The Refinery Business Growth Course
What the course offers
When you join The Refinery, you’ll get eight days of focused, in person support with space to reflect, plan, and take action. Each session is a mix of workshop, discussion, and peer learning. Guided by experienced facilitators and shaped around the real questions in your business.
What people say
“Every week was a necessary step closer to being masters of our own business”
Hospitality & Tourism, Salisbury.
APPLY NOW
Apply to join the next 8 day course and find out more by downloading an information pack.
What is the Refinery?
The Refinery is an 8 day business development course for those already trading. It’s practical, in person, and designed to strengthen your offer, sharpen your focus, and build a plan for growth.
Who is it for?
Businesses that are based in Wiltshire and are under 3 years old. For owners who want to examine what they’re doing, how they’re doing it and make improvements. It’s all about refinement. Not yet trading, take a look at our Kindle course.
What you’ll get?
You’ll leave with a clearer direction for the future, a plan that fits your business and renewed confidence in what you’re building. Plus, you’ll receive feedback, support and join a community doing the same.
What we cover:
Each week we’ll cover key areas of business, we’re not just talking theory, we get practical with activities and real-life businesses examples. As part of the 8 days, they’ll be a mixture of delivery styles, including group discussions presentations, and interactive tools. Building week on week you’ll be set tasks to complete outside the sessions too, the work you do here will not only consolidate learning but will filter into your very own action plan, which you’ll be presented with at the end of the course.
Vision, Strategy & Planning:
- How to set clear goals.
- How to stay focussed and connected to what matters.
- How to make confident, informed decisions and move forward.
Brand, Identity & Audience:
- How your values show up in your business.
- Your voice & messaging.
- How to define your ideal customers and what they need.
Marketing, Sales & Customer Journey
- How you talk about what you do, who it’s for, and how you reach them.
- How people find you, buy from you, and stay with you.
Money & Finance:
- How to understand your numbers, plan for growth, and stay sustainable.
Pitching & Putting it into Practice:
- How to explain your business clearly, confidently, and with purpose
- Putting it all into practice with weekly tasks, feedback, and support to apply what you’ve learnt to your business
Where the course takes place:
Marlborough
Venue: Ramsbury Estate
Date: Mondays, 8th Sept – 27th Oct 2025
Times: 10am – 3pm
Salisbury
Venue: The Old Fire Station
Date: Mondays, 3rd Nov – 22nd Dec 2025
Times: 10am – 3pm
Chippenham
Venue: The Business Cyber Centre
Dates: Mondays, 5th Jan 26 – 23rd Feb 2026
Times: 10am – 3pm
Apply Now
Apply to join the next 8 day course and find out more by downloading an information pack.
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. There’s also some light homework to complete each week.
FAQ: What if I can’t attend all 8 days?
We understand that things come up, but we do ask that you can attend at least 6 of the sessions when applying. If the unavoidable happened, we ask that you let us know ASAP that you’ll miss a session. Some materials can be shared, but the programme works best if you attend every week.
FAQ: What’s the time commitment outside of sessions?
We recommend that you set aside 2–4 hours each week to complete tasks, reflect, or work on your business. Tasks we ask you to complete outside the session build into your action plan, that you’ll be presented with at the end of the course.
FAQ: What will I achieve by joining The Refinery?
It varies, some people leave with a clearer vision for the future, new customers, or more income. Others finally feel confident talking about what they do.
Previous participants have:
- Sold out events for the first time
- Tripled their revenue over a quarter
- Built a clearer business model
- Gained the confidence to pitch or apply for funding
- Hired their first team member
- Reconnected with why they started their business in the first place
Whatever your version of progress is, we’ll help you move towards it.
FAQ: What do you look for in an application?
We’re looking for people who are driven, open to learning, and ready to engage. Your business must meet the eligibility criteria (Wiltshire-based and under 2 years old). We don’t expect perfection; we’re interested in potential. If you know someone who has been on one of our programmes before, make sure to shout them out!
FAQ: What does the application process look like?
- Complete an online application.
- Once the application deadline passes, we’ll review all applications and get back to you within a week.
- Following this, we’ll arrange a short call to get to know one another.
- We’ll supply you with all the details you’ll need for day 1.
- Turn up ready to learn and meet your cohort.
FAQ: How much does it cost?
The Refinery 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 and the time you take out of your business. 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 apply again if I’m not successful first time?
Absolutely, we frequently have more applicants than places available, If you’re unsuccessful on the first application, and you’d like to apply again, we’ll keep your details and let you know when new courses open.
Funded by:
