The Outset Foundation has been shortlisted for an exciting new project, funded through the Skills and Opportunities fund by NatWest.

An extension of the established Outset programme, the funding would be used to deliver a specially tailored Business Start Up programme to ex-offenders and people recovering from substance misuse throughout Dorset.

The aim of the project is to transform lives by delivering 48 workshops and over 480 hours of one to one mentoring to unemployed clients facing significant barriers in life; enabling their journey from the margins to the mainstream. The project will also support the creation of 10 new businesses and 12 new jobs.

Funding will also allow us to employ a specialist enterprise advisor, trained in working with ex-offenders and clients who are recovering from substance misuse. This advisor will engage 60 individuals and deliver a programme based on our award-winning Outset start-up support provision that has been delivered successfully nationwide to over 22,000 individuals.

Part of the final selection process takes into account a public vote for the shortlisted projects. Voting takes less than a minute and can help us get one step closer to delivering this worthwhile project. We’d really appreciate your support. Vote now using the link below and spread the word!