News/Blog

SBA CIC is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with the NatWest Regional Partner Enterprise Initiative, securing vital support that will allow the SBA Start-Up Programme to continue running into 2025. This collaboration strengthens SBA’s ability to provide high-quality business start-up support to aspiring entrepreneurs, ensuring even more individuals have access to the guidance and resources they need to turn their ideas into successful ventures. Through this partnership, SBA CIC can now widen participation beyond Somerset, offering fully funded start-up support to individuals across the South West. This expansion will enable more budding business owners to gain the skills,…

SBA played a pivotal role in the creation of Omni-X, an innovative entrepreneurial initiative that came to life after its founders—Rei Tham, Rob Cao and Patricia Marks (SBA CEO) first connected at the Asia Business Show in Singapore 2023. Recognising a shared vision for exploring global innovation, SBA facilitated discussions that laid the foundation for this ambitious collaboration. This connection led to the launch of the Omni-X Global Success Programme in Malaysia in 2024, in partnership with the Malaysian Government and the Center for Business Incubation and Entrepreneurial Ventures at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology -  https://cbiev.tarc.edu.my/…

As part of its expanding SBA Start-Up Programme, SBA CIC is excited to introduce Launchpad, a dedicated ‘finding out’ session designed for those considering starting a business or becoming self-employed. Recognising that these two paths require different approaches, Launchpad provides an essential first step for individuals exploring entrepreneurship, offering clarity on their options and next steps. This interactive session focuses on ideation, helping participants generate and refine business ideas, assess their skills, and identify potential opportunities. Whether someone is thinking about launching a full-scale business or simply considering self-employment as a flexible income source, Launchpad provides a structured space to…

They say time flies when you're having fun, and this project is testament to that! We are now 18 months into the Future Farming Resilience Programme, and with just 8 left to go, the clock is ticking for farmers to receive free support! SBA CIC delivers both 1:1 support, and workshops as part of the programme. To date, our advisors have spent over 1,400 hours giving bespoke advice to farmers across Somerset and Dorset, plus delivered 22 workshops. A lot of the SBA team grew up in farming families, and being based in rural Somerset, this project is one that…

Aspiring entrepreneurs in Somerset continue to have access to a fully funded, comprehensive start-up support programme designed to provide them with the essential skills and knowledge to turn their business ideas into reality. The three-week initiative, delivered by SBA CIC, offers a structured and practical grounding for those looking to start and grow their own enterprises. The SBA Start-Up Programme is built upon the organisation’s extensive experience in supporting individuals into employment and self-employment. Recognising the challenges faced by new business owners, SBA CIC has created a programme that covers all fundamental aspects of starting a business. Participants will gain…

A groundbreaking new programme aimed at helping Somerset residents find the right job, training, or self-employment opportunity has been launched. The Gain Advantage Programme (GAP), developed by SBA CIC, is a three-year initiative designed to provide tailored employment support and guidance. The programme is funded through the Hinkley Point C (HPC) Community Fund and is managed and delivered by Somerset Community Foundation. The GAP programme has been carefully crafted by SBA CIC, a well-established community-focused employment support organisation. Drawing on extensive experience from previous initiatives and a commitment to innovation, SBA CIC has ensured that GAP offers a highly effective…