Get Involved This April
April 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
28/29/30 August | Victorious Festival We Create Market. Discover Portsmouth Creates Market at Victorious Festival, showcasing local artists, makers, and creatives. Explore unique crafts, food, and talent. Join us and celebrate creativity. Prices are heavily subsided so there are imited spaces.
Application form click here: https://form.jotform.com/252644230630347
Ongoing each month | Southsea Library Window Installation | Monthly creative installations at Southsea Library, curated by Portsmouth Creates, showcasing local talent. Experience rotating displays of art, design, and innovation, celebrating the city’s vibrant creative community and inspiring installations.
Email Jane Hodgkins with pictures of your pieces: jane@portsmouthcreates.co.uk
Other Local Opportunities
07/04/2026 | 11:00–12:00 | Free online | Managing the Disciplinary Process | Disciplinary processes are about protection of standards, people, and organisational integrity—not punishment. | Delivered by SEEDL |
07/04/2026 | 14:00–14:20 | Free online | Understanding ESG: A Short Guide | Overview of ESG principles and their impact. | Delivered by SEEDL |
07/04/2026 | 14:30–14:50 | Free online | Breakeven Made Simple | Learn breakeven analysis and cost structures. | Delivered by SEEDL |
07/04/2026 | 15:30–16:30 | Free online | Client Complaint Resolution – Part 1 | Turn complaints into opportunities | Delivered by SEEDL |
08/04/26 | 10:00–10:20 | Free online | Stress Management | Manage stress effectively. | Delivered by SEEDL |
08/04/26 | 11:00–12:00 | Free online | Learn to Manage Time Effectively | Develop time management skills. | Delivered by SEEDL |
08/04/26 | 11:00 onwards | Free online | Breakthrough Prospective Employers Q&A | An opportunity to find out more about the Breakthrough Programme and ask any questions you may have. Join us for an information sharing session regarding the Breakthrough 2026/27 Programme starting in September 2026. Come along to learn about how this 6-month programme with exceptional wrap around support for both employer and candidate can benefit your business. Come with any questions you may have and learn about how the programme will work in practice. | Delivered by Artswork |
Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/breakthrough-prospective-employers-qa-8-april-tickets-1983437658429
08/04/26 | 12:30–13:30 | Free online | Recovering a Failing Project | Techniques to recover failing projects. | Delivered by SEEDL |
08/04/26 | 14:00–15:00 | Free online | Making the Case for Your Project | Learn how to present project proposals effectively. Delivered by SEEDL |
08/04/26 | 15:30–16:30 | Free online | Effective and Active Listening | Improve listening and communication skills. | Delivered by SEEDL |
09/04/26 | 09:30–09:50 | Free online | AI and its Practical Use in Business | Introduction to AI applications in business. | Delivered by SEEDL |
10/04/26 | 11:00–12:00 | Free online | Influencing Skills | Learn techniques to influence effectively. | Delivered by SEEDL |
13 /04/26 | 11:00–11:20 | Free online | How to Improve Cash Flow Fast | Tips to improve cash flow quickly | Delivered by SEEDL |
13 /04/26 | 12:30–13:30 | Free online | How to Conduct an Effective Team Meeting | Techniques for efficient team meetings. Delivered by SEEDL |
13 /04/26 | 14:00–15:00 | Free online | Delivering Customer Service Excellence | Best practices for customer service excellence. | Delivered by SEEDL |
13 /04/26 | 15:30–16:30 | Free online | Braver, Not Louder | Build authentic confidence. | Delivered by SEEDL |
14/04/26 | 14:00–15:00 | Free online | Project Management for Non-Project Managers | PM basics for non-project managers. | Delivered by SEEDL |
14/04/26 | 15:30–16:30 | Free online | Change Your Mindset | Improve mindset and achieve your goals. | Delivered by SEEDL |
15/04/26 | 09:30–09:50 | Free online | Money Saving Tips | Practical ways to save money. | Delivered by SEEDL |
15/04/26 | 10:00–10:50 | Free online | AI in Office 365 | Applying AI tools in Office 365. | Delivered by SEEDL |
Link: https://www.seedl.com/o/solentbusinessandsskillssolutions/programme/ai-micro/course/ai-in-office-365
15/04/26 | 10:00–12:00 | Free | FSB Connect Chichester | Local business networking event. | Delivered by FSB |
Link: https://events.fsb.org.uk/en/8d2bI2X7/g/fJqTd8nh8e/fsb-connect-chichester-3aJ8PzHTt/overview
15/04/26 | 11:00–12:00 | Free online | Presentation Skills | Develop effective presentation skills. | Delivered by FSB |
15/04/26 | 14:00–15:00 | Free online | Cost Management Made Simple | Learn simple cost management strategies. | Delivered by FSB |
16/04/26 | All Day | Cost upon application | CEO & Chair Development Workshop | Development workshop for CEOs and Chairs. Following the recently published CEO & Chair guidance developed by Fiona Allan, Strategy & Governance Consultant, and Arts Council England, this workshop will include a panel conversation, guided case study discussions, and workshop activities to explore challenges and opportunities within the Chair & CEO relationship. Participants will take away clear, practical insights from the guidance and time to consider and explore how these could apply in their own organisations. | Delivered by the Cultural Governance Alliance |
