RISE 2.0: We’re delivering business support in Hastings!
The Let’s Do Business Group team are proud to announce they have been successful in securing funding to deliver business support in Hastings, East Sussex through the RISE programme
Awarded by Hastings Borough Council and fully funded under the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the RISE 2.0 programme aims to enhance economic growth in Hastings through business support, advice, and support to budding entrepreneurs.
Building on the resounding success of our previous business support programmes in Hastings, including the first iteration of RISE which ran from March 2024 to March 2025 and CHART (Connecting Hastings and Rother Together) in 2020-2022, our team are excited to hit the ground running and begin delivering this invaluable support to local businesses and entrepreneurs with the support of Hastings Borough Council.
Cllr Glenn Haffenden, leader of Hastings Borough Council, said:
“I’m delighted that the UK Shared Prosperity Funding is being used to help fund much-needed business support in Hastings. I know how valuable this help and support is for small businesses, I’d encourage anyone with an idea for a small business or already with a business to get involved.”
The RISE 2.0 programme will offer a mix of one-to-one support and workshop provision, catering to the diverse needs of businesses and individuals in North East Hastings and across the Borough. Support to existing businesses will include help with business planning, business strategy, accessing finance, and identifying suitable business premises, with specialist advice for pre-start and early stage businesses to support them in making their business idea a success.
Additionally, the programme will provide business skills workshops covering various topics, and include free access to digital marketing skills from Let’s Do Marketing. The GAIN Network, a peer-to-peer networking and learning environment for small businesses that was founded through the first RISE Hastings programme in 2024, will continue to support businesses in achieving their goals and connect local business owners to opportunities. 'Side Hustle' and Start-Up Workshops will also be available to help residents monetise hobbies or ideas into businesses and develop business plans.
"This programme will allow us to provide high-quality support to local businesses and individuals, helping them to thrive in today's challenging market, and build on the support for Hastings’ businesses that we have been able to provide for many years.” said Graham Marley, Chief Executive of Let's Do Business Group.
“Hastings needs business support more than ever, and from our experience delivering business support programmes in the area, we know that Hastings has an appetite to grow and entrepreneurs who want to make it happen – we’re ready to help them achieve that.”
