Get Involved This January
January brings a range of opportunities designed to support and strengthen the creative business sector. The listing below provides numerous opportunities for creative entrepreneurs and businesses to get involved.
Portsmouth Creates Opportunities
Ongoing throughout December: Funding Applications with 1-1 Business Support from Portsmouth Creates CEO Gemma Nichols. Book calendar link:
Book your 1-1 session here: Gemma’s Booking Link
Other Local Opportunities
8 January — 09:30 (Online, Free) | Self-Confidence and Motivation | Explore how to develop personal confidence and motivation, and understand how these skills support long-term career success. Includes practical ideas to help build confidence and resilience in the workplace. Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the link: Link: https://www.seedl.com/o/solentbusinessandsskillssolutions/programme/hr-fundamentals-managing-people-with-confidence/course/confident-conversations-how-to-tackle-tough-topics-at-work
8 January — 10:00–11:00 (Online, Free) | Business Support Café: ChatGPT & Beyond | Free AI Tools Helping Business – An informal virtual session introducing free AI tools that businesses are already using to improve efficiency, speed up tasks and enhance everyday operations. Delivered by FSB.
Follow the Link: https://events.fsb.org.uk/en/business-support-cafe-chatgpt-and-beyond-the-free-ai-tools-helping-business-3aJ8Pz7Sv/overview
9 January — 12:30 (Online, Free) | Confident Conversations: How to Tackle Tough Topics at Work | Learn practical approaches for handling difficult workplace conversations, including emotional triggers, timing, and structured dialogue models such as BEER. Develop confidence, empathy and clear communication techniques. Delivered by FSB.
12 January — 14:00 (Online, Free) | 10 Tips for ChatGPT | A fast-paced micro-session offering practical ways to use ChatGPT to streamline tasks, refine prompts, support brainstorming and improve everyday productivity. Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the Link: https://www.seedl.com/o/solentbusinessandsskillssolutions/programme/business-essentials-micro/course/10-tips-for-chatgpt
14 January — 17:00–19:00 (Portsmouth Central Library) | Arts Council England Webinars (Launch Session) | The first in a series of free two-hour webinars led by experts and diverse-led cultural organisations. Sessions run January–April 2026, with recordings available online. Open to all diverse-led creative and cultural organisations, including National Portfolio organisations. Delivered by ACE.
Follow the Link: https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/developing-creativity-and-culture/diversity/diversity-development-programme
15 January — 12:00–14:00 (Southsea, The Distillery) | How to Engage and Understand Others | Learn techniques to build rapport and trust, communicate with empathy, and manage sensitive or challenging situations professionally. Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the Link: https://www.seedl.com/o/solentbusinessandsskillssolutions/course/communication-skills/module/how-to-engage-and-understand-others
15 January — 14:00 (Online, Free) | Effective and Active Listening | Develop active listening skills to build rapport, improve collaboration and strengthen professional relationships through attentive communication and empathy. Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the Link: https://www.seedl.com/o/solentbusinessandsskillssolutions/programme/communication-skills/course/effective-and-active-listening
16 January — 1600 -1800 | Solent Partnership Networking Event | Networking and introductions to the 2026 Solent Partnership events programme, supporting collaboration and business connections across the region. Delivered by Solent Growth Partnership Business Board.
16 January — 11:00 (Online, Free) | Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness |Understand how to recognise and manage your emotions, and how emotional awareness can support positive communication and teamwork. Delivered by SEEDL.
16 January 08:00 – 13:00 In Person | Shaping Portsmouth Conference | A major annual conference at Portsmouth Guildhall, marking the start of the city’s centenary year. Includes programme impact updates, Portsmouth City Council briefing, Shaping Portsmouth Awards, networking and exhibition space. Delivered by Shaping Portsmouth.
Follow the Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/shaping-portsmouth-conference-2026-tickets-1577477821629
16 January — 12:00–13:00 (Online, Free) | The Employment Rights Bill Phase One: April 2026 Changes | Overview of the new employment enforcement body and upcoming changes affecting employers, including holiday pay enforcement and anticipated Phase 2 reforms. Delivered by FSB.
Follow the Link: https://events.fsb.org.uk/en/the-employment-rights-bill-phase-one-april-2026-changes-3aJ8Pz9sv/overview
19 January — 11:30 (Online, Free) | What is the GROW Model? | A short introduction to the GROW coaching and mentoring model, explaining when and how to apply it effectively. Delivered by SEEDL.
21 January — 09:30 (Online, Free) | Overcoming Social Anxiety | Explore practical strategies to manage social anxiety, build confidence in social situations and strengthen personal and professional connections. Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the Link: https://www.seedl.com/o/solentbusinessandsskillssolutions/programme/mental-wellness-micro/course/overcoming-social-anxiety
22 January — 10:00–11:00 (Online, Free) | FSB Connect — Hampshire, Dorset and Isle of Wight | Monthly online networking session offering opportunities to connect, collaborate and grow your business network in an informal environment. Open to members and non-members. Delivered by FSB.