Link: https://culturalgovernancealliance.org/events/ceo-chair-development-workshop/
16/04/26 | 11:00–12:00 | Free online | Starting and Running Your Own Business | Learn the basics of starting and running a business. Starting and running your own business requires understanding profit and loss basics and calculating personal survival budgets. This course explains how to validate business viability and build sustainable growth through proven practical strategies for your own entrepreneurial venture. | Delivered by SEEDL |
16/04/26 | 12:00–14:00 | Cost upon application | Portsmouth City Council B2B Networking Event | 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. The Guildhall Trust in the Lord Mayor’s Banqueting Room | Networking event for local businesses | Delivered by Portsmouth City Council |
Contact: Danielle.Eberhardt@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
16/04/26 | 14:00–15:00 | Free online | Understanding Imposter Syndrome | Identify and overcome impostor 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 |
16/04/26 | All day | Free in person | Portsmouth Business Leaders Forum | Networking and discussion forum for business leaders. Join us for our 6-monthly update, exciting speakers and networking at the Royal Maritime Hotel. | Delivered by Shaping Portsmouth |
Link: https://shapingportsmouth.co.uk
17/04/26 | 09:30–09:59 | Free online | Effective Questioning Techniques | Learn questioning skills for better communication. Mastering Effective Questioning Techniques is essential for building strong relationships and unlocking client needs. In this engaging 20-minute micro-learning session, you’ll learn practical strategies for asking open, probing, closed, and funnel questions to enhance your communication skills. These effective questioning techniques will empower you to gather valuable information, clarify client goals, and offer tailored solutions—ultimately boosting satisfaction and collaboration. Perfect for professionals seeking to strengthen their questioning skills and create more impactful interactions. | Delivered by SEEDL |
17/04/26 | 11:00–15:00 | Free online | Unleashed: South West | Creative arts event and networking. Join the movement for change. With young people’s voices at the centre, these sessions are set to inspire creative organisations and freelancers by delving into youth-led practice and skills development. This year, we will feature a range of keynote speakers, each representing a different sector, who will share their approaches and experience of embedding youth voice in their work. Their insights will highlight the cross-over between arts and other fields, exploring what the arts sector can learn from wider practice, and equally, what unique perspectives the arts can offer in return | Delivered by Artswork |
Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/unleashed-south-west-tickets-1983435551126
17/04/26 | 12:30–13:30 | Free online | Overcoming Uncertainty | Techniques to manage uncertainty and change. Learn how to navigate uncertainty by understanding that resistance to it increases anxiety. This course teaches psychological flexibility and acceptance for managing worry and fear. Apply practical techniques for overcoming barriers and building resilience amid life’s unpredictability. | Delivered by SEEDL |
20/04/26 | 09:30–10:30 | Free online | Managing Stress within a Team | Manage team stress effectively. Equip yourself with the essentials for understanding and managing stress within your team. This practical course covers real world case studies and team scenarios to help you recognise how stress manifests at work, recognise its impact on performance and wellbeing, and implement effective early intervention techniques. | Delivered by SEEDL |
20/04/26 | 14:00–15:00 | Free online | Conflict of Interest | Understanding and managing conflicts of interest. Understand conflicts of interest (actual, potential, and perceived) and the UK legislation governing them. Explore the “fudge factor” influencing unethical behaviour and serious consequences: imprisonment, unlimited fines, disqualification, and reputational damage. Learn why disclosure and integrity matter for organisations. | Delivered by SEEDL |
21/04/26 | 10:00–10:20 | Free online | 10 Tips for Gemini | Tips for using Gemini AI tools. Explore Gemini as your AI tool of choice in this focused 20-minute session. Whether considering Gemini as an alternative to other AI platforms or already accessing it through Google-powered devices, this course reveals 10 practical tips for daily productivity. | Delivered by SEEDL |
21/04/26 | 12:00–13:30 | Cost upon application | Logic Models | Training on logic models for project planning and evaluation. 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 |
Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/logic-models-for-project-planning-evaluation-tickets-1982522342695
21/04/26 | 14:00–15:00 | Free online | Why Projects Fail | Learn causes of project failures and solutions. Projects often fail for reasons that are predictable and preventable, yet easy to overlook in busy workplace environments. This session explores the most common factors that cause projects to go off track, including unclear goals, poor resource planning, communication breakdowns, and unmanaged scope creep. Through practical reflection and real-world examples, learners will examine their own project habits and decision-making, gaining simple strategies to reduce risk and strengthen project delivery. | Delivered by SEEDL |
21/04/26 | 15:00–16:00 | Price upon application | Breakthrough Employers | Employer engagement session. An opportunity to find out more about the Breakthrough Programme and ask any questions you may have. Join us for an information sharing session regarding the Breakthrough 2026/27 Programme starting in September 2026. Come along to learn about how this 6-month programme with exceptional wrap around support for both employer and candidate can benefit your business. Come with any questions you may have and learn about how the programme will work in practice. | Delivered by Artswork |
Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/breakthrough-prospective-employers-qa-21-april-tickets-1983438417700
22/04/26 | 09:30–10:30 | Free online | Objection Handling | Learn techniques for handling objections in sales. Handling objections is fundamental to sales success. Rather than viewing objections as roadblocks, this course explores them as opportunities to understand customer concerns. Recognise the three types of objections customers raise and develop effective responses using the APAC framework (Acknowledge, Appreciate, Probe, Answer, Confirm). | Delivered by SEEDL |
22/04/26 | 09:30–12:30 | Price upon application | Creating Trauma Aware Environments | Learn to create safe environments for trauma-affected individuals . Build safer, more inclusive creative spaces by understanding trauma awareness and practical steps for emotionally intelligent practice. Creating environments where people feel safe, respected, and supported begins with recognising that everyone brings different life experiences into the room. This half-day course introduces the concept of trauma awareness and explores how it can inform inclusive, emotionally intelligent practice across creative, cultural, and heritage settings.| Delivered by Artswork |
Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/creating-trauma-aware-environments-tickets-1982523120020
22/04/26 | 14:00–15:00 | Free online | PowerPoint Tips | Tips for effective PowerPoint presentations. Learn powerful PowerPoint hints and tips for advanced features. This comprehensive course covers the Reuse Slides feature, SmartArt conversion, chart formatting, and Design Suggestions. Apply practical techniques including removing grid lines, applying gradients, and using animations to enhance visual impact. | Delivered by SEEDL |
23/04/26 | 12:30–13:30 | Free online | Mental Health | Understanding and looking after your mental health. Create an accepting work environment where mental wellness is taken seriously. This session helps you understand and look after your mental health by exploring the most common workplace conditions and how managers can help employees effectively. | Delivered by SEEDL |
24/04/26 | 09:00–10:00 | Free online | FSB Connect Regional (FSB) 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 |
Link: https://events.fsb.org.uk
24/04/26 | 11:00–12:00 | Free online | Intro to ChatGPT | Introduction to ChatGPT for business use. Through this introduction you will discover ChatGPT fundamentals through guided exercises and practical demonstrations. Master essential rules: ask anything safely, protect sensitive information, verify facts since AI can present misleading information. Work with real data to analyse trends and generate recommendations effectively. | Delivered by SEEDL
24/04/26 | 12:30–13:30 | Free online | AI for Project Planning | Using AI as a project planning partner . Planning a project takes time, and when workloads are high, thorough planning is often the first thing to suffer. This session explores how to use AI as a thinking partner to speed up the planning process without handing over responsibility. Learners will discover how AI can help structure ideas, identify risks, challenge assumptions, and improve clarity. The focus is on using AI to enhance judgement and efficiency, not replace professional decision-making. | Delivered by SEEDL |
27/04/26 | 10:00–10:20 | Free online | Selling Skills | Learn essential selling skills. Selling isn’t really what many people think it is. Effective selling means understanding customer psychology and helping people find solutions to their problems. This micro-learning session explores why great selling aligns customer needs with solutions, not using high-pressure tactics or manipulation tactics. | Delivered by SEEDL |
