Event celebrates the success of new Portsmouth businesses

Ad Feature by Outset Start and Grow Portsmouth
Published 29th Sep 2022, 10:17 BST
Find out how local businesses were given a boostFind out how local businesses were given a boost
Find out how local businesses were given a boost
Inspiring entrepreneurs and leaders celebrated success. Find out how grant funding has transformed futures in Portsmouth.

More than 60 businesses from the Portsmouth area that joined the Outset Start and Grow business support programme came together last week for a special event to network and celebrate their success.

The event run by Outset Start and Grow was held in the Queens Hotel in Southsea. The programme has helped 150 individuals and early-stage businesses from the local area to start-up or grow.

It has achieved this through a blend of intensive training workshops, 1:1 coaching and grant funding.

Emma Paxton from Imagistic making a graphic recording to capture the eventEmma Paxton from Imagistic making a graphic recording to capture the event
Emma Paxton from Imagistic making a graphic recording to capture the event

Business support

“The Connect & Celebrate event was a hugely valuable opportunity for the businesses to showcase their offering, network and find out more about the business support available in the city to help with the next stage of their business journey,” explained Robert Bentley, Business Growth Advisor at Outset Start and Grow.

“Many have worked very hard on their business plans and grant applications. It was great to see so many businesses at the event celebrating their success, finding out more about each other, learning from each other and finding ways to collaborate.”

Expert support

“It was great to see so many businesses at the event celebrating their success, finding out more about each other, learning from each other and finding ways to collaborate.”“It was great to see so many businesses at the event celebrating their success, finding out more about each other, learning from each other and finding ways to collaborate.”
“It was great to see so many businesses at the event celebrating their success, finding out more about each other, learning from each other and finding ways to collaborate.”

During the event, eight Outset Start and Grow entrepreneurs took the floor to present what they offer. There were presentations by representatives who provide further business support including GetSet Solent, Shaping Portsmouth, and the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses). There was also an expert panel, which encompassed some of the representatives and Portsmouth City Council, who took questions from attendees and provided helpful answers and guidance.

Since January, Outset Start and Grow has had 80 entrepreneurs enrol to become their own boss. Of these, 32 successfully applied for an Outset Start and Grow business grant to start trading. It also helped 60 businesses that had been trading for less than three years to grow more sustainably. Grant funding helped 25 to purchase new equipment and offer new products or services. In addition, they could benefit from a bursary to fund an intern for up to three months.

Help available

Outset Start and Grow is funded by the UK Community Renewal Fund (CRF) and Portsmouth City Council and delivered by YTKO.

To find out more visit: www.outset.org/startandgrow-portsmouth

Related topics:PortsmouthGrant fundingSouthsea