Link: https://events.fsb.org.uk/en/fsb-connect-hampshire-dorset-and-isle-of-wight-3aJ8PzBhp/overview
22 January — 14:00 (Online, Free) | Mood Mastery | Learn proactive techniques for managing mood changes, improving emotional wellbeing and maintaining resilience during periods of stress or uncertainty. Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the Link: https://www.seedl.com/o/solentbusinessandsskillssolutions/programme/protecting-your-mental-wellbeing/course/mood-mastery
23 January — 12:00–14:00 In Person | Portsmouth City Council Business Networking Event | A B2B networking session offering opportunities to reconnect with contacts, promote your business and build relationships across sectors. Delivered by Portsmouth City Council.
Email Contact: Danielle.Eberhardt@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
23 January — 11:00 (Online, Free) | An Introduction to ChatGPT | Introductory session covering how to use ChatGPT safely and effectively for real-world tasks including drafting, analysis and creative work, with guidance on human review and accuracy. Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the Link: https://www.seedl.com/o/solentbusinessandsskillssolutions/programme/business-skills/course/an-introduction-to-chatgpt
26 January — 11:30 (Online, Free) | Developing Your Personal Brand | Explore how to define and strengthen your professional brand, build meaningful relationships and support your personal growth and confidence. Delivered by SEEDL.
27 January — 09:30 (Online, Free) | Understanding Imposter Syndrome | Identify how imposter feelings develop, recognise triggers in the workplace and learn strategies to build confidence and self-belief. Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the Link: https://www.seedl.com/o/solentbusinessandsskillssolutions/programme/protecting-your-mental-wellbeing/course/understanding-imposter-syndrome
27 January — 11:00 (Online, Free) |Boost Your Personal Resilience | Practical tools to stay grounded, manage pressure and maintain performance during periods of change or challenge. Delivered by SEEDL.
27 January — 11:30 (Online, Free) | Overcoming Uncertainty | Strategies for navigating unpredictable situations and building confidence when working in uncertain environments. Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the Link: https://www.seedl.com/o/solentbusinessandsskillssolutions/programme/protecting-your-mental-wellbeing/course/overcoming-uncertainty
28 January — 08:00 (Online, Free) | The Art of the AI Prompt | Learn practical prompting frameworks to improve the accuracy and quality of outputs from tools such as ChatGPT and Copilot, helping to save time and increase productivity. Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the Link: https://www.seedl.com/o/solentbusinessandsskillssolutions/programme/business-essentials-micro/course/the-art-of-the-ai-prompt
28 January — 09:30–13:15 (Online, Free) | How to Create a Marketing Strategy That Works for Your Business in 2026 | A practical workshop with expert guidance on building an integrated, multi-channel marketing strategy, with tools and templates to support business growth in 2026. Delivered by FSB.
Follow the Link: https://events.fsb.org.uk/en/how-to-create-a-marketing-strategy-that-works-for-your-business-in-2026-3aJ8Pz7r7/overview
28 January — 16:00 | Southampton Business Clinic | One-to-one business support appointments covering marketing, finance, technology, skills and business development. Designed for businesses seeking tailored guidance on specific challenges. Booking by appointment. Delivered by Solent Growth Partnership.
Contact: info@solentgrowthpartnership.portsmouthcc.gov.uk
January–April 2026 — Ongoing / Multi-Month Programmes
Arts Council England — Leadership Peer Network
A development programme for chief executives or equivalent roles in diverse-led organisations not currently in the National Portfolio. Runs Jan – April 2026 (64 places available).
Follow the Link: https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/developing-creativity-and-culture/diversity/diversity-development-programme
Arts Council England — Strategy Support Programme
Expert-led workshops and mentoring to develop business planning and fundraising models. Runs Jan – April 2026 for 25 diverse-led organisations.
Follow the Link: https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/developing-creativity-and-culture/diversity/diversity-development-programme
Arts Council England — Public Training Programme
Free places on Arts Fundraising & Philanthropy public training courses (three- and six-hour formats). Runs Jan – April 2026
Follow the Link: https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/developing-creativity-and-culture/diversity/diversity-development-programme
Ongoing throughout January | Essential Safeguarding for the Creative, Cultural & Heritage Sectors | A comprehensive safeguarding course for staff in museums, galleries, theatres, music organisations and arts settings, focusing on embedding safe and resilient practice. Delivered by Artswork.
Follow the Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/essential-safeguarding-for-the-creative-cultural-heritage-sectors-tickets-1921534143349
