Start Up September 2026: Free Support for New Businesses, Powered by Partnership!
Starting a business can feel lonely. There are decisions to make about money, marketing, hiring and strategy, and knowing where to turn for good advice isn't always easy, but our Start Up September campaign exists to change that - connecting local entrepreneurs with free advice, practical support and the right signposting, so that no one has to figure it all out alone.
This matters even more now. Fully funded, free business support is harder to find across the UK than it once was, and that makes the collaborative approach behind this year's campaign all the more valuable. 2026 was a really positive year for Start Up September, and a clear example of what local organisations can achieve when we share our time and expertise. The campaign reached thousands of entrepreneurs, business owners and support organisations to spread the word – that free and practical support is still out there.
Over 250 businesses explored our free resources
At the heart of the Start Up September was a simple offer: free, practical resources for new and small businesses, available to anyone who wanted them. Across our website, over 250 businesses accessed and explored our free downloadable templates and guides, alongside the thousands of viewers across social media who watched and engaged with our daily posts, where we also shared free opportunities and tips for new and small businesses. The support and information we shared was available to businesses anytime, anywhere – wherever they were based.
Working together
Let's Do Business Group, Let's Do Business Finance, Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce, several Chamber member businesses and The Business Terrace in Maidstone all took part in Start Up September this year – offering free events, 1:1 consultations, resources and more to new and aspiring business owners. By working together, this meant accessing support was easier, less intimidating, and led to better signposting and clearer next steps for new and aspiring business owners, too.
Building confidence through marketing training
Let's Do Marketing ran a series of workshops that trained 14 business owners to take control of their own marketing, covering topics like using Canva to create professional-looking content, growing a network on LinkedIn, building a social media strategy, and getting started with paid advertising on Meta. Attendees left with skills they can use straight away, and the confidence to keep building on them.
Local expertise, shared!
Members of Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce gave their time across two free events, which were attended by 11 small businesses from across East Sussex. The first, Building a Brand, was led by branding specialists Good Company. They explored how strong customer relationships are some of the most effective marketing a business can have.
The second workshop, the HR and Finance Survival Guide, brought together local accountants Ashdown Hurrey and HR specialists PeopleHR, with founder Nicky Histed presenting, with attendees learning about the essentials of managing business finances and what to think about when hiring a first employee, two of the biggest milestones for any growing business, as well as where to look for local support when growing and scaling.
One-to-one advice
Start Up September also offered free 30-minute consultations with experts in marketing content and strategy, business development, business planning, and the finance options available to new and growing businesses.
Over 20 businesses benefited from tailored, one-to-one guidance through the scheme, able to book free consultations on as many topics as they needed. Combined with the free resources available, this gave invaluable help to new business owners – enabling them to go through their business plans, marketing strategies and financial planning with business experts and get key advice.
Bill Neech, founder of Sands & Co, a Hastings-based business consultancy firm and member of Hastings Area of Chamber, also joined the team of experts offering free consultations this year – lending his knowledge and expertise in business planning and development to five local entrepreneurs and small businesses who needed a listening ear, a brainstorm, and recommendations.
“The one-to-one online meetings I had with both Kerry and Rupert were incredibly insightful.
For someone who has barely dipped a toe into the world of business, the time spent learning from them was invaluable. All of the information was completely relevant and tailored to my business needs. Follow up emails, were again full of useful information and links, specific to the sector I’m aiming to move forward in. And, I’m so appreciative of the time they’ve spent in individualising the content delivered and keeping in touch for any future business needs.
On a personal note, I was overwhelmed by the level of thought given to my particular health circumstances, and am extremely grateful for the inclusivity I was provided. I have no reservations in recommending ‘Let’s do Business’ to anyone seeking advice in their future endeavours. Thank you very much!”
Backing new businesses with finance – approving over half a million in Start Up Loans!
Advice and training are only part of the picture, and for many new businesses the next step is access to funding. Throughout September, Let's Do Business Finance continued to support aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs through the government-backed Start Up Loans scheme, approving 47 Start Up Loans totalling £507,900 to businesses across the South and East of England. For these entrepreneurs, that means the chance to turn a business plan into a real, trading business, with the support of a responsible lender behind them.
By the numbers
Over 250 businesses explored our free resources
14 business owners trained in marketing workshops delivered by Let’s Do Marketing
2 free expert-led events delivered with Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce members
Over 20 businesses supported through free one-to-one consultations
Daily resources, opportunities and tips shared throughout September – reaching over 18,000 people!
Looking ahead
Start Up September 2026 was full of inspiring stories, motivation and support – showing the strength of local support and the business community. Established and mature businesses lending a hand up the ladder to aspiring entrepreneurs, sharing their expertise and experiences to make the beginnings of entrepreneurship a little smoother for others. Thank you to everyone who contributed their time and expertise, and to every business owner who joined in and made the 2026 campaign the success it was!
