Get Involved This February
February 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
1-1 Business Support Sessions with CEO Gemma Nichols
Use the link to book an appointment: https://calendar.app.google/1h5JRWszfTLzjrnY7
1-1 Entry Level Business Support with Business Support Officer, Jane Hodgkins
Use the link to books an appointment: https://calendar.app.google/6XK2egTfLym4Nwmz8
1-1 Marketing and Creative Directory Support with Marketing Manager, Lucy Fitzpartick
Use the link to books an appointment: https://calendar.app.google/xUhtDJ6GBX1PkCcb6
26 February |13:00–15:00 Levelling Up Seminar | Networking Event 15:00–17:00. |
Level Up Your Creative Business: Create. Grow. Sustain is a practical, in-person event designed for creative set-ups, graduates, and SMEs who want to build stronger, more sustainable businesses. Whether you’re starting out or ready to scale up, this event is packed with practical skills to create, grow, and sustain your dream. Connect with like-minded creators, get inspired, and take your business to the next level. Don’t miss out!
Event details: Levelling Up Seminar
Date: Thursday 26 February
Seminar: 13:00–15:00
Location: Park Building, University of Portsmouth, King Henry Street, Portsmouth, PO1 2BZ
Networking:
Date: Thursday 26 February
Seminar: 15:00–17:00
Location: Guildhall Village Pub (opposite the New Theatre Royal)
Use the Eventbrite link to register:
Other Local Opportunities
02/02/2026 | 12:30:00 | Free | Conflict of Interest | Conflict of Interest training on legal frameworks, ethics, and mitigation. | This course explores the legal frameworks and ethical principles governing conflicts of interest in various sectors. We examine key regulations, disclosure requirements, and consequences of unethical conduct as well as why people don’t behave ethically and how to mitigate those risks. Participants learn to identify potential conflicts, navigate ethical dilemmas, and implement mitigation strategies to uphold transparency and integrity. Case studies are used to demonstrate compliance obligations and best practices. By fostering accountability and ethical decision-making, the course equips professionals to navigate complex situations with integrity and compliance. |Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the link: https://www.seedl.com/o/solentbusinessandsskillssolutions/programme/compliance/course/conflict-of-interest
03/02/2026 |11:00:00 | Free | Managing Performance – continuous performance management tools. | Effective performance management is about more than just annual reviews—it’s an ongoing cycle of setting expectations, giving feedback, and supporting growth. In this course, you’ll explore how to manage performance in a way that drives engagement, accountability, and results. Gain practical tools to set clear objectives, hold regular check-ins, address underperformance, and motivate employees to reach their full potential. | Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the link: https://www.seedl.com/…/managing-performance
03/02/2026 | 12:00–13:30 | £49 | Logic Models for Project Planning & Evaluation lunch-and-learn. | A focused lunch and learn session to help enhance your project planning and evaluation processes through logic models. Join us for this 90-minute lunch and learn session, designed to deliver practical insights in a relaxed and accessible way. These sessions focus on providing valuable information and tools to apply in your work, all while allowing you the flexibility to participate as you choose. Whether you’re able to actively engage or simply listen in while enjoying your lunch, this session is tailored to suit your needs. While cameras and microphones are optional, you’ll still have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with others if you wish. Think of it as a chance to pause, reflect, and absorb new ideas – all without disrupting your day. | Delivered by Artswork.
Follow the link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…1921636128389
03/02/2026 | 12:30:00 | Free | Cost Management within a Project. | Projects are only deemed a complete success if they are delivered on budget, so project managers must ensure that costs do not spiral. Explore key considerations when planning and managing your budget. | Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the link: https://www.seedl.com/…/cost-management-estimating-budgeting…
03/02/2026 | 14:00:00 | Free | Adapting to Change: Agile Approach. | As the business landscape continues to evolve rapidly, traditional project management methodologies often struggle to keep pace with shifting requirements and customer expectations. This is where Agile steps in to revolutionise the way projects are planned, executed, and delivered. The webinar is perfect for anyone taking on larger projects or considering a formal PM qualification. By the end of this session, you will:
Understand the fundamentals of Agile project management – great if you are thinking about further study! Be equipped to embrace a culture of collaboration and flexibility and empower teams to deliver incremental value, with practical tools, strategies, and techniques to confidently lead Agile projects, empowering your teams to thrive in an ever-changing world. | Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the link: https://www.seedl.com/…/adapting-to-change-an-agile-approach
03/02/2026 | 18:00:00 –20:00:00 | Free | Family Doodling Workshop (Portsmouth). | Join us for a FREE Doodling for wellbeing workshop at Playland, opposite McDonalds on Commercial Road, Portsmouth. | Delivered by Artswork.
