A programme of local skills and business support schemes has been launched in Whitehill & Bordon.

Four schemes, funded by £129,000 in developer contributions, will help local residents into work, support small businesses in the town and attract companies looking to relocate to the Whitehill & Bordon area.

Boosting employment opportunities and business growth remains a key priority for East Hampshire District Council.

The four scheme in the programme are: 

  • Catapult Business Support, delivered by BASE Bordon 

  • Business Support, delivered by Signal BizHub 

  • Apprenticeship Scheme, delivered by EHDC 

  • Kickstart, delivered by EHDC 

Catapult Business Support, delivered by BASE Bordon 

BASE Bordon Catapult Business Support is a practical peer-support pilot to help local micro and small businesses meet challenges through structured reflection, facilitated peer learning, Business Growth Manager support and action accountability. 

The Catapult programme will support up to 10 micro and small businesses that are already trading and able to commit to the full programme. Priority will be given to owner-led or founder-led businesses in Whitehill & Bordon and East Hampshire, with eligibility extended to relevant businesses in the wider Hampshire / Surrey border area along the A3 corridor, with the intended outcome of tangible business improvement for participating businesses.  

Sign up - BASE Catapult | Fully Funded Business Support Programme 

Business Support, delivered by Signal BizHub 

Signal will provide a practical business growth programme designed to support 20 local businesses combining diagnostics, expert support, peer learning, strategic mentoring and measurable impact reporting. The programme will help participating businesses become more resilient, productive and growth-ready. 

Ten selected businesses from that cohort will receive an intensive one-to-one Strategic Growth Review with Emma Selby, CEO. These reviews provide additional support for businesses with the greatest growth potential or most significant challenges, helping accelerate business development and improve outcomes. 

Sign up - www.signalbizhub.com

EHDC Apprenticeship scheme 

The council’s apprenticeship scheme subsidises 50 per cent of apprentices' wages and some support with training costs where necessary. 

The scheme provides financial support to employers, enabling them to recruit and develop apprentices while reducing the initial cost burden. For participants, it offers a structured pathway into employment, combining practical, on-the-job experience with skills development and training. 

This not only enhances individual career prospects but also helps strengthen the local workforce by equipping residents with the skills needed to meet business demand.  

Sign up - Support with apprenticeship costs 

EHDC Kickstart scheme 

There will also be a dedicated Kickstart scheme for Whitehill & Bordon, which supports DWP customers with six-month work placements in local businesses up to 25 hours per week.

The business receives wage funding for the six- month period paid at national living wage. This is designed to support individuals at the early stages of their employment journey, and enables participants to gain practical work experience, build confidence and develop relevant skills in a real-world setting.  

For Whitehill & Bordon residents, this not only improves employability and work readiness but also helps create pathways into sustained employment. 

In addition, the scheme benefits the wider local economy by supporting businesses to grow their workforce and invest in emerging talent from within the community.  

Sign up - Kickstart