Winchester Digital Boost For Business Programme
Winchester City Council has funded ten free digital assessments for local micro and small businesses in the district. It’s delivered by the experienced team at The IncuHive Group, who will be carrying out the assessments and delivering mentoring support throughout the programme. The idea is to help you expand your digital know-how and grow your business and digital capability.
This digital-focused project runs from July to December 2026 and is limited to supporting only ten businesses. So, if you've been meaning to sort your website, get a grip on your data, or work out what AI could actually do for your business rather than just talk about it, find out more and register your interest.
What happens
We come to you, or meet online if that's easier, and go through ten areas that affect how your business runs:
- Digital skills and confidence
- Your website and online presence
- Social media and content
- E-commerce and online sales
- Your CRM and customer management
- Finance and accounting tools
- Productivity and collaboration
- Cyber security
- Data and analytics
- AI and automation opportunities
We’ll look at where AI and automation might genuinely save you time rather than add to the pile.
From there, you’ll receive a digital action plan within two weeks. This won’t be a generic checklist. It will contain prioritised recommendations for your business, split into quick wins and longer-term actions, with signposting to funding and further support where relevant.
Then we help you do something with it. You’ll receive four hours of one-to-one support, available in person, over the phone, or through Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet, whichever suits you.
There will be a progress check part way through to see what’s working and resolve what isn’t. A final review will take place at the end, where we’ll capture what has changed and point you towards further support should you wish to continue.
Who can apply
Micro and small businesses based in the Winchester district can apply. This includes the city centre, Alresford, Bishop's Waltham, Wickham, Denmead and the wider rural district.
We’re particularly keen to hear from digital, creative, retail and tourism businesses, but if you’re local and digital challenges are holding you back, get in touch anyway. Every business is different, and we’ll be happy to have that conversation.
Applications will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to applicants meeting the criteria. We will also aim to ensure that businesses from across the whole Winchester district have an opportunity to access the service.
Basic eligibility criteria
- Your business is based in the Winchester district. View the district map.
- You are struggling with digital tools or processes within your business.
- You are keen to receive advice and mentoring to improve your digital capability.
Important: We only have ten spaces available and expect demand to be high. We will prioritise businesses with the lowest level of digital capability, as determined during the application process.
Get in touch
Telephone: 0800 689 3564
Email: support@incuhive.co.uk