Follow the link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…1980718232553
04/02/2026 | 12:30:00 | Free | Building a Solid Business Case. | This module will give you a clear understanding of what information you need to gather, the tools and structure to write a concise, persuasive, and successful business case to get your project off the ground. Understand why a business case is so pivotal to a project plan and the key elements that must be included.| Delivered by SEEDL
Follow the link: https://www.seedl.com/…/building-a-solid-business-case
04/02/2026 | 09:30–12:30 | £89 | Mentoring Young People in Creative & Cultural Sector. | A focused session to provide insights into the principles of mentoring and peer mentoring to enable youth voice and youth leadership. This half-day course is designed for creative and cultural professionals, as well as young people, who are passionate about supporting youth-led initiatives and creative development. The course offers comprehensive insights into the principles and practices of mentoring and peer mentoring, emphasising the role of these relationships in promoting and amplifying youth voice. | Delivered by Artswork.
Follow the link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…1932110086279
05/02/2026 | 09:30:00 | Free | Dealing with Challenging Customers. | During this topic, we will explore how to deal with angry or difficult clients, highlighting specific tips and techniques that you can use to help smooth the client relationship, help solve their problem and demonstrate how to put the client first in a challenging situation. | Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the link: https://www.seedl.com/…/my-account
05/02/2026 | 12:30:00 | Free | Recovering a Failing Project. | Scope creep, over-allocated resources, a break-down in communication: these are just three of the top reasons why projects fail. This module will give you steps to identify the cause of your project’s decline, and what you can do to change the situation. | Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the link: https://www.seedl.com/…/recovering-a-failing-project
06/02/2026 | 12:30:00 | Free | Creating a Good First Impression. | How do we make sure we get off on the right foot with each new interaction? Explore ways to build a strong relationship from the first ‘hello’. | Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the link: https://www.seedl.com/…/creating-a-good-first-impression
09/02/2026 | 11;00:00 | Free | Conducting Monthly Performance Reviews. | Managing performance on a regular basis helps you stay on track of performance, the reality verses KPI’s and Objectives. It gives you a chance to connect with your employees and have an open and honest dialogue. The chance to share actionable feedback to improve performance. It’s also a great opportunity to hear from your employee about how their view their performance, their strengths and development opportunities. This is a great session to join if want to learn how to conduct a successful and structured one to one performance meeting. | Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the link: https://www.seedl.com/…/how-to-conduct-a-monthly-performance-review
10/02/2026 | 09:30–12:00 | £139 | Project Management for the Arts (Part 1). | Gain essential project management skills tailored for arts projects in this comprehensive two-part course.
Part I: Tuesday 10 February 2026, 9.30 am – 12 pm
Part II: Tuesday 24 February 2026, 9.30 am – 12pm
Join us for ‘Project Management for the Arts’, a two-part course designed to equip participants with the essential skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage and deliver creative projects within the arts sector. Participants will delve into key project management concepts, methodologies, and tools, gaining a solid foundation to lead successful arts projects from initiation to completion. | Delivered by Artswork.
Follow the link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…1932536381339
10/02/2026 | 12:30:00 | Free | Effective Communication for Project Managers. | Explore why effective communication is so vital to project success and how project managers can implement a solid communications plan. You have the tools to create a solid project plan, but how do you maintain “command and control” during the project execute phase, in an increasingly dispersed work environment? | Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the link: https://www.seedl.com/…/effective-communication-for-project-managers
11/02/2026 | 09:30:00 | Free | Budgets – Clarification & Preparation. | This course introduces the fundamentals of budgeting, including its purpose, components, and practical steps for creating and managing budgets. It emphasizes clarity, control, and effective decision-making. | Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the link: https://www.seedl.com/…/budgets-clarification-and-preparation
11/02/2026 | 11:00:00 | Free | AI & Practical Use in Business. | AI has become a buzz word in recent times; whilst some have been filled with dread, others are curious about the opportunity it presents. In this session, we look at ways you can use AI in everyday life at work: From copywriting to knowledge and case study creation, plus other practical uses; this session will enable you to try out some of the tips shared immediately. | Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the link: https://www.seedl.com/…/ai-and-its-practical-use-in-business
11/02/2026 | 14:00:00 | Free | Engaging Stakeholders. | Stakeholder engagement is just one step in the process of stakeholder management. This session explores what it means to be “engaged” and how we can determine the level and type of communication and considerations each of our stakeholders require. | Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the link: https://www.seedl.com/…/engaging-stakeholders
