Give to Gain
Let’s Do Business Group Celebrates International Women’s Day 2026 in Hastings
Let’s Do Business Group brought together aspiring female entrepreneurs and local businesswomen for a day of learning and networking in Hastings to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026.
On Friday 6th March, we hosted an International Women’s Day 2026 event at Freedom Works – The Palace Workspace in Hastings, welcoming 16 local businesswomen for a day of expert-led training, networking and celebration. To honour this year’s theme – ‘Give to Gain’ – this in-person event provided business support to women looking to start their own business or are in the early stages of trading, bringing together practical support and meaningful connections. Because when women in business are given the right tools and the right people around them, the gains reach far beyond the individual and into the community, local economy and the future of enterprise in our region.
The 2026 theme, Give to Gain, represents how, by proactively taking the steps to lift others, we all benefit. Whether that’s through sharing knowledge and resources, mentoring, or simply giving our time to support others in their goals and celebrating their achievements, we help to create a more supportive and connected community.
For businesses, IWD is also a powerful opportunity to look inward and celebrate the women within their teams by reaffirming their values and showing appreciation for the people who drive their mission forward. When organisations actively support and champion women – whether through events, mentoring, flexible working, or simply amplifying their voices – they build stronger, more engaged teams and contribute to a culture where everyone can thrive.
A Morning of Practical Business Skills
The morning kicked off with free, practical start-up training that welcomed women from across East Sussex and beyond. Attendees gained hands-on knowledge across two expert-led sessions, giving them the tools and confidence to move forward with their business ideas:
Business Planning & Finance, delivered by Lisa Young from Let’s Do Business Group, covering how to build a solid business plan, put together a cash flow forecast, and lay strong financial foundations for a new business.
Marketing & Social Media Tips, led by Kerry Madge from Let’s Do Marketing, sharing practical guidance on how to build visibility, create engaging content, and develop a marketing approach tailored to start-ups and small businesses.
“It was great to be involved with this years event for IWD and to connect with everyone present, it was good to see familiar faces and learn how they have progressed with their businesses. I always enjoy delivering the workshop sessions and emphasising the importance of putting together a comprehensive business plan and finance forecast to help keep their ideas on track.”
An Afternoon of Networking and Celebration
The afternoon shifted the focus to connection and community, with a networking and celebration event that brought together businesses from across the local area. Attendees had the opportunity to share their entrepreneurial journeys and build relationships that go far beyond a single event.
Delivered in partnership with Freedom Works, the afternoon embodied the Give to Gain ethos at its heart – by sharing experience and encouragement, attendees gained invaluable connections, new perspectives, a renewed sense of confidence, and real-world inspiration from local women who have walked the same path. Those connections don’t just stop at the door. They become collaborations, referrals, mentoring relationships, and friendships – the kind of network that sustains a business through its early years and beyond – and as more women build and grow successful enterprises, that ripple effect will be felt across our communities: more local jobs, more economic activity, and a more diverse and resilient business landscape for everyone.
Support for Women in Business
The case for supporting women in business has never been stronger. Early-stage entrepreneurial activity among women in the UK has grown threefold since 2002, rising from just 3.5% to 10%, and yet significant barriers remain. Just 14% of SMEs with employees are led by women, a figure that has fallen in recent years, representing a loss of an estimated 70,000 firms, and with it, a significant loss of economic potential and employment as well as innovation in our communities.
The ambition is clearly there. What makes the difference is access to both the right knowledge and the right support at the right time. That is exactly what events like this one set out to provide – and why Let’s Do Business Group remains committed to making practical business support accessible to women at every stage of the entrepreneurial journey through long-running programmes, such as the Her Biz Women’s Start Up programme across East Sussex and Kent.
We are proud to have delivered this event in collaboration with Let’s Do Marketing and Freedom Works, whose partnership and support helped make the day a success.
Whether you are exploring a business idea, taking your first steps as a new entrepreneur, or are looking to grow an existing venture, Let’s Do Business Group is here to help. To find out how we can support your business, no matter what stage you are at, please get in touch!