In summary
This month you will find information about networking events and B2B Expos in Sussex, as well as local support for SMEs.
Your Sussex Development Manager, Alison Turner, is constantly talking to local authorities and the media to make sure small businesses, like yours, are represented at a local level. Please keep in touch and let us know how you can help.
Please email [email protected] if you need help in dealing with a local issue.
Featured news and events
Who to contact for business advice
Both East and West Sussex County Councils have growth hubs that provide free, independent, and publicly funded business support services for businesses across Sussex. Whether you're starting a business, looking to expand, or facing challenges, they can help. Their teams of business experts are dedicated to assisting you in finding the right support, fostering business growth, and making Sussex a great place to run a business.
For more information, see:
• East Sussex Growth Hub
• West Sussex Growth Hub
The Brighton & Hove growth hub has joined forces with the Business and IP Centre in Brighton & Hove to provide entrepreneurs, micro-businesses, and small and medium-sized enterprises a network of support. You can access:
• a programme of free and low-cost events
• one to ones
• workshops.
They also have a collection of Business & IP database and can help you to learn new skills, research your customers, market, industry and discover potential IP and more.
April Networking with the FSB
We have two exciting business networking events in April. Join us and meet local small businesses, make new connections, reconnect with old friends in a relaxed and friendly environment.
- Eastbourne Networking at the farm at Friday Street on Tuesday 8 April from 10am - 12noon. Grace Henley from Sussex Staffing Solutions will be giving her top tips for small businesses who are recruiting and interviewing.
- Chichester Networking at Chichester Enterprise Centre on Wednesday 16 April from 10am - 12noon. Back by popular demand, Alan Jackson will be presenting on public speaking. Alan is a highly experienced speaker with over 1800 hours of formal public speaking engagements spanning 25 years. His top tips will inspire you to speak confidently in front of small groups of clients or deliver presentations to larger audiences.
In other news
Horsham based businesses – prepare to apply for a £5,000 grant
Start preparing your business plan now to apply for up to £5,000 worth of Green LEAP small businesses funding.
Grants of up to £5,000 will be available for small Horsham District based businesses towards climate-friendly projects which will not only help future-proof their businesses but also support the achievement of their business’ climate ambitions. Grants of up to £2,000 will also be available to fund towards other project ideas which will help future-proof local businesses.
Applications will close on Friday 25 April 2025, or earlier if all funding is allocated.
See you at the B2B Brighton Business Expo?
Join hundreds of local businesses at the Brighton Business Expo which is taking place on Thursday 23rd October 2025 at Brighton Racecourse.
Expos offer unique networking opportunities to meet decision-makers, discover innovative products, and form strategic partnerships. You can attend seminars to gain insights from industry leaders and stay ahead of trends that can drive your business forward.
Why not take a stand at B2B Brighton Business Expo? It’s a great way to increase brand visibility, engage directly with potential customers, and showcase your products or services to a targeted audience. FSB members can benefit from £100 off stands by using code FSB100 at the time of booking.
Still in the news
Newhaven Business Grants Programme
The Newhaven Business Grants Programme offers grants to SME businesses in the Newhaven Town Deal area.
Businesses can apply for grants of 50% of the cost of capital projects up to £15,000. This could include new equipment, machinery, commercial vehicles and property adaptations.
Sussex and Brighton devolution consultation
The government has selected Sussex as one of six areas to join its Devolution Priority Programme (DPP). This comes after the December 2024 release of the English Devolution White Paper, which aims to bring more power to local communities, reducing control from Westminster.
Local leaders from East Sussex, West Sussex, and Brighton and Hove City Councils have expressed interest in creating a Mayoral Combined County Authority, with the first election for a mayor set for May 2026.
Before any decisions are made, the government is asking for feedback from residents and businesses in the area. This consultation focuses on the proposal to form a new Mayoral Combined County Authority for East Sussex, West Sussex, and Brighton and Hove.
More news and activity near you
- Kent and Medway
- Surrey
- More from FSB South East England
Get in touch
Your FSB Development Manager for Sussex is Alison Turner. If you'd like more information about the topics above, or if you have news about this area that you'd like to share, please get in touch.
- email us: [email protected]
- follow us on x: @FSBSussex
- follow us on Facebook: @FSB.Official.Sussex