11/02/2026 | 15:30:00 | Free | Managing Stress within a Team. | This course is a practical session for anyone responsible for managing people. Using real-world case studies and everyday team scenarios, the course explores how stress shows up at work, how it affects performance and wellbeing, and what managers can do early to prevent problems escalating. Participants will gain simple, realistic tools to spot warning signs, respond with confidence, and support healthier, more resilient teams that perform well and stay engaged. | Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the link: https://www.seedl.com/…/understanding-and-managing-stress…
16/02/2026 | 09:00:00 | Free | Improve Cash Flow Fast. | Everyone can improve cash flow in an organisation. This course provides an understanding of how individuals can contribute to the overall cash flow of a business. | Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the link: https://www.seedl.com/…/how-to-improve-cash-flow-fast
17/02/2026 | 11:00:00 | Free | Influencing Skills. | What are influencing skills and why are they so important? In this session, we will explore some of the misconceptions, the factors to take into account to successfully engage and influence others, including the decision making process itself as well as the impact of framing, or how you position your proposition. The techniques we cover will improve your effectiveness and ability to influence both colleagues and clients to reach mutually agreeable outcomes. | Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the link: https://www.seedl.com/…/influencing-skills
17/02/2026 | 14:00:00 | Free | Presentation Skills in an Interview. | In today’s competitive job market, the ability to present yourself confidently and effectively in an interview can make all the difference. “Presentation Skills in an Interview” is a dynamic and hands-on training course designed to equip you with the essential skills to excel in any interview setting. Whether you’re preparing for your first interview or aiming to refine your presentation style, this course offers practical strategies and techniques to help you stand out. | Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the link: https://www.seedl.com/…/presentation-skills-in-an-interview
19/02/2026 | 12:00–14:00 | £15 | Portsmouth B2B Networking Lunch. | The event will be a great opportunity to connect with new and old contacts, promote your business and identify synergies with like-minded professionals from all types of organisations. There will be a 10 minute presentation from Dave Humphries, CEO Shaping Portsmouth who will be updating us on Portsmouth Business Leaders Forum (PBLF) and Rebecca Alexander (PCC) will also be updating us on the bid for Commercial Road.
This group is very supportive of each other and can provide you with advice and support from experienced business professionals should you need it. | Delivered by Portsmouth City Council.
Email : Danielle.Eberhardt@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
19/02/2026 | 12:30:00 | Free | Understanding Imposter Syndrome. | Have you ever doubted your abilities or felt like a fraud, like you don’t belong where you are? – If you answer yes, join this session to understand how imposter syndrome could be affecting you and how you can easily overcome these feelings – This session will help you improve your knowledge on Imposter Syndrome, how you can recognise imposter feelings when they emerge, and the role the workplace plays in this. | Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the link:
20/02/2026 | 09:00–10:00 | Free | FSB Connect Networking. | Join Our Monthly Online Networking!
Connect, collaborate, and grow your business network in a friendly, informal setting. These sessions run monthly and are open to everyone—whether you’re an FSB member or not.We’ll use interactive breakout rooms so you can meet like-minded professionals in small groups, share ideas, and build valuable connections.
While these events are designed for small business owners across Hampshire, Dorset, and the Isle of Wight, anyone looking to expand their network is welcome! | Delivered by FSB.
Follow the link: https://events.fsb.org.uk/…
20/02/2026 | 11:00:00 | Free | Effective & Active Listening. | Listening is one of the most important skills you can have. How well you listen has a major impact on your job effectiveness, and on the quality of your relationships with others. This session helps you understand how to actively listen to gain information, acquire facts to understand needs, challenges, and build rapport. Listening actively can help you understand how to demonstrate attentiveness and empathy through body language and tone. | Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the link: https://www.seedl.com/…/effective-and-active-listening
23/02/2026 | 09:30:30 | Free | Mood Mastery. | Mood Mastery: A Webinar on Proactive Strategies for Managing Your Emotions,” is designed to empower participants with practical tools and insights to navigate the complexities of mood fluctuations. Through a combination of science-backed approaches and experiential learning, attendees will learn to take charge of their emotional well-being. | Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the link: https://www.seedl.com/…/mood-mastery
23/02/2026 | 12:00–13:30 | £49 | Safeguarding for Trustees. | A focused lunch and learn session on the safeguarding responsibilities of trustees.
Join us for this 90-minute lunch and learn session, designed to deliver practical insights in a relaxed and accessible way. These sessions focus on providing valuable information and tools to apply in your work, all while allowing you the flexibility to participate as you choose. | Delivered by Artswork.
