Following a long career in social care, Clare Emmins launched Empower (registered as Empowered Solutions Ltd) to help people navigate their care options and gain greater choice and control over their support. With guidance, peer support and a £1,000 grant from Smart Start Brentwood, she has successfully established the business and is now focused on growing its reach and services.

Jim Callender founded Oceanic Woodstore in Brighton in 2023 with a passion for making furniture that lasts. Now based at Newhaven Enterprise Centre, the business has grown steadily with support from Let's Do Business Group, including grant funding through the Newhaven Enterprise Zone's Low Carbon Investment Fund.

EraseMe was founded by Elvijs Izaks to help individuals and businesses regain control of their digital footprint by removing or de-indexing sensitive personal information online. Supported by the Smart Start Brentwood programme and a £1,000 grant funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, EraseMe has been able to invest in specialist software, SEO and marketing to grow the business and continue helping clients protect their privacy and online reputation.

Halo Creative Media is a growing creative agency helping to strengthen brands through professional design, digital marketing, websites, and video content. After joining the Smart Start Brentwood Business Support Programme, the business gained valuable guidance and a business grant that helped improve operational capacity, invest in upgraded creative technology, and build greater confidence for future growth.

Luton Council is celebrates the success of the Luton Online Digital Marketing Launchpad, a two-year programme that has supported hundreds of local businesses to strengthen their digital presence, build confidence and grow sustainably.

Balaghi & Rose, a Luton-based specialist law firm, faced rising costs and an uncertain future before joining the Take The Lead Programme through the Luton Elevate Business Growth initiative. Through workshops, mentoring, and collaborative learning, the firm re-evaluated its strategy, completely redrafting its business plan and embracing new approaches to growth.

The Newhaven Grant Schemes have closed after unlocking over £1.5 million in investment for local businesses. Delivered by Let’s Do Business Group in partnership with Newhaven Enterprise Zone, the programme supported commercial space improvements and low carbon initiatives across the town.

Owner of KP Life Coaching won £500 to jumpstart her business from the NatWest funded Her Biz Start Up Business workshops.

Owner of Sewn Folk Studio won £500 to jumpstart her business from the NatWest funded Her Biz Start Up Business workshops.

Owner of Petzania won £500 to jumpstart her business from the NatWest funded Her Biz Start Up Business workshops.

What began as a personal hobby turned into a full-scale business with support under the RISE Hastings Programme and a £25,000 Start Up Loan, transforming a former salon into a bustling local hotspot. Today, Cured Delicatessen is not only reviving traditional charcuterie, but also contributing to the regeneration of Harold Road and bringing the community together – one salchichón at a time.

With over 70 years of combined experience, Gareth & Andrew they turned their vision into reality – crafting bespoke metalwork and shaping the future of their industry. Supported by the RISE Hastings Programme, they navigated the challenges of launching a business, setting a foundation for growth, innovation, and future apprenticeships.

Owner of organisation and decluttering business, Next Chapter Decluttering, won £500 to jumpstart her business from the NatWest-funded Her Biz Start-Up Business workshops.

Owner of Zerenity Creates won £500 to jumpstart her business from the NatWest funded Her Biz Start Up Business workshops.

Karen Clarke’s Journey from Hobbyist to Business Owner: How the Her Biz Program Empowered the Launch of Coker and Clarke Fabric Store.

Owner of organic, vegan cake company, Cloud Pixie Cakes, won £500 to jumpstart her business from the NatWest funded Her Biz Start Up Business workshops.

Alison Purdy is a Glass and Mirror Designer from Hastings who makes decorative and unique design windows and mirrors. We talked to her about her 25-year business journey and how support from Let’s Do Business Group lit up her path of success.

Owner of NK Calligraphy won £500 to jumpstart her business from the NatWest funded Her Biz Start Up Business workshops.

Owner of Adaptive Motorhome Hire won £500 to jumpstart her business from the NatWest funded Her Biz Start Up Business workshops.

A new private fitness facility has recently opened in St Leonards with support from Hastings RISE to receive a Start Up Loan