Business Support
Business Support and Advice
The Business & IP Centre (BIPC) Sussex with its Regional Centre BIPC Brighton & Hove at Jubilee Library and its BIPC Local at Crawley Library, supports entrepreneurs, inventors, and small businesses across 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, it provides 121 expert advice and access to a wealth of free information - business databases, market research reports, company data and information on intellectual property.
BIPC Sussex is part of the British Library’s National Network of BIPCs and one of 20 Centres currently available across UK.
Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is one of 38 local business led partnerships nationwide between local authorities and businesses driving economic growth and the creation of local jobs. The Coast to Capital Growth Hub provides free and impartial government funded business support, including one to one support from specialist growth advisors.
Grow Digital West Sussex is here to help businesses strengthen their digital toolset. They will walk away with actionable insights, new business connections and key takeaways about how they can grow their business. Each of our event days include a mixture of expert in-person workshops, local food, networking opportunities and access to one-to-one mentoring.
The free digital growth support includes:
Expert Workshops
Interactive group workshops from local experts where businesses can get individual questions answered and walk away with actionable insights. Topics will address key challenges faced by local businesses and how digital technology can help including: increasing sales, reducing costs, reaching new customers, as well as gaining access to the right people and resources.
1-2-1 Mentoring
We understand that businesses may need more support in certain areas of their business and that’s why we are providing an opportunity for attendees of the workshops to be paired with one of our expert mentors for one whole day of fully funded mentoring!
Networking & Local Food
We love to facilitate collaborations and help small businesses expand their networks. They can meet other attendees, make new connections (and maybe even some potential partnerships!) whilst enjoying some delicious Sussex produce.
Convenient Format
We know it’s a commitment to take time out of the business to work on the business and that’s why we have packed everything you need into one-day events full of valuable knowledge and practical tools . We also understand flexibility is key so if a business can’t make a certain session, they can check the programme dates and catch the session on another day.
For more information, visit: Grow Digital West Sussex - West Sussex County Council
Let’s Go! Net Zero is an initiative aiming to inspire and motivate West Sussex Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) and business sectors to embrace relevant and meaningful steps towards sustainability and net zero delivering a fully funded programme of free support, events and resources for local businesses.
Find out more about the support available, access useful tools and resources and sign up for upcoming events here www.letsgonetzero.net
The programme follows on from the successful Low Carbon Business video series available to watch on YouTube https://bit.ly/3Utp7er
The Let’s Go! Net Zero programme is being jointly funded by West Sussex County Council and the West Sussex Districts and Boroughs.
Innovate UK Business Growth is a key part of the UK innovation agency’s deep investment in the pioneering businesses that drive economic growth. It is a publicly-funded service available to all high potential small to medium sized innovation-driven companies, including Innovate UK grant winners.
Clean Growth UK offer eligible businesses a net-zero package which includes a free 3-part workshop series, a carbon calculator, and access to funding and innovation support to help you reduce your footprint faster. Further information can be found here https://www.clean-growth.uk/net-zero-360/
The West Sussex Business Hub is free to join and open to anyone in West Sussex who runs or owns an independent business, providing access to training, business support, networking opportunities, and information - as well as enabling you to contribute your ideas and share your experience with other business owners.
Business and Membership Organisations
Mid Sussex benefits from the support of various business associations and organisations providing business support, networking opportunities and a wide range of events.
Useful Resources and Tools
Modern Slavery Toolkit
The toolkit is the first of its kind, being both free and specifically created for SMEs in consultation with business experts. The toolkit includes key features such as a simple risk self-assessment, practical steps to protect employees, and clear guidance on how to report modern slavery concerns.
The Modern Slavery Toolkit for Small, Medium Enterprises