Business support programmes and organisations
TES business member recruitment
Team East Sussex (TES) is looking for new business members to join the TES Board, to help drive forward economic growth and prosperity in East Sussex. For more information and to apply, visit New business members on Team East Sussex. The closing date for applications is 5pm Monday 3 February 2025.
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.
Business support programmes
Ready To Grow and Big Ambitions business support programmes
Two new business support programmes will be running from February 2024 to March 2025, available to businesses based in the boroughs and districts of Eastbourne, Lewes, Rother and Wealden.
- Ready To Grow is a training programme for early stage business owners, trading for less than three years. This will include in-person and online workshops, masterclasses, one-to-one support and networking opportunities.
- Big Ambitions provides up to 18 hours of expertise for businesses who are growing, and likely to employ additional staff within the next 6-12 months. This will include one-to-one diagnostic action planning and specialist support.
To learn more and to sign up, visit the East Sussex Business Hub.
The programmes are funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and a collaboration between Eastbourne, Lewes, Rother and Wealden District/Borough Councils. It is supported by East Sussex County Council and delivered by Digital Islands.
Case studies of some of the businesses that have already received support through the above programmes are available to view on our Case studies page.
Big Ambitions Essentials
Big Ambitions Essentials offers business support to businesses based in East Sussex. Offering one-to-one support and participation in group-based sessions with expert business advisors, the programme will run from October 2024 to March 2025.
To learn more and to sign up, visit the East Sussex Business Hub.
This programme is fully funded by the UK Government and is delivered by Digital Islands on behalf of East Sussex County Council who manage and support the programme.
Business support and mentoring organisations
East Sussex Growth Hub
The East Sussex Growth Hub is a free, independent and publicly funded business support service for businesses across East Sussex.
Whether you are starting up, looking to grow or are seeking to overcome challenges to your business, we can help. Our 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.
Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) Sussex
We offer a wealth of FREE online business resources that can help you to start your own business, build professional skills, connect with others, and grow.
The Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) Sussex is part of the British Library’s National Network of BIPCs across the UK.
BIPC Locals at Eastbourne Library and Hastings Library support entrepreneurs, start-up businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises in Sussex, from that first spark of inspiration to successfully launching and developing a business.
As well as being a hub for entrepreneurs to network and attend events, Eastbourne Library and Hastings Library will provides 121 expert advice and access to a wealth of free online information - business databases, market research reports, company data and information on intellectual property. Whether you are just starting out or are ready to take the next step in your journey, we are here to help.
BIPC Sussex website (East Sussex Libraries)
Email: library.enquiries@eastsussex.gov.uk
Telephone: 07749 714546
BIPC Sussex Events (Eventbrite)
Resources for businesses
The government’s online resource for businesses contains essential information and tools for starting and growing a business.
Chambers of commerce
Linking together all the Chambers of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses and the Institute of Directors in East Sussex.
- Sussex Chamber of Commerce
Chamber of Commerce for the whole of Sussex.
Enterprise organisations
Not-for-profit enterprise agency providing confidential and impartial business advice.
Lobbying and benefits group for small firms and self-employed people.
Business support across the south east of England.
Sector networking
The 1066 Country marketing partnership is committed to helping tourism businesses through joint marketing campaigns, website content, working with the travel trade and networking events.
Informal networking events for businesses in Lewes, taking place on the first Friday of every month.
Borough and district councils
- Hastings Borough Council – Business
- Lewes and Eastbourne Councils – Business
- Rother District Council – Business
- Wealden District Council – Business
Contracts and procurement
How to tender for contracts with East Sussex County Council.
The portal is a collaboration between public sector authorities in the South East region to provide a simple, secure and efficient way for managing sourcing and quotation activities, reducing time and cost for buyers and suppliers.
Free access to business opportunities, with procurement notices from across Europe.
Export forums
Detailed information on importing and exporting goods to and from the UK.
Government organisation that supports companies in the UK doing business internationally and overseas enterprises seeking to set up or expand in the UK.