Business Support
There are numerous resources and support available to help your business thrive. From funding opportunities and training programs to advisory services and networking events, these resources are designed to support your organization's growth and success.
The East Sussex Growth Hub is a free, independent and publicly funded business support service for businesses across East Sussex.
They are the first step for any business seeking support and can help you find the support and solutions your business needs to thrive.
Whether you are starting up, looking to grow or are seeking to overcome challenges to your business, they can help. A team of business experts is dedicated to helping you find the right support, helping your business grow and helping to make East Sussex a great place to run a business.
Contact the Growth Hub team growth.hub@eastsussex.gov.uk or call 01273 335878
Skills & Employment East Sussex sector task groups are the ‘engine rooms’ of Skills East Sussex, working as partnerships to deliver activities that address employability and skills challenges. There are currently 6 sector task groups which are employer led.
Find out more about the task groups here
If you are interested in joining a sector task group email skillseastsussex@eastsussex.gov.uk
There are a number of newsletters you can subscribe to to help your organisation
SES Newsletter - The newsletter promotes the work of Skills & Employment East Sussex and its partners. Focussed on celebrating success, sharing information and guidance, discussion items and calls to action for all things employability and skills in East Sussex.
To subscribe email skillseastsussex@eastsussex.gov.uk
Labour Market Information (LMI) Newsletter - a bimonthly newsletter providing brief updates on East Sussex LMI data. This includes Universal Credit claimants, vacancy statistics, and skills demand. Each newsletter also spotlights local events and sectors.
To subscribe email skillseastsussex@eastsussex.gov.uk
Growth Hub's Business newsletter – updates on what’s available for businesses in East Sussex.
To subscribe click here
Funding News - Subscribe to Funding News for East Sussex, our monthly newsletter for charity and community sector organisations. Get in-depth details on grants, or search by application deadline. If you’re looking for inspiration, we have a round-up of recent successful applications.
To subscribe click here
Getting in touch with other members of the local business community can help you grow and develop your business. Whether you meet people from other business sectors, or within your own industry, networking can provide advice, support and useful contacts. Your local borough or district council may also provide advice and support.
Find out more here
Social value became a legal requirement through the Public Services Act in 2012. This requires suppliers to local authorities to offer wider benefits linked to their contract, called social value. Broadly these benefits can include supporting the local economy, the local environment and offering help to local community groups.
As regards the 'local economy' such social value can mean offering employment and training to local people, doing careers talks in local schools and supporting local businesses.
Find out more about social value here
Information about current business grants and loans, along with business support case studies can be found here
Funding Advice team
The funding and advice team is a free service for voluntary and community organisations offering:
- Help with identifying money for your project
- Bid review. Our experienced team can check through your draft application, offering advice on making a strong case for a grant
You can contact the Funding Advice team external.funding@eastsussex.gov.uk
Employer Standards helps businesses of all shapes and sizes to close their skills gaps.
Businesses today are facing challenges when it comes to recruiting people with the skills they need:
- How do I build a strong talent pipeline?
- How do I increase diversity in my workforce?
- How do I best deliver against our ESG or social value commitments?
Effective engagement with the education sector through The Careers & Enterprise Company Employer Standards will help you open new pathways and opportunities in your sector for young people.
Join over 850 employers who have already used the framework to identify and plan your work with schools, special schools, and colleges, and align this with your business objectives.
To find out more and access the self-assessment tool click here
If you’re based in East Sussex and considering setting up a business — or have just taken your first steps — The East Sussex Growth Hub Pre-Start and Start-Up Framework is here to help.
This fully funded support package is available to individuals across East Sussex who haven’t yet started trading or are still in their early stages. The support includes three structured 1:1 meetings with a business advisor, each tailored to help you make progress:
- Session 1 – Goal Setting & Feasibility: Clarify your business idea, identify any gaps, and understand what’s involved.
- Session 2 – Planning & Next Steps: Get guidance on business planning, compliance, and how to move things forward.
- Session 3 – Review & Launch Support: Finalise your next steps and build confidence to launch or grow your new venture.
Whether you’re exploring ideas or ready to get going, the Growth Hub help you build clarity and momentum — in a way that fits around you.
Contact the Growth Hub team growth.hub@eastsussex.gov.uk or call 01273 335878
Are you a woman in business looking to grow with confidence? Breakthrough 3.0 is a fully funded programme designed to support female entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs across East Sussex who are ready to take their next step.
Delivered by always possible and supported by the East Sussex Growth Hub, the programme offers a powerful mix of expert mentoring, peer-to-peer learning, and practical workshops. Participants will get tailored support to overcome challenges, refine their business strategy, and build a clear, sustainable plan for growth — all within a supportive, collaborative environment.
Whether you're running your own company, leading change within a larger organisation, or growing a side hustle into something more, Breakthrough 3.0 is here to help you thrive.
For more information and to sign up visit the Always Possible website
Delivered by East Sussex Growth Hub Start Smart, Grow Strong is a new fully funded programme, launching this September for pre-start, start-up and micro businesses across East Sussex.
Running from September 2025 to February 2026, the programme offers free in-person workshops and online webinars covering business planning, marketing, finance and growth. You’ll get hands-on learning, free templates and tools, and ongoing support from the East Sussex Growth Hub.
In-person sessions include:
- Start Smart – Building the Foundations of Your Business: Learn what it takes to run a successful business from the ground up.
- Smart Marketing – Turning Strategy into Action: Take a step-by-step approach to promoting your business and attracting new customers.
Workshops will be held in Eastbourne, Rother and Wealden and are completely free, funded by your local council. Spaces are limited- register here.