Last week, we wrote about the Government Restart Grant, so it’s only fitting to focus on the workshops and schemes that Somerset West and Taunton specifically offer, both post-COVID-19 related and not.  

There are several support schemes to help local start-up businesses in Somerset, and after the year businesses have had (particularly small ones) we thought it a good idea to highlight some of the schemes on offer to you, to give your business the support and possibility you deserve.   

Somerset Business Recovery Survey 2021 

Somerset Local Authorities are working together to listen to the voices of local businesses, through a vital survey, which will help them to understand and respond to local businesses’ needs after the impact of COVID-19.  

The survey will provide much needed insight, which will help form an approach to economic recovery in Somerset, including the support that businesses now need. 

Start-Up Support Package: Business West 

Somerset Councils are running a series of business start-up sessions on Business West. 

They are open to any Somerset residents looking to set up and run their own business, each covering a different topic area. These different workshop topics, are tailored for people who want expert advice on more specific areas of their business, and to help you “get the groundwork nailed and your first customer on the books.” They range from ‘Cyber Security’ to ‘Access to Funding,’ here is the entire list.   

Somerset Catalyst 

Since 2019, Somerset Council and the four Somerset District Councils have collaborated to launch, fund and enable the Somerset Catalyst scheme to give start-ups the “best chance of success.”  

The programme reaches business in these areas of Somerset, and runs annually each September for a six-month period:

A team of local experts and successful business owners will be taking the role of mentors to the ten successful applicants. You  will have one-to-one coaching tailored to specific elements you believe your business needs to succeed. Additionally, there are workshops, peer support sessions, business review panels, help to access business finance and marketing support.   

“Somerset Catalyst could be the boost you need to realise your ambitions” – so to keep informed on programme information, like the 2021/2022 application opening, you can register your interest at hello@somersetcatalyst.co.uk.  

Talk to a member of our team to see how our services, at Dexterous Designs, can help your business begin in the strongest way possible.