• Swindon & Wiltshire News
• Monday July 11 2022
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Call for small businesses to apply for free business support at The Foundry

Applications are now open for small and micro-businesses based in Swindon to join a new, free-to-access, growth initiative called The Foundry.

Based out of The Workshed in Swindon, successful business owners who enter The Foundry will get 10 weeks of free desk space, complimentary business advice and mentorship throughout their time there.

Created by Business Start-Up experts Outset, and backed by Swindon Borough Council, Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership, SETSquared, Metro Bank, Monahans, Thrings, and Tech Spark, The Foundry aims to provide ambitious business owners with the support they need, but who may otherwise be unable to afford or access it.

Not only will an Outset business advisor be on site throughout the programme, providing a valuable drop-in support service, but they will also get the chance to work alongside other small businesses with whom they can speak to and learn from.

Simone Ward-Baptiste, Business Advisor for Outset, said: “A business accelerator for those who aren’t in high growth industries or looking for investment is missing in Wiltshire.

“That’s where the idea for The Foundry came from. Having a network of other business owners around you, who have, or will, experience the same challenges as you are invaluable when starting or growing a business and so while providing one-to-one or online advice for start-ups can work for many, we want to provide something even more valuable.

We’d love to hear from businesses at all stages, from those that have a great idea but aren’t sure where to start, to small businesses already operating and who are looking for guidance in the next stage of their business journey.

Working with our partners, Swindon is set to be the perfect spot for this new venture, and we’re excited for what we can all achieve together in the months ahead.”

Ten small businesses, including a videographer, photographer and event management company have been invited to pilot the programme ahead of the first group of business owners joining The Foundry in September. New talent will follow in their footsteps every three months.

Four Friends Drinks founder, Robert Hobbs, will be joining the pilot programme and says “Foundry is a fantastic opportunity.

“Being in an immersive environment with like-minded entrepreneurs will be so valuable and support our growth.

“We’re so excited to be a part of this.”

There is space for 20 businesses to join each 10-week programme and anyone interested can apply by downloading an application form via www.theworkshed.co.uk/thefoundry

Applications close on Monday, 1 August 2022 for those interested in joining The Foundry in September.