Kindle business start up course

What the course offers

Kindle is a 6 week, in person course for people with the spark of a business idea. It’s a chance to explore what’s possible, ask questions out loud, and build the tools and confidence to take your first steps. In a small group of like minded people, you’ll shape your idea with support from experienced facilitators who’ll meet you where you are and help you move things forward, one step at a time.

What people say

“A room filled with people of mixed ages, genders and cultures, sharing the common goal of trying to push themselves to do better…The Future Smiths really are specialists in making the everything apply to the one thing”

Florist, Salisbury.

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What is the Kindle course?

Kindle is a 6 week business start-up course for people who want to explore starting their own business. It’s practical, in person, and designed to answer all your queries around become a business owner.

Who is it for?

Anyone based in Wiltshire who’s thinking about starting a business is welcome. Kindle gives you a real look at what’s involved. What it takes, what to think about, and where to begin. It’s ideal if you’ve got questions, want honest answers, and prefer learning by doing, not just listening.

What you’ll get?

You’ll leave ready to shape your own future by starting your business with clarity and confidence. You’ll have the tools to take that first real step and the support of a team and community who’ve been alongside you from the start.

What we cover:

Every session covers a key area of business, building your knowledge week on week to enable you to build the foundations of a sustainable new business. We don’t just talk theory; we get practical with activities and real-life businesses examples. They’ll be a mixture of delivery styles throughout the 6 weeks, including group discussions, presentations, and interactive tools. The sessions encourage your active participation and there’s always plenty of time for questions – so you can leave armed with the answers to your questions.

Vision & Goals

  • Explore how running your own business can work for you
  • Identifying your personal values and long-term goals

Financial Wellbeing

  • Getting to grips with finances: Income & financial priorities
  • Using goal calculators & budget trackers

Idea Generation

  • Identify, assess and select your business idea
  • Aligning your skills, interests and lifestyle needs

Understanding Customers

  • Understanding who your customers are
  • Identifying and understanding the needs of potential customers

Products & Services

  • Shape your business offer (products or service)
  • Communicating your value to customers
  • Exploring pricing

Taking the first step

  • Understanding how to register a business
  • Barrier busting & planning your next steps

Where the course takes place:

Salisbury

Venue: The Old Fire Station
Date: Tuesdays, 9th September – 14th October
Times: 10am – 1pm

Westbury

Venue: The Laverton
Date: Tuesday, 4th November – 9th December
Times: 10am – 1pm

Chippenham

Venue: Chippenham Museum
Dates: Tuesday 6th January – 10th February 2026
Times: 10am – 1pm

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Apply to join the next 6 week course

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FAQ: Is the programme fully in person?

Yes, sessions are delivered face to face, with practical activities, peer learning, and group discussion. Sessions are not recorded or shared online.

FAQ: What if I can’t attend all 6 days?

The course is designed over 6 weeks to cover all you need to know to start your new business,  this means that each workshop is valuable and we encourage you to attend all 6 sessions. However we understand that things crop up and the unavoidable happens – so if you know you’re going to miss a week – please still apply just let us know.

FAQ: What does the application process look like?

  1. Complete an online application.
  2. We’ll do a quick check to confirm you’re eligible for the course and get back to you with all the details.
  3. We’ll send you a reminder 1 week before the course starts.
  4. Turn up ready to learn and meet your cohort.

FAQ: How much does it cost?

The Kindle start up course is fully funded by Wiltshire Council through the UKSPF, there’s no cost to take part and no hidden fees. You just need to cover your own travel to and from the venue & lunch. We provide everything else.

FAQ: Are the venues accessible?

If you have any access requirements please let us know on your application so we can make sure everything you need is in place on day 1.

FAQ: Can I attend sessions from different locations?

Absolutely, if you know you’re going to miss a session in one location, and want to catch up by attending the session in a different location, that’s absolutely fine. Just let us know and we’ll send you all the details you need.

Funded by: