Freedom Works Business Support

Practical business support you can use

Whether you are starting a business, looking for your next stage of growth or working through a particular challenge, useful support needs to lead somewhere. Freedom Works Business Support combines expert-led workshops, bootcamps, mentoring, networking and peer support with practical ideas that business owners can take away and apply.

Programmes are delivered by experienced practitioners and developed around the challenges businesses are actually facing. Freedom Works also works alongside local authorities and organisations including Barclays Eagle Labs, Growth Hubs and Chambers of Commerce to make specialist business advice and development opportunities more accessible.

Experience backed by a wider business community

Freedom Works has been delivering business support programmes since 2016 and has built a community of more than 5,000 businesses. Through Freedom Works and PLATF9RM, there are 12 regional hubs across the South, giving businesses opportunities to stay connected beyond an individual workshop or programme.

Previous participants regularly highlight increased confidence, useful connections and having clear actions they can put into practice. In surveyed feedback, 97% of businesses rated Freedom Works support as good or excellent.

Current funded support for Eastbourne businesses

Opportunities change as new programmes become available, with current support including:

• Step Up: Ltd - Eastbourne: Fully funded support for sole traders trading within Eastbourne Borough who want to understand the differences between remaining a sole trader and becoming a limited company. Participants can choose a workshop or webinar and receive up to 90 minutes of one-to-one mentoring with accountant and tax specialist Chris Barnard. Sessions take place on 6 and 22 October 2026.
• Business Essentials - East Sussex: Running from November to February, this programme supports sole traders, early-stage businesses, micro businesses and small businesses across East Sussex. Sessions cover business planning, online essentials, marketing, sales, systems and finance.

Previous programmes have included Build & Thrive, Start Smart Grow Strong, Stay Smart Grow Strong, Sales Skills Bootcamp and Brighton & Hove Business Launchpad.

Find the support that fits your business

You do not need to know exactly what support you need before making contact. To ask what funded business support is currently available in Eastbourne, contact Kirsty Painter, Head of Business Support, on 07779 587044 or email the team.