dorset delivers support across the county’s key priority sectors and for high‑growth‑potential firms. Current programmes include:

• Scale‑up smart tech – helping advanced engineering and manufacturing, defence and marine SMEs become more productive through adoption of new technology.
• Scale‑up growth – equipping senior leaders in advanced engineering and manufacturing, defence, marine and digital sectors with strategies to drive long‑term success.
• Scale‑up finance – a two‑strand programme enabling both new and established businesses to understand and get access to the right finance for growth.
• Build: not for profit – supporting charities, social enterprises, B-Corps, mutuals, cooperatives and circular economy organisations to thrive.
• Supporting our high streets – giving Dorset’s independent retail, hospitality and leisure businesses the tools and insight to innovate and grow.

Cllr Richard Biggs, Cabinet Member for Property, Assets and Economic Growth, said:

“This is fantastic news for Dorset’s business community. Securing three years of Government funding gives our Business Growth Dorset service the stability it needs to support entrepreneurs, strengthen local firms and help drive productivity across the county. Dorset’s businesses are the backbone of our economy, and this investment ensures they can access the expert advice and support they need to grow with confidence.”

The multi-year allocation provides long-term stability for the service and supports the Council’s ‘Grow our Economy’ strategic priority, helping more Dorset businesses increase productivity, adopt innovation and create high-quality local jobs.

The Growth Hub model has been operating across Dorset since 2017, with Dorset Council acting as the accountable body since 2019. The service aligns with national priorities set by the Department for Business and Trade and forms part of a national network of 41 Growth Hubs.

Read the Cabinet report in full.