Business Support and Advice

Coast to Capital

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 and Brexit transition advisors.

Coast to Capital - Growth Hub

The Business Hothouse

The Business Hothouse offers free support to pre-start and established businesses in the Coast-to-Capital area. From workshops to grant funding, they provide the expert guidance to get your business growing.  Visit the website for further information. The Business Hothouse.

Kickstart Scheme

The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to create new job placements for 16 to 24 year olds. Employers of all sizes can apply for funding which covers: National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage depending on the age of the participant) for 25 hours per week for a total of 6 months and associated employer National Insurance contributions. Employers can spread the start date of the job placements up until the end of December 2021.

Kickstart Scheme

Innovate UK EDGE

Bespoke services to help ambitious, innovative SMEs scale and grow. 5-7 days of bespoke fully-funded support for; Innovative and ambitious SMEs who want to grow their business in the UK and Globally.

Innovate UK Edge

West Sussex Business & Intellectual Property Centre

West Sussex has been adopted into the Arts Council funded British Library Business & IP Centre National Network. They run webinars, including Reset. Restart programme offering support to SMEs across the country through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

British Library Business & IP Centre

Brighton and Hove City Libraries is developing a Business & IP Centre (BIPC), which will be part of the British Library Business & IP Centre National Network.

Brighton & Hove City Libraries - Help Start, Protect and Grow Business

LoCase (Low Carbon Across the South East)

Support for Low Carbon and Environmental Goods & Services (LCEGS) SMEs to adopt and develop eco-innovative and low carbon solutions to improve business.

Grants of up to £10,000 for energy efficiency and low carbon product/service development.

LoCase - wider programme information

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

Modern Slavery toolkit for Small, Medium Enterprises / Businesses 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.

Last updated: 28 April 2021