Business Fundamentals – Skills for Enterprise Growth

Ten-session Business Skills Bootcamp for Start-ups & SMEs

We are currently recruiting for Wave 1 of Cohort 6, starting on Thursday 11th September.

90-100% Funded Lifestyle Business Fundamental Skills Bootcamps for Start-ups & SMEs

Community CVS have secured funding to provide 30 places for a new Enterprise Skills Bootcamp for Start-ups & SMEs, a heavily subsidised (government funded) business skills development programme starting on Thursday 11th September 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 Tuesday, 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 Artificial 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 full attendance whilst providing evidence of securing a new contract or significant opportunity before the end of bootcamp.

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: –

01254 503043
chelston.phillip@communitycvs.org.uk

or follow the QR Code for Learner Application or Organisation Application to complete the online enquiry form: –

Dates for upcoming cohorts

Cohort 1Cohort 2
Week 1Thursday 11th September 2025Thursday 15th January 2026
Week 2Thursday 18th September 2025Thursday 22nd January 2026
Week 3Thursday 25th September 2025Thursday 29th January 2026
Week 4Thursday 2nd October 2025Thursday 5th February 2026
Week 5Thursday 9th October 2025Thursday 12th February 2026
Week 6Thursday 16th October 2025Half Term
Week 7Thursday 23rd October 2025Thursday 26th February 2026
Week 8Half TermThursday 5th March 2026
Week 9Thursday 6th November 2025Thursday 12th March 2026
Week 10Thursday 13th November 2025Thursday 19th March 2026
Week 11Thursday 20th November 2025Thursday 26th March 2026

Last update: Thursday 3rd July 2025