The Solent Business Accelerator scheme has assisted enterprises in the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, and Southampton expand and thrive via comprehensive assistance, leadership-driven seminars, and significant networking events.
The completely financed initiative was managed by the Solent Growth Partnership, an entity committed to enhancing economic progress and skill enhancement within the area. Its purpose was to assist enterprises possessing unutilized expansion possibilities through offering tactical guidance from professionals in the sector.
At the beginning of 2025, companies engaged in hands-on workshops focused on key aspects of expanding their enterprises. These sessions offered participants the opportunity to learn from specialists and forge important relationships with fellow startup founders within their communities.
Jodie Anthony, who leads Marketing, Fundraising, and Commercial Partnerships at Pompey in the Community, commended the program.
She stated: "My aim was to join the Solent Business Accelerator program to boost Pompey in the Community's non-restricted revenue via corporate sponsorships and the business prospects presented by our new John Jenkins Stadium."
The workshops effectively combined theoretical explanations for specific approaches with practical discussions, allowing us to exchange insights with other organizations present. Additionally, we received resources needed to develop an actionable implementation plan based on what we learned.
I have since created a plan aimed at enhancing customer retention and examining effective onboarding processes. Additionally, this has allowed me to reassess our brand identity.
Several advantages include the ability to showcase information to the top management in a manner that highlights effectiveness and justifies specific approaches, such as the importance of grasping our Value Proposition and Brand Position.
I wholeheartedly recommend joining the Solent Growth Partnership’s courses and workshops. Despite having participants from various industries, sectors, and company sizes, I believe everybody managed to tailor the insights to fit their needs and collaboratively share innovative ideas.
Bill Reed from NarrativeWorx in Portsmouth commented, "I have had an extremely positive experience with the Solent Growth Partnership. Through my involvement in the Solent Business Accelerator programme, I've acquired numerous valuable insights that I am able to implement within our company."
I've had the pleasure of meeting some outstanding business leaders in the region as well. Thanks for making NarrativeWorx feel welcome among this community.
In order to commemorate the accomplishments of the programme’s alumni, graduation certificates were handed out to students based in Portsmouth, Southampton, and the Isle of Wight. Every graduate was provided with a professional portrait photograph for inclusion in their business portfolios as well as for use in social media promotions through the initiative of the Solent Growth Partnership.
Rachael Randall, who chairs the Solent Growth Partnership Business Board, commented: "It’s wonderful that numerous attendees in the Solent Growth Accelerator gained beneficial outcomes from the workshop sessions, building robust professional connections and exchanging significant knowledge. These individuals are currently leveraging their newly acquired abilities to improve both their enterprises and their individual career progression."
The Solent Growth Partnership is committed to aiding businesses and people throughout the area. We provide an array of courses designed for those who are unemployed or underemployed, independent professionals, and business proprietors looking for customized assistance.
To stay updated with further details, follow the Solent Growth Partnership on social media platforms or check out their website at: https://solentgrowthpartnership.co.uk/