Business support and advice services
COVID-19 update
The Government has set out a package of temporary measures to support businesses through this period of disruption. To find out more go to our COVID-19 page.
The following organisations can also help you understand the full range of measures announced by the Government:
Business East Sussex - They provide free and impartial government funded business support.
Coronavirus Business Support Hub- The Hub brings together the key information for businesses including the Government's temporary measures, business closures, your responsibilities as an employer and managing your business during the Coronavirus.
Support bodies and organisations
Lewes District and Eastbourne Borough Council funds and supports a number of business support services so residents and businesses have access to free expert advice.
The following organisations can help you find the right advice and support to help your business:
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 and established businesses 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 Councils, Edeal offers free confidential and impartial business advice and counselling for start-ups and established businesses. 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 annual LEAP Entrepreneurial and Leadership and Management programmes - workshops, 1-2-1 mentoring and a chance to win a cash prize. These programmes are funded by Lewes District Council and the EU under the Chichester University's Hot House initiative and delivered by Edeal.
Locate East Sussex - Locate East Sussex works with companies on property and location matters and by providing business advice and support and access to funding, all of which is delivered at no cost. Locate East Sussex is supported with funding from Eastbourne Borough Council, Lewes District Council, Hastings Borough Council, Rother District Council, Wealden District Council, East Sussex County Council and the European Union's Regional Development Fund.
Newhaven Enterprise Zone website - Businesses locating to the Newhaven Enterprise Zone have access to additional benefits. These include potential for relief on business rates, simplified planning rules and dedicated support and advice.
Universities
The local universities have dedicated business support teams who can help you access their talent, training, funding schemes and programmes including collaboration opportunities, support in growing sectors such sustainability, and peer networking.