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Dozens of businesses across the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton have been given a boost by the Solent Business Accelerator programme. The initiative, run by the Solent Growth Partnership, provides intensive support, expert-led workshops and networking opportunities to help businesses grow and succeed. It aims to assist businesses with untapped growth potential by offering strategic advice from industry experts.
In early 2025, participants took part in practical workshops on essential business growth topics, gaining insights and making valuable connections with fellow entrepreneurs. READ MORE: Barratt David Wilson Homes achieves five-star rating Bill Reed receiving his Solent Business Accelerator certificate (Image: Supplied) Jodie Anthony, head of marketing, fundraising and commercial partnerships at Pompey in the Community, praised the programme. She said: "The workshops were a good mix of theory explaining why we should approach things in a particular way, but we were also given the opportunity to discuss and learn from other organisations in the room and given the tools to create an action plan to implement the things we've learnt.
"I would absolutely advise others to take part in the Solent Growth Partnership's courses and workshops." Bill Reed from NarrativeWorx in Portsmouth was also impressed. He said: "My experience with the Solent Growth Partnership has been very positive.
"By participating in the Solent Business Accelerator, I’ve gained many insights that I can apply to the business." SEE MORE: 'It is killing us' - Southampton businesses react to tax hike Jodie Anthony from Pompey in the Community (Image: Supplied) The Solent Growth Partnership believes that the programme has fostered strong professional relationships and a valuable knowledge exchange among participants. Rachael Randall, chair of the Solent Growth Partnership Business Board, said: "We are thrilled that so many participants in the Solent Growth Accelerator had a positive outcome from their experience in the workshop sessions, fostering strong professional relationships and a valuable knowledge exchange.
"They are now using their new-found skills to enhance their businesses and for their own personal career development." To celebrate the achievements of the programme’s graduates, certificates were distributed amongst the learners in Portsmouth, Southampton and on the Isle of Wight. Each graduate received a professional headshot for their business portfolio and social media promotion by the Solent Growth Partnership.
The partnership offers a variety of courses for unemployed and underemployed individuals, self-employed professionals, and business owners seeking tailored support..
