What employers are saying about our Skills Bootcamp:

“Keda is now an AI company champion, in charge of all social media and marketing. The Bootcamp was a very well-rounded course with great course material and content, and helpful and well-informed tutors.”

– Bryony Goodall, Business and Executive Support Officer, AFD Systems

“TSBA’s Bootcamp hit just the right level for us and acknowledged the time constraints we are all under as a small business. It has been well worth the upfront investment of time for Peter to commit to gaining the skills and we are looking forward to reaping the rewards.”

– Robert Erskine, Managing Director, Silver Fish Supply

“Ruby has gained valuable insight in how to market the business, from the perspective of what our customers are actually looking for. Her marketing plans have changed to accommodate this new direction, and we have seen a positive result already. The Bootcamp has given her the confidence to push for growth in the business, which has had an immediate effect. I can recommend the positive impact in investing, and upskilling your most valuable staff members.”

– Kim Heubner, Artistic Instructor, Brush & Tipple

“The Bootcamp has given Hannah new skills and a great deal of confidence in her abilities. This knowledge and experience will be a great asset to the organisation, supporting our marketing, which in turn will help grow the charity’s income. The Skills Bootcamp has been a fantastic opportunity for Hannah – it was delivered by excellent professionals and I would highly recommend it to other organisations.”

– Dan Hill, Head of Hospital Charities, Rosemere Cancer Foundation

This is a hands-on course, and progress depends on the work you put in outside of lessons. After each session, you’ll set goals tailored to your business stage or job search. These goals will form part of your action plan. You must dedicate at least two hours per week to job seeking or updating and implementing your action plan. Regular check-ins will ensure progress, and places on the course are conditional on demonstrating that progress.

• Self-Employed/Business Owners/Start ups/Employees: Homework will focus on applying what you’ve learned to your business.
• Job Seekers: Homework will involve CVs, job applications, and interview preparation.

Please only apply if you can commit to the required time and effort.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Neil Forrester 
 
14 May 2026
 
 
  
I'd been searching for local business training and support in Blackpool and came across the Small Business Academy — and I'm really glad I did. I worked with Nicola, who took the time to review my business structure and gave me clear, practical advice on the steps I should be taking to move forward. She covered a wide range of topics including pricing strategy, offers, Facebook advertising, standard operating procedures, and software platforms to help improve efficiency — all incredibly relevant to where I am in my business right now. Alongside my sessions with Nicola, I also attended a morning workshop run by Nikki which focused on Facebook Ad campaigns. It was a fantastic, hands-on session where I learned how to set up campaigns correctly and connect client accounts properly. Really valuable stuff. Overall, the Small Business Academy has been an excellent resource and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to any business owner looking to upskill and grow. Thank you to both Nicola and Nikki for their time and expertise 😊 Neil
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Heidi Caunce-Berry 
 
27 October 2025
 
 
  
I can't praise TSBA highly enough, what a fab team and set up! I've been self employed for 20 years and have learned more in 3 months than I had in all that time. Such a lovely bunch of humans too, so knowledgeable, kind and love a giggle too. Thank you so much to all involved (Nicola, Nicky, Jean, Mike and Teresa)!!!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Christine Ashton 
 
11 September 2025
 
 
  
As a new small business (@ Keepsakes by Memories and Wishes) I knew very little about digital marketing and how this could help my business to succeed. I came across an ad on social media for TSBA free skills bootcamp in digital marketing and submitted my application. I am so grateful to have been selected to complete the bootcamp and, at the time of writing, am just finishing the 12 week programme. This course is absolutely amazing! I have learnt so much, and now have a clear understanding about digital marketing, as well as new skills on how to take this forward, through a comprehensive action plan. This will really help me to keep focused and achieve my business goals in an effective and efficient way. Thank you so much to everyone involved in organising and delivering this programme. I would highly recommend it to any small business owner who is just starting out and unsure what digital marketing is all about and how to make this work for their own business, so they can robustly build it for success in this digital age :)
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Scott Knighton 
 
7 August 2025
 
 
  
The Small Business Academy has been a game-changer for me not just as a business resource, but as a genuine support system. From mentoring sessions to providing a professional business address, they’ve helped me elevate my brand and operate with confidence. Nikki and the team bring a rare mix of expertise and empathy. The mentoring isn’t just textbook advice it’s real, actionable guidance tailored to your business and your goals. Whether you’re refining your pitch, navigating growth, or just need someone who gets the hustle, they’re in your corner. Having a business address through TSBA has also added credibility and structure to my operations. It’s more than just a postcode it’s a signal that you’re serious, and it opens doors. If you’re building something from the ground up and want support that’s practical, empowering, and rooted in real experience, The Small Business Academy is the place to be. Highly recommended for any underdog with big ambitions.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Liz Brown 
 
7 August 2025
 
 
  
The Small Business Academy offered training to our Managers and Supervisors to help improve staff retention and bring out the best in their team. This resulted in happier staff, happier customers and increased occupancy in the hotel. I would definitely recommend them to help grow your business. Our occupancy has improved from 80% to 82% in eight months - just brilliant. Thank you