Follow the link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…1932670673009
24/02/2026 | 08:00:00 | Free | Human Buying Psychology. | This session sounds a little random, but underpins so much of how we engage with clients and prospects. This session helps you and I understand the mental thought process we go through before making a decision to buy. This interactive and practical session allows you to then see how aligned your steps of your sales process are. Delivered by a certified trainer with a credible track record in sales. | Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the link: https://www.seedl.com/…/understanding-the-human-buying-psychology
24/02/2026 | 09:30:00 | Free | Manage Time Effectively. | There are 168 hours in a week, so what are you going to do with them? This session will help you understand how to better manage your time to focus on the important rather than the urgent to become more productive and efficient when managing your workload. You will learn how and why you procrastinate as well as techniques to overcome procrastination, enabling you to focus on delivering excellence to your clients and colleagues alike. | Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the link: https://www.seedl.com/…/learn-to-manage-time-effectively
24/02/2026 | 09:30–12:00 | £139 | Project Management for the Arts (Part 2). | Gain essential project management skills tailored for arts projects in this comprehensive two-part course.
Part I: Tuesday 10 February 2026, 9.30 am – 12 pm
Part II: Tuesday 24 February 2026, 9.30 am – 12pm
Join us for ‘Project Management for the Arts’, a two-part course designed to equip participants with the essential skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage and deliver creative projects within the arts sector. Participants will delve into key project management concepts, methodologies, and tools, gaining a solid foundation to lead successful arts projects from initiation to completion. | Delivered by Artswork.
Follow the link:
24/02/2026 | 15:30:00 | Free | Overcoming Uncertainty. | In a world characterised by rapid change and unforeseen challenges, the ability to navigate uncertainty has become a crucial skill for individuals and organisations alike. The webinar, “Navigating Uncertainty: Strategies for Understanding and Managing the Unknown,” aims to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to thrive in an unpredictable environment. | Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the link: https://www.seedl.com/…/overcoming-uncertainty
25/02/2026 | 09:30:00 | Free | Command the Room. | Cut through with clear, compelling messages that land. Whether it’s in a meeting, presentation, or impromptu update, how you show up matters. This session helps you develop a confident communication style that captures attention, builds credibility, and gets your message across. | Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the link: https://www.seedl.com/…/command-the-room…
25/02/2026 | 09:30–12:30 | £89 | Risk Assessment in Creative Sector. | A practical half-day course to help you carry out robust risk assessments in creative and cultural environments.
This half-day course is designed to provide professionals in the arts, heritage and cultural sectors with the knowledge and tools to conduct effective risk assessments using the HSE risk assessment framework. Whether you’re planning an exhibition, managing a venue, overseeing an event or working independently, this session will help you to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of staff, volunteers and visitors. | Delivered by Artswork.
Follow the link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…1932728355539
25/02/2026 | 14:30:00 | Free | AI in Office 365. | This course highlights some of the latest exciting and innovative AI developments in the suite of Office 365 packages, where to find them and how to use them to make the most of the new functionality. There are a number of demonstrations in the various packages, including Excel, Word, Teams and Outlook. | Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the link: https://www.seedl.com/…/ai-in-office-365
26/02/2026 | 09:30:00 | Free | Manage a Project to Successful Conclusion. | Struggling to keep projects on track, get started or achieve the results you want? In this 60-minute interactive course, you’ll discover proven strategies to manage workplace projects, prioritise tasks, overcome obstacles, and deliver results – all while saving time and reducing stress. | Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the link: https://www.seedl.com/…/how-to-manage-a-project…
26/02/2026 | 14:00:00 | Project Management for Non-Project Managers. | We’ve all heard the term “planned with military precision” and this session will give those with no formal project management training a basic project management aide-memoire based on the British Army’s planning process. Delivered by a former serving Officer, it is also suitable for those who wish to refresh or expand their current knowledge and skills-base. | Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the link: https://www.seedl.com/…/project-management-for-non-project-managers
26–27 Feb 2026 | 2 Day Conference | Paid | Leicester Music Conference | Music industry conference. | The Leicester Music Conference is back for 2026 bringing together artists, industry professionals, and music enthusiasts for an inspiring day of knowledge-sharing, networking, and live performances. Whether you’re an aspiring musician, an industry professional, or a passionate music fan, this event offers something for everyone.
Follow the link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…1975180900243
27/02/2026 | 09:30:00 | Free | Braver, Not Louder – Confidence. | Confidence isn’t about being the loudest in the room — it’s about trusting your strengths and showing up with clarity and conviction. This session explores how to quiet your inner critic and step into key moments with self-belief. | Delivered by SEEDL.
Follow the link: https://www.seedl.com/…/braver-not-louder…
