Cosmic and Business Information Point (BIP) are offering fully funded business support to help people in Somerset start, grow, and strengthen their businesses.
The programme is designed for anyone exploring a new business idea, recently started a business, or running a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) with fewer than 250 employees. To be eligible, your business must be based in Somerset and pay business rates or taxes to Somerset Council.
Participants benefit from a free one-to-one session with a BIP advisor who helps create a tailored action plan. From there, you can access a range of practical workshops delivered by Cosmic on topics such as Smarter Business Processes with Microsoft Power Tools, Creating Lasting Customer Relationships, Boost Productivity with AI, Designing Products Customers Really Want, and Digital Marketing for Growth. These sessions focus on helping business owners develop confidence, streamline operations, and use digital tools to grow sustainably.
Signing up is simple. You can register online through Business Information Point, and once you’ve applied, an advisor will contact you to arrange your one-to-one meeting and connect you with Cosmic’s workshops. https://www.cosmic.org.uk/free-business-support-somerset
This free business support is funded by Somerset Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered in partnership by Business Information Point and Cosmic.
Adult Community Learning – Digital Connect
Cosmic delivers free digital skills training across Central and Western Somerset through the Somerset Adult Community Learning programme, helping adults build confidence with technology for everyday life, work, or further learning.
The training is open to adults aged 19 and over who live in Taunton, West Somerset Minehead and Bridgwater (excluding North Somerset, Dorset, and Bath & North East Somerset). It’s particularly designed to support people who are unemployed, earning under £25,000 a year, aged 50 and over, living with a disability or long-term health condition, or experiencing barriers such as low confidence, low wellbeing, or social isolation. Parents, carers, and those looking to return to work are also encouraged to take part.
Courses are practical, friendly, and flexible. Learners can choose from sessions such as Essential Digital Skills—covering the basics like using email, staying safe online, and getting the most from apps—or Microsoft 365 Essentials, which explores Teams, Word, Outlook, Excel, and other useful tools. Training is delivered in small groups of up to six people, either in person (at Bridgwater, Minehead, or Taunton) or online, so everyone gets personal support.
The training is free for eligible learners. Those who don’t meet all the criteria can still join for a small contribution.
This programme is funded by Somerset Council through the Department for Education’s Adult Skills Fund.
To sign up or find out more, visit https://www.cosmic.org.uk/digital-skills/free-digital-skills-training/somerset-adult-community-learning