Starting or growing a business

If you are thinking of starting up or growing your own business, do take advantage of the free business support available. The following organisations can help you make sure your great idea succeeds:

Business East Sussex - Business East Sussex provides free and impartial government funded business support across the county of East Sussex. There is a wealth of support and finance options available to help your business, and the specialist team at Business East Sussex can help you identify your business needs and find relevant programmes or funding schemes.

Business Hothouse - The programme offers free support to start-ups in the Coast-to-Capital area including the Lewes District. The programme is run by a consortium of expert delivery partners and is funded through the European Regional Development Fund and Local Authorities in the Coast-to-Capital area.

Eastbourne District Enterprise Agency Ltd website - Funded by Lewes District and Eastbourne Borough Council, Edeal offers free confidential and impartial business advice and counselling for start-ups. Businesses also have free access to a 1-2-1 social media training session with Ditzy Media, business start-up workshops and networking. 

Local Enterprise Apprenticeship Partnership website - Entrepreneurs and businesses in the Lewes District can apply for the free annual LEAP Entrepreneurial programme - workshops, 1-2-1 mentoring and a chance to win a cash prize. The programme is funded by Lewes District Council and the EU under the Chichester University's Hot House initiative, and is delivered by Edeal.
     
Locate East Sussex - Locate East Sussex is the county's commercial property and inward investment service. At no cost to you, they can help you find your first commercial property as well with access to funding.