Free business and AI training for freelancers and small business owners
Mastered
Starting out as a freelancer can mean learning a lot at once. Alongside developing your creative work, you may also be managing clients, promoting yourself, setting prices, handling admin and working out how to build a steady income.
This free, government-funded Skills Bootcamp is designed for freelancers, emerging creatives and small business owners who want practical support to develop the business side of what they do.
Across 10 weeks, you’ll take part in accessible business training, hands-on AI support and personalised mentoring. The programme will help you communicate what you offer, find the right clients, manage your workload and take practical steps towards building a more sustainable creative career.
You do not need to have everything figured out before joining. The Bootcamp is designed to help you build your knowledge, confidence and direction as your work develops.
By the end of the programme, you’ll be better equipped to:
- Describe what you offer and connect with clients who are a good fit
- Approach pricing and negotiation with greater confidence
- Use AI tools to reduce time spent on admin and content creation
- Build positive client relationships that can lead to repeat work and referrals
- Create a realistic growth plan based on your creative, professional and income goals
Programme structure
- 10 weeks, with 60 hours of learning in total
- 2 in-person workshops, totalling 8 hours
- Weekly online business training sessions, lasting 3 hours
- Weekly peer group sessions, lasting 3 hours
- 4 one-to-one mentoring sessions, lasting 1 hour each
Time commitment: approximately 6–7 hours per week
Cost
The programme is completely free.
It is fully funded by the UK Government, so there is no cost to take part.
Upcoming start dates
Kent and Medway: 18 August 2026
Applications close: 10 August 2026
Essex: 4 September 2026
Applications close: 26 August 2026
Eligibility
To take part, you must:
- Be aged 19 or over
- Have the right to work in the UK
- Live in an eligible postcode in Kent, Medway or Essex
- Be able to commit to the weekly sessions
Take the next step in your creative career
You might be looking for your first regular clients, trying to make your freelance income more consistent or simply wanting more confidence in the business side of your work.
Wherever you are in your journey, this Bootcamp offers practical skills, individual support and a community of peers to help you move forward.
How to Apply
Upcoming start dates
Kent and Medway: 18 August 2026
Applications close: 10 August 2026
Essex: 4 September 2026
Applications close: 26 August 2026
Eligibility
To take part, you must:
- Be aged 19 or over
- Have the right to work in the UK
- Live in an eligible postcode in Kent, Medway or Essex
- Be able to commit to the weekly sessions
Take the next step in your creative career
You might be looking for your first regular clients, trying to make your freelance income more consistent or simply wanting more confidence in the business side of your work.
Wherever you are in your journey, this Bootcamp offers practical skills, individual support and a community of peers to help you move forward.
While we have publicised this opportunity, please note that: (i) the application and selection process is managed by the advertising company/organisation; and (ii) we rely on them to: provide accurate, up-to-date details about themselves and the opportunity; ensure that opportunities are ethical and paid fairly. To report a listing, please email [email protected].