Who Is The Curious Academy's Digital Marketing Bootcamp For?
This 12-week course is designed for self-employed people and those starting businesses in Reading, Berkshire, and surrounding areas. Our bootcamp serves ambitious individuals at various stages of the entrepreneurial journey:
Turn Your Idea Into Reality
You have a business idea you're serious about bringing to market, but haven't taken the first steps. Maybe your website needs building from scratch, you're not sure how to reach customers, or you don't know where to start with digital marketing. We'll help you establish strong foundations and create a practical plan to launch successfully.
Grow Your Side Hustle
You've started something on the side, but want to turn it into a business that can pay the bills. Perhaps your digital presence needs professionalising, your marketing is inconsistent, or you're struggling to find enough customers. We'll help you develop the systems and strategies to grow consistently.
Boost Your Creative Business
You're a creative professional looking to sell more of your work. Maybe your website needs refreshing, your social media isn't working hard enough, or you're not effectively reaching your target audience. We'll help you market your creative services or products more effectively.
Revitalise Your Existing Business
You're running an established business but feel digitally left behind. Perhaps your online presence is outdated, you're not effectively using social media, or your competitors are winning customers through channels you're not utilising. We'll help you implement a comprehensive digital refresh to remain competitive.
What unites our students is the desire for practical, implementable knowledge and strategies that deliver real business results—exactly what our bootcamp is designed to provide.
Where Can Self-Employed People in Reading Get Free Digital Marketing Training?
The Curious Academy offers a fully government-funded 12-week Digital Marketing Bootcamp in central Reading for self-employed and unemployed individuals. The course runs twice weekly (6 hours total) and covers website design, SEO, social media, and email marketing—with no course fees to pay. You'll learn practical skills to grow your business while building connections with other local entrepreneurs, plus get 9 months of free workspace access in the heart of Reading.
When and Where Does the Course Run?
The bootcamp requires your attendance for 6 hours each week for 12 weeks, split across two sessions at our central Reading location. This consistent schedule creates accountability and allows for the hands-on instruction and peer learning that online courses simply can't match.
During class time, you'll be implementing what you've learned in your business, with support and guidance from our instructors. The course is designed to fit around existing work commitments—all participants continue to run their businesses while attending.
Additional Benefits:
Free Workspace Access for 9 Months - You'll get access to a lovely workspace right in the heart of Reading completely free for 9 months. This gives you a professional environment to work from beyond the course, helping you maintain momentum and continue implementing what you've learned.
Why Learn Digital Marketing In-Person Rather Than Online?
Led By Someone Who Gets It
The bootcamp is run by Louize, a business owner herself who understands exactly what you're juggling. She brings practical, real-world experience and teaches complex concepts in a clear, step-by-step way that makes sense for small businesses.
Community of Like-Minded People
By working alongside other friendly business owners for 6 hours each week, you'll build valuable connections and a support network of fellow entrepreneurs. This community aspect often leads to collaborations, referrals, and ongoing peer support that continues long after the course ends.
Accountability & Momentum
In-person learning creates the accountability that keeps you moving forward. When you're building a business alone, it's easy to let marketing fall by the wayside. The bootcamp structure ensures you make consistent progress every single week.
Immediate Support When You're Stuck
When you hit a snag implementing something in your business, you get immediate, personalized help—not generic advice from a forum or waiting days for an email response. Real-time problem-solving accelerates your progress dramatically.
What Will I Learn on the Reading Digital Marketing Bootcamp?
Our curriculum combines business fundamentals with a strong emphasis on digital marketing and customer acquisition:
Website Design & Optimisation
Learn to create or improve your business website to effectively showcase your products or services. You'll understand the principles of good design, user experience, and conversion optimisation to turn visitors into customers.
Social Media Strategy & Management
Develop a tailored social media strategy that makes sense for your specific business. Learn to create engaging content, build an audience, and leverage different platforms effectively without it consuming all your time.
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
Master the fundamentals of SEO to help customers find you when they search online. You'll learn practical techniques to improve your visibility in search results through on-page optimisation, content creation, and local SEO strategies.
Email Marketing & Newsletters
Create effective email marketing campaigns that nurture relationships with prospects and customers. Learn to build your list, design engaging newsletters, and develop automated sequences that convert.
Content Marketing & Creation
Develop a content strategy that establishes your expertise and attracts your ideal customers. Learn practical approaches to creating valuable content efficiently, even if you're short on time.
Marketing Strategy & Implementation
Bring it all together with a comprehensive marketing strategy focused on digital channels, with particular emphasis on the approaches most relevant to your specific business. You'll implement these strategies with guidance, measuring results and refining your approach.
Read our Frequently Asked Questions
What Will I Actually Achieve by the End of the Bootcamp?
This isn't theoretical training—throughout the course, you'll be applying what you learn directly to your own business. By the end of the bootcamp, you'll have:
Updated your own digital marketing assets - Your website, social media profiles, and email systems will be professionally set up and working for your business
Created a practical strategy for your specific business - A clear, actionable plan tailored to your goals, audience, and resources
Built connections with other local entrepreneurs - A support network of fellow business owners who understand your challenges
Gained confidence in managing your online presence - The knowledge and skills to continue improving your marketing independently
“I really enjoyed the Digital Marketing course at the Curious Academy. It was not only informative but also a lot of fun. The course covered various aspects of digital marketing, and I found the content to be well-structured.”
Funding & Eligibility
Our Small Business Digital Marketing Bootcamp is fully funded for self-employed and unemployed individuals, meaning there are no course fees to pay.
Eligibility Criteria:
UK/EU residency status
Age 19+ at the start of the course
Self-employed status or currently unemployed
Not currently enrolled in another government-funded course
Additional criteria apply – we'll guide you through the full eligibility check
Next Steps - Apply for our Bootcamp
Our application process involves two initial stages:
Initial Application: Complete our straightforward application form to provide information about you and your business.
Eligibility Check & Business Assessment: We'll review your application to verify your eligibility for funding and understand your business needs.
Once these stages are complete, we'll invite qualified candidates to discuss how the bootcamp can specifically help your business and answer any questions you might have.
Don't miss this opportunity to transform your business with practical digital marketing skills, supportive community, and expert guidance.
Contact Us
If you would like to learn more before applying please complete this form and we will be in touch.