RISE Hastings: Lasting Economic Impact for Local Community
RISE (Reboot, Ideas, Skills, Enterprise) Hastings, a business and skills support programme delivered by local business support organisation Let’s Do Business Group and funded by Hastings Borough Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, has delivered significant economic and social impact across Hastings since its launch in 2023, and concluded in March 2026 after supporting more than 300 local businesses and helping to create and protect over 20 new jobs in the town.
The RISE Hastings programme was designed to tackle employment and education challenges in the town head on – focusing on the root causes of unemployment and disengagement with local services and support, with an aim to help residents and local businesses gain new skills, boost their confidence, and access opportunities many previously thought out of reach. From the launch of the programme in late 2023 to its conclusion in March 2026, RISE Hastings is a powerful example of what’s possible when targeted support, strategic partnerships, and community-driven efforts come together.
RISE Hastings supported over 300 local businesses to start up and grow - along with many local residents to find employment and routes to further education
On its inception, RISE Hastings was funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered by local business support provider Let's Do Business Group, supported by Southern Housing, Education Future’s Trust and East Sussex College from late 2023 to March 2025. After the initial iteration came to an end in March 2025, Hastings Borough Council funded the continuation of business support under the RISE Hastings programme from their own local budget – strengthening the relationship with Let’s Do Business Group, and offering continued positive impact seen from the previous 18 months for another 12 months.
“Without the kind of help we provided through the Rise Hastings Programme, 80% of start-up businesses fail. That’s why initiatives like this are so vital.
While Let’s Do Business Group supports enterprises across the Southeast, Hastings is our home—and we’re passionate about seeing local businesses succeed and the town benefit as a result. Supporting literally hundreds of aspiring entrepreneurs through this programme has been a real privilege. It’s been especially rewarding to watch their ideas take root and begin to flourish.”
Supporting business growth and job creation in Hastings
Over the full duration of the programme, RISE Hastings has:
Supported more than 300 local businesses and entrepreneurs
Of which:
128 were pre-start and aspiring business owners and 181 were established businesses in the town wanting to grow
And as a result of this support:
12 new jobs were created for local residents
A further 10 roles were safeguarded
Through a combination of one-to-one business advice, practical workshops and ongoing mentoring, the programme has helped over 300 aspiring entrepreneurs to start up and existing businesses to grow—contributing directly to economic resilience in the town. 12 job roles were created and a further 10 safeguarded as a direct result of support and interventions offered – showing real positive impact on the town and residents.
A key initiative within the programme, the GAIN (Growth and Innovation) Network, brought together local business owners for monthly peer support sessions—helping build confidence, share expertise and strengthen the local business community.
“RISE Hastings has been about more than training – it’s been about encouragement, and connection, and bringing organisations across Hastings together to work towards something greater. Seeing people walk in uncertain and walk out confident and career-ready has been incredibly rewarding. Having grown up in Hastings, it has been fantastic to feel the difference this programme has made to local people, no matter if they’re trying to start or grow a business, getting into the job market for the first time or trying something new.”
Investing in people, skills and opportunity
Alongside business support, the earliest RISE Hastings programme focused on equipping residents with the skills and confidence needed to access employment and training opportunities.
Working with partners including Education Futures Trust and local training providers, the programme delivered hands-on courses across sectors such as construction, hospitality, childcare and creative industries.
As a result:
60 residents progressed into education and training
Many participants reported increased confidence, improved job readiness and a better understanding of employer expectations
Participants were also supported with practical barriers, including travel costs, access to digital devices, and guidance on job applications—ensuring opportunities were accessible to those who needed them most.
A strong return on local investment
The success of RISE Hastings highlights the impact of targeted, locally delivered support—demonstrating the value of investment from Hastings Borough Council in driving inclusive economic growth.
By encouraging collaboration between employers, training providers and community organisations across Hastings, the programme created a joined-up support system that enabled residents to move seamlessly between business support, skills development and employment opportunities.
A lasting legacy for Hastings
From new enterprises and existing businesses launching and growing to more local residents taking their next steps into work or education, the RISE Hastings programme has delivered tangible, lasting change across Hastings.
As the programme concludes, RISE Hastings leaves behind a strengthened local business ecosystem, new employment opportunities, and a more confident, skilled community.
