Skills for Enterprise Growth - 10 Session Business Skills Bootcamp for Start-ups & SMEs (90-100% Funded )

Community CVS have secured funding to provide a number of places for a new Enterprise Skills Bootcamp for Start-ups & SMEs, a heavily subsidised (governement funded) business skills development programme starting Thursday Sept 11^th 2025.

This 10-session programme is tailored for aspiring and current managers across Lancashire's thriving creative sector. The programme offers high-impact training every Tuesay, from 9:30am to 3:00pm, at Community CVS’s accessible accredited training centre at the Boulevard Centre, Railway Road, Blackburn. (Course breaks for half term)

Who is it for?

This programme is ideal for either start-up businesses or existing businesses with an aspiration to grow. Learners will gain enterprise skills, confidence, and learn practical tools to start and grow their business.

Course Content Includes:

How to take your business from an Idea to Reality

Market Research, Securing Contracts & Commissions

Create a High Impact Social Media Marketing Strategy

Building a Realistic Business Plan with SMART Goals

Understand Financial Planning & Legal Structures

How to Win & Retain Customers with USPs

Getting Ahead with Artifical Intelligence - How AI supports business growth.

Participants can also choose to complete a CMI-accredited qualification (Level 3 or 5 Award in Management and Leadership).

Join a Community of Entrepreneurs & Experts: Connect with Lancashire businesses and work directly with Chartered Business Advisors, who are excited to help you launch your business.

Cost and Funding:

• £360 for SME employers (90% funded)

• £750 for non-SMEs (approx. 80% funded)

• Fully funded for independent learners that can evidence their SMART action plan (The course will help with this) and secure a significant new opportunity before the course ends.

Eligibility:

• Learners must be 19+

• Must be based in Lancashire

• Must be ready to start or have already started a business and commit to fulll attendance whilst providing evidence of securing a new contract or significant opportunity before the end of bootcmap. 

Progression Evidence Required:

To support the funding, learners will produce a SMART action plan to demonstrate their vision for business growth. They will actively pursue new contracts and opportunities during the programme and will be required to provide evidence of their achievements. We’ll keep in touch and support each entrepreneur with one-to-one business advice throughout the programme.

How to Apply:

Places are limited so to express interest or secure your place, please contact Chelston Phillip on 01254 503043 or email chelston.phillip@communitycvs.org.uk