Local advice and support

Enterprise First

Gosport Borough Council works with Enterprise First, a not-for-profit company to provide free support for those looking to start a new business or develop an existing small business. For start-ups this includes:

Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)

The FSB is the largest campaigning pressure group promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms. It has over 210,000 members across 33 regions and 230 branches. A subscription-based organisation, it offers a range of services to support business including tax and insurance services and 24 hours a day legal helpline.

As part of its membership benefits it offers a Start Up Business Advice service and a Business Creation package with a range of telephone and online support.

Gosport forms part of the FSB’s Wessex region, and is represented by the Portsmouth and South East Hampshire Branch.

Google Digital Garage Portsmouth

It’s free Grow Your Business courses include topics such as social media, digital marketing and starting a business.  For more details see Google Digital Garage Portsmouth.

Gosport Informal Networking (GIN) @ The Boat House

FREE networking club for people either running a business, or thinking of starting a business in Gosport.

It meets every two months on a Thursday from 0930-1200 at the Boat House in Gosport Marina.  Facilitated by Enterprise First and Gosport Borough Council it is free to attend and all that is asked is that you purchase your own drinks and/or food, as required.

For more details see Gosport Informal Networking (GIN) @ The Boat House on Eventbrite or Facebook.

Hampshire Chamber of Commerce

Hampshire Chamber of Commerce is owned and led by its membership comprising of local business organisations of all sectors and sizes. As a private sector, not for profit Company they are independent and can therefore lobby effectively to make Hampshire the place to do business. Basic membership starts from as little as  £100+  VAT.

Radian Housing Self-Employment Support

Radian Self-Employment Support is for their tenants that are considering starting a business or already self-employed.  The free ‘Go Your Own Way’ course includes an introductory one day seminar, a 10 week course and 2 years of post start-up support.

In addition Radian has now secured EU funding to deliver free self-employment support to any Gosport resident i.e. not just their tenants.  The ‘Stop thinking, start creating, Create’ support programme runs for 3 years and includes a 10 week course and mentoring.  For more details please see their website.

Start-Up Disruptors – Solent

Start-Up Disruptors – Solent was founded by two Portsmouth based entrepreneurs.  It is an advice and support group that meets monthly at the Old Customs House pub at Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth and has over 400 online members on the Meet-up platform too.  For more information see its Facebook page  and to register for the next meeting see Eventbrite.

Start Your Own Business in Gosport – free start-up pack and 180 page start your own business guide

Gosport Borough Council has partnered with Start Your Own Business to produce Gosport editions of its online information, free start-up pack and 180 page guide to starting a business in the UK.

Start Your Own Business in Gosport contains checklists, step-by-step guides and templates plus local information and contacts to help you start and grow your business.  You can download both the start-up pack and guide for free, or order a hard copy of the guide (charge applies), via the link above.

University of Portsmouth Business Services

The University provides a single point of contact for businesses looking to take advantage of the advice, resources, graduate recruits and research facilities available through the University of Portsmouth.  The University’s Business Enterprise Centre provides advice and support for start-up and small businesses, including networking and seminar events; knowledge transfer partnerships and student recruitment.

WSX Enterprise

WSX Enterprise has a start up programme covering areas relating to:

  • Developing your business idea to a clear plan for success
  • Understanding and complying with legislation and the taxman
  • Understanding finances and managing cashflow
  • Sales and marketing

It also provides start up loans of between £500 and £9,000.

X-Forces

X-Forces  delivers support, workshops, events, and access to seed capital for Service leavers, veterans, spouses, families, reservists and cadets who are pursuing enterprise.  It is also a partner in the Solent LEP’s Bridging the Gap – Armed Forces Fund grant – a competitive grant fund offering £5,000 to £75,000.

Stay in touch with us…


Have any questions?
prosperity@gosport.gov.uk

Call us
02392 545 425