A new free community is launching for young founders, entrepreneurs, freelancers and side hustlers in Dorset.

WeAreFND is hosting its first ever event on Thursday October 21 at 6.15pm with guest speaker, local digital creator, Brogan Tate.

FND aims to be the go-to place for young founders in Dorset.

It’s facilitated by Dorset Growth Hub (DGH) which will continue to use its expertise and network to advise and support businesses.

The idea behind the brand, FND (pronounced Found), is that it supports the next generation of Dorset’s leaders.

FND stands for ‘For New Directors’ but also ‘For a New Dorset’ where likeminded individuals can be encouraged to ‘Follow New Dreams’, to FouND their business, FuND their growth and FiND their network.

Organisers say it doesn’t matter what your business looks like, what stage you are at, or what industry you are in.

You simply need to be a young millennial or Gen-Z and based in Dorset.

Mary Lloyd, DGH’s Marketing Manager and Creator of WeAreFND, said: “Businesses are changing.

“Young people are innovating what it means to be a business owner.

“We communicate differently, we have different goals, face new challenges and we want to learn different things.

“I hope I can bring this all together with FND and create something that young, ambitious people want to be part of.

“By gathering young people together, we can all relate to each other.

“Being new and at the beginning of our business journey, traditional networking can be intimidating if you feel like you are always one of the youngest in the room.”

The first event is at Boscombe Royal Arcade as part of BCP Council’s Future Skills and Employment Week.

It will kick off with guest speaker, digital content creator, Brogan Tate, pictured left, who has worked with brands such as Disney, M&S, Cineworld, Visit England, TKMaxx and EE among others.

She can be found across the internet as brogantatexo.

A sushi will also be served by Sushi D’amor with drinks.

Beth Gregory, pictured right, Founder of FolioCreativeCo and Marketing Assistant at DGH has helped to set up the network.

She said: “I am really looking forward to meeting other business owners of a similar age.

“There are so many potential positive outcomes – from advice, collaborations, reassurance, and friendship.

“The support network that WeAreFND will provide will make a big difference, to my business and my confidence.

“There is very little similar support in Dorset so this is an amazing opportunity.”

WeAreFND is a spin-out brand of Dorset Growth Hub which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

WeAreFND has been created with financial support from BCP Council from the Bounceback Challenge Fund.

The goal is to grow the community, both online via Instagram and a Facebook Group, and in person with at least two more events to be held later in the year.

Details to be confirmed.

If you are interested in being part of WeAreFND, please click here to sign up to the launch event.