27/04/26 | 11:00–12:00 | Free online | Command the Room | Communicate with presence and purpose. Command the room with confident communication that captures attention and builds credibility. Learn how to communicate your message with clarity, tailor your communication for different audiences and settings, and command respect through intentional presence and purposeful delivery. Master the fundamentals of engaging others through voice, body language, and presence. | Delivered by SEEDL |
27/04/26 | 15:30–16:30 | Free online | Giving Feedback | Learn effective feedback techniques. The gift of giving feedback well transforms team performance and creates a high performing culture. Explore why 85% of employees take more initiative when receiving feedback, and how organisations with regular feedback achieve 14.9% lower turnover rates. This course teaches you to give constructive, factual feedback using practical models grounded in growth mindset principles. | Delivered by SEEDL |
28/04/26 | 09:30–12:00 | Free online | Project Management for the Arts | Project management training for arts sector. 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
Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/project-management-for-the-arts-tickets-1982494814357
28/04/26 | 15:30–16:30 | Free online | Email Communication | Communicate effectively through email. Effective communication is an essential component of human relationships. We spend so much time communicating via email, so this topic is designed to help you put the client first by enabling you to communicate through email with excellence, effectively, efficiently and professionally. | Delivered by SEEDL |
28/04/26 | 17:00–18:00 | Free online | Presentation Delivery | Build and deliver engaging presentations using PowerPoint. This session is designed to help you present in a creative and engaging way. How do you inspire your audience through your delivery style and presentation content? Useful for anyone who presents to clients both internal and external. | Delivered by SEEDL |
29/04/26 | 08:00–09:00 | Free online | Mindfulness | Introduction to mindfulness practices. Mindfulness is the human ability to be fully present and in the moment. way to slow down your racing mind and help you let go of negative thoughts. This session will be delivered live, so join to learn how to calm your body and mind and appreciate being in the moment | Delivered by SEEDL |
29/04/26 | 09:30–10:30 | Free online | Managing Projects | Learn project management from start to finish. Managing a workplace project can feel overwhelming when you have no formal project management training and are balancing day-to-day responsibilities. This session provides a simple, practical framework for running a project from initiation through to delivery. Learners will explore how to set clear goals, prioritise effectively, manage risks, and maintain momentum through delivery, using straightforward tools and techniques that can be applied immediately. | Delivered by SEEDL |
29/04/26 | 09:30–12:30 | Free online | Risk Assessment | Risk assessment in creative & cultural heritage 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 |
29/04/26 | 11:30–11:50 | Free online | Copilot Tips | Tips for using Copilot AI – Unlock the power of Copilot integrated into your Microsoft licence in this focused session. Learn 10 tips to leverage Copilot across Word, Excel, Outlook, and other Microsoft tools for daily workplace tasks. Th tips will help you maximise productivity by embedding AI directly into your existing workflow without switching applications. | Delivered by SEEDL |
29/04/26 | 12:30–13:30 | Free online | Inspiring Leader | How to motivate and inspire teams. Develop skills to be a motivating and inspiring leader who brings out the best in your team. This course shows the critical difference between management and leadership, examining the intrinsic and extrinsic motivators that drive engagement and motivation. | Delivered by SEEDL |
30/04/26 | 09:30–14:00 | Cost upon application | FSB Business Bootcamp | Intensive business training and networking. Our five expert speakers will equip you with clear, actionable strategies to strengthen your business. Attract better customers through purpose-led marketing that communicates what your business stands for – with Victoria Vickery . Save time and reduce admin using practical, real-world AI tools – with Dan Sager. Lead with confidence, even without a team, and make purposeful decisions – with Colin D Ellis. Build resilience and turn setbacks into opportunities – with Becky Davis. Protect your business affordably with simple, low-cost cybersecurity steps – with Will Bellows | Delivered by FSB |
30/04/26 | 12:30–13:30 | Free online | Cash Flow Importance | This course explains why cash flow is critical for business survival and growth. It covers the difference between cash and profit, common pitfalls, and practical strategies to improve cash flow. Participants will learn forecasting techniques and how individual actions affect cash flow. | Delivered by SEEDL |
