Explore Your Business Options With Outset Swindon

Outset Swindon is a free-to-use programme, fully-funded by Swindon Borough Council and the European Regional Development Fund, that helps people living in Swindon to start their own businesses.

In the last three years alone, Outset has engaged with  over 9,500 people, and has enabled clients to create more than 1,750 new businesses and over 2,000 new jobs. Outset offer a range of guidance and support services including information sessions, one-to-one support, business start-up workshops and help with accessing finance. 

Outset specialises in providing services for those facing the biggest barriers in enterprise, including the long-term unemployed, ethnic minority groups, women, under 25’s and people with physical or mental disabilities.

The organisation never takes a generic, one-size-fits-all approach when dealing with clients and prides itself on its flexibility and tailor made support programmes designed to suit individual needs.

During Outset's business start-up programme, participants will be given the key skills and knowledge that they'll need in order to start and grow a sustainable business. 

After breaking both of her wrists, former hairdresser Becky Forte got in touch with Outset to help her start her own hairdressing business. 

Becky explained "Despite regaining the strength in both of my wrists, I struggled to find employment following my accident, that's when someone recommended the Outset business start-up support programme to me, I checked it out and signed up straight away.”

"I was initially feeling nervous about joining the workshop but the group was fantastic and my advisor Julie was amazing. I looked forward to the sessions every week.”

Becky went on to complete Outset’s Intensive Business Start-up workshops, alongside regular one-to-one sessions.

"If I hadn’t completed the Outset course I wouldn’t have had a clue about what to do. The support from Outset has been outstanding and it’s brilliant to know that the team are there if I need any help or advice."

After completing the programme Becky went on to open her own salon and is looking forward to her business growing and expanding so that she can train and employ local people.