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East Sussex

BIG AMBITIONS ESSENTIALS - Just released.

1:1 support and group based training with expert business advisors...

Big Ambitions Essentials provides 1:1 support and participation in group-based training sessions with our expert business advisors. We aim to support 45 local business owners, enabling them to boost their confidence and help them develop their businesses by strengthening their abilities.

Depending on the specific needs of your business, you can access:

  • 2-3 hours of initial assessment with one of our experienced business advisors. This will involve an in-depth conversation about your business, its goals and ambitions, and what you would like to focus on through the programme.
  • Use of the Growth Mapper tool developed by Oxford Innovation.
  • Participation in 1 or 2 carefully curated training sessions on topics varying from Finance, Marketing, or Sales, based on your requirements.
  • Up to 6 hours of one-on-one support with a subject matter expert to guide you through your business goals.
  • Participation in a weekly online networking opportunity to connect with like-minded business professionals and be part of a growing community.
  • A follow-up session with the person who conducted the initial 2-3 hour meeting, to discuss the areas you plan to focus on following your participation in this programme of support.
  • Introduction to the Digital Boost programme. Digital Islands has partnered with Digital Boost to provide you with free expert mentorship! You can get the help you need, as and when you need it through this programme. 
  • CPR training will be offered to all participants as part of the in-person training sessions we are running.  

5 half-day, in-person training sessions are being organised (two in late November 2024 and three in January/February 2025). The programme, fully funded by East Sussex County Council, is expected to be full by December but will close earlier if all places are filled. 

Join our programme today and gain access to the best expertise for your business. Click on the link below to book an initial call now.

Are you an East Sussex Business Owner?

Big Ambitions and Ready to Grow:
Two programmes of support for East Sussex Businesses.

Digital Islands has been recommissioned by East Sussex County Council, working in collaboration with the Districts of Rother, Wealden, Lewes and Eastbourne Borough Council, to run two programmes of business support through until March 2025. 

Big Ambitions provides ambitious business owners in the county with a package of up to 18 hours of one to one help and advice from a team of specialists.

Ready to Grow is a training programme for small groups of business owners, those who started trading within the last couple of years.   

Developed by Digital Islands, the programmes were funded by the Councils and the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

To find out more you can book a call to discuss the details, or join the East Sussex Business Hub where you can find all the details and a lot more too.

Big Ambitions logo 2

Up to 18 hours of 1:1 help from specialist advisors

Big Ambitions is designed for East Sussex business owners who are looking to grow and are likely to employ one or more additional staff within the next 12 to 18 months.  

The support starts with a 3-hour business health check, which is a one to one diagnostic conversation with an experienced business advisor (usually this will be James) designed to help us gather a comprehensive understanding of the business,  identify strengths, and discuss the areas where you might need some support. You will develop an outline Action Plan and be allocated to a work with one of the specialist advisors in the team.  Once you have completed the support with the specialist you will have a follow up meeting with James to revisit your Action Plan.     

Find out more from the East Sussex Business Hub or you can book a call to discuss whether this support is suitable for you via this link

 

Ready to Grow logo


Support and Training for early stage businesses

Ready to Grow is a training programme for business owners who started trading in the last couple of years and need some help to get the business on track. We will be running the training four times in 2024:

Lewes District, starting 17th April 2024

Rother District, starting 4th June 2024

Eastbourne, starting 4th September 2024

Wealden, starting 7th November 2024

We are only accepting 12 business owners into each East Sussex group for this fully funded package of support. 

Participants will also receive 1:1 mentoring throughout to support the development of a personalised Action Plan. 

More details are available on the East Sussex Business Hub, or you can book a call to discuss whether this is suitable for you via this link.  

Our happy clients

Digital Islands has helped hundreds of small business owners thrive.

By collaborating with local councils, universities, business membership organisations, networks and other providers of economic development services, we reach deep into
the communities we serve to achieve real results.

With projects across Southern England, we have built a wide network of specialists. This has created a robust structure able to serve local project delivery and provides capacity and back up capacity if required.

Adam runs a freight forwarding business, and was keen to expand into new areas and develop the business. Through the support Digital Islands he has been provided with help, advice, marketing and introductions. 

adam marsek, fba freight forwarding
Who we’ve helped