How free business advice, workshops and 1-to-1s, available to all Bath & North East Somerset small businesses and residents, can help you move forward with confidence.
Running or starting a business is exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming. Whether you’re juggling a side hustle, trying to attract more customers, or unsure how to price your services…
👉 You don’t have to do it alone.
If you’re based in Bath, Keynsham, Midsomer Norton, Radstock, or anywhere in Bath & North East Somerset, you could be eligible for fully funded business support — delivered by local experts who understand the challenges of running a business in your area.
Thanks to government funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, this support is completely free.
Who’s it for?
This support is designed for anyone who wants to move their business forward — no matter the stage.
Whether you’re:
- Exploring a business idea
- Planning to launch soon
- Already running a small business
- Looking to grow, upskill or build confidence
It’s open to sole traders, freelancers, limited companies — anyone with ambition and a postcode in Bath & North East Somerset.
What’s available in Bath & North East Somerset?
The Universal Business Support (UBS) Programme, delivered by Cool Ventures, offers up to 12 hours of free support, including:
- Online and in-person workshops
- 1-to-1 advice with experienced business experts
- Help with planning, marketing, digital skills, finance, pricing and more
- Tailored guidance based on your goals
“I can’t believe this is free! The support is fantastic – clear, practical and genuinely helpful.”
📧 info@coolventures.co.uk
🔗 Explore our workshops
Other useful support across Bath & North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire & Bristol:
If you’re based nearby, you may also be eligible for these fully funded programmes:
✅ South Gloucestershire UBS Programme – by Cool Ventures
Exactly the same high-quality support: 1-to-1 sessions, group workshops and business mentoring.
📍 For residents and businesses in South Gloucestershire
🔗 Upcoming workshops
✅ HR Essentials Programme – by West of England Combined Authority
Empowering small businesses to strengthen their HR foundations. Get expert-led training, practical templates, and 1:1 support to help you recruit, retain and develop your team with confidence.
🔗 coolventures.co.uk/hressentials
✅ Tech for Growth – by Business West
Ideal for small businesses looking to adopt digital tools. Includes a tech audit, digital strategy advice, and training on CRM, AI, SEO, digital marketing and more.
🔗 https://www.businesswest.co.uk/tech-growth-west-england-0
✅ Made Smarter West of England
Helps manufacturing SMEs adopt industrial digital technologies. Get leadership training, a tailored roadmap and grants up to £20,000.
🔗 madesmarter.uk
✅ Creative Tech Programme – by SETsquared
For businesses in creative sectors like animation, digital media, AR/VR, and AI. Offers mentoring, investment-readiness support and workshops.
🔗 setsquared.co.uk
✅ Social Economy West Accelerator – by SSE
Supports mission-led businesses and social enterprises. Includes peer learning, coaching and community connections.
🔗 the-sse.org
✅ FoodWorks South West
If you’re developing a food or drink product, this programme offers tailored support with product development, scaling up, and marketing — all fully funded.
🔗 foodworks-sw.co.uk
Why make the most of free Business Support?
These programmes are:
- Delivered by experienced, local experts who understand the pressures you’re under
- Tailored to your goals and schedule, with flexible sessions online and in person
- Practical and relevant — focusing on real-world business challenges, not just theory
Most of all, they’re here to help you succeed — and they’re already paid for.
Not sure what’s right for you?
Let’s talk. At Cool Ventures, we know the funded business support landscape inside out — and we can help you navigate it.
Whether you’re starting something new or scaling what you’ve built, we’ll guide you to the support that fits your needs best.
📧 Get in touch: info@coolventures.co.uk
🔗 Or browse our upcoming sessions: www.coolventures.co.uk/workshops
Know someone who could benefit?
Share this blog in your newsletter, post it on social media or tag a friend who’s working on a business idea.
This support is here for our Bath & North East Somerset and South Glos business community — let’s help each other make the most of it.
