Start Up September is back for 2025!

Start Up September returns every year to highlight the support and resources available for aspiring entrepreneurs in the South East and East of England.

This year we’re highlighting events taking place across the South of England, as well as where to find support to help your business start up and grow.

Don’t forget to keep an eye on our social media channels, where we’ll be sharing even more helpful content and inspiring stories from business owners just like you!

Each #StartUpSeptember, there are free events and expert consultations on offer, and we share daily tips, tricks and opportunities on our social media channels!

Start Up September is the place to visit if you need support for your business. Wherever you’re based, Let’s Do Business Group and our partners across the region can connect you with the support you need to launch, grow and thrive.

Stay tuned to find out what #StartUpSeptember2025 has in store - and if you’re an organisation looking to get involved with the next annual campaign and want to help us support even more business, get in touch with our team!

What’s on this #StartUpSeptember

Events

Each year we deliver special events tailored for Start Up businesses - which include all the essentials you need to know to get your business off the ground with confidence. Whether it’s funding, marketing, business planning or anything else, our workshops are here to help.

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Free Resources

Looking for how to put together a business plan, a cash flow forecast, or want to create a marketing strategy built for success? We have a range of free resources and templates available for you to download.

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Free Consultations with Business Experts

Want to run an idea past someone, have a brainstorm, or get some guidance on something tax or finance related for your business? We’re running free 30 minute consultations with business experts this September, where you’ll get expert advice and signposting on where to access further support.

Jump to free consultations

Book a free 30 minute consultation with our business experts!

Marketing Strategy with Stacey

Stacey is the Marketing Director of Let’s Do Marketing, and she specialises in everything:
- Marketing Strategy
- SEO
- LinkedIn Advertising
- Email Marketing

Book on Calendly
Start Up Funding with James

Thinking about applying for a Start Up Loan for your business? Whether you’re wondering whether you’re eligible or best practice for the application process, book a free consultation with James from the Start Up Loan team at Let’s Do Business Finance to have your questions answered!

Book on Calendly
Social Media and Content Creation with Kerry

Get your social media marketing strategy on track with Kerry, who has experience in all things social media and content creation!
Specialising in:
- Social media strategy
- Graphic design
- Video editing
- Paid Ads

Book on Calendly
Essex: Business Support with Ross

Find support for your business with a free consultation with our Backing Essex Business Advisory Manager Ross Moran. Whether you want advice on strategy and operations or information on finance options for your Essex based business, book a free session with Ross!

Book on Calendly
Hastings & Sussex: Business Support with Rupert

Want to talk over your business with an expert, and find out what support is available? Book a free 30 minute consultation with our Advisory Manager Rupert!

Book on Calendly
Norfolk: Growth Funding with Anthony

Getting funding for your start-up or SME can be stressful. What funding options are available? What do I do if I’m turned down? Find out what to do with a free online 1:1 with Anthony from our team at Let's Do Business Finance (exclusively for Norfolk based businesses)

Book on Eventbrite

Free templates and checklists to get your business going!

Business Plan Template

Download
Marketing Strategy Template

Download
Social Media Strategy Template

Download
New Business Checklist

Download

Find an event near you this

#StartUpSeptember

Events open to all - no matter where you’re located

Grow or Start your Business with CDFI Finance

Part of Business Finance Week and in partnership with Responsible Finance and the British Business Bank
Location: ONLINE
2 October 2025

Register
HMRC Tax Basics – a starter guide for small businesses

Location: ONLINE
Wednesday 1 October

Register
Create a Compelling Business Plan in Numbers

A partner event as part of the British Business Bank’s Business Finance Week 2025.
Location: ONLINE
8 October

Register
An Introduction to Start Up Loans

A partner event, part of the British Business Banks’ Business Finance Week.
Location: ONLINE
1 October

Register

Events in Sussex

Hastings: Start My Biz

Location: Freedom Works - The Palace Workspace, 1-3 Robertson Street, Hastings TN34 1HN.
Wednesday 24th September & Wednesday 1st October 2025

Register
Sussex & Kent: Her Biz

Location: ONLINE
The programme consists of 3 x 3 hour sessions:
Friday 10th October, Friday 17th October & Friday 24th October

Register
Grow or Start your Business with CDFI Finance

Part of Business Finance Week and in partnership with Responsible Finance and the British Business Bank
Location: ONLINE
2 October 2025

Register
Hastings: Side Hustle - Start Small, Dream BIG!

Free workshop for Hastings residents
Location: Freedom Works - The Palace Workspace, 1-3 Robertson Street, Hastings, TN34 1HN
Tuesday 21 October

Register
HMRC Tax Basics – a starter guide for small businesses

Location: ONLINE
Wednesday 1 October

Register
Create a Compelling Business Plan in Numbers

A partner event as part of the British Business Bank’s Business Finance Week 2025.
Location: ONLINE
8 October

Register
An Introduction to Start Up Loans

A partner event, part of the British Business Banks’ Business Finance Week.
Location: ONLINE
1 October

Register
Rother: Smart Marketing - Turn Strategy into Action

Location: De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill
Tuesday 21 October

Register
Rother: Start Smart - Building the Foundations of Your Business

Location: De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill
Tuesday 30 September

Register
Eastbourne: Start Smart - Building the Foundations of Your Business

Location: Welcome Building, 14 Compton Street Eastbourne BN21 4BP
Wednesday 24 September

Register

Events in Kent

Sussex & Kent: Her Biz

Location: ONLINE
The programme consists of 3 x 3 hour sessions:
Friday 10th October, Friday 17th October & Friday 24th October

Register
Grow or Start your Business with CDFI Finance

Part of Business Finance Week and in partnership with Responsible Finance and the British Business Bank
Location: ONLINE
2 October 2025

Register
HMRC Tax Basics – a starter guide for small businesses

Location: ONLINE
Wednesday 1 October

Register
Create a Compelling Business Plan in Numbers

A partner event as part of the British Business Bank’s Business Finance Week 2025.
Location: ONLINE
8 October

Register
An Introduction to Start Up Loans

A partner event, part of the British Business Banks’ Business Finance Week.
Location: ONLINE
1 October

Register
Maidstone: Start Up Business Workshop

Location: The Business Terrace, Maidstone
Tuesday 30 September
10:30am - 2:30pm

Register
Gravesham: Turn Dreams into a Reality In-Person Workshop

Location: The Loft, Gravesend
Saturday 18 October

Register

Events in Essex

Women's Networking Group

Location: Barleylands Road Billericay CM11 2UD
Multiple dates available:
3 September
1 October

Register
Grow or Start your Business with CDFI Finance

Part of Business Finance Week and in partnership with Responsible Finance and the British Business Bank
Location: ONLINE
2 October 2025

Register
HMRC Tax Basics – a starter guide for small businesses

Location: ONLINE
Wednesday 1 October

Register
Create a Compelling Business Plan in Numbers

A partner event as part of the British Business Bank’s Business Finance Week 2025.
Location: ONLINE
8 October

Register
An Introduction to Start Up Loans

A partner event, part of the British Business Banks’ Business Finance Week.
Location: ONLINE
1 October

Register
Uttlesford: Coffee & Connections Networking

Location: Casa, Great Dunmow
Wednesday 10 September
Tuesday 7 October

Register
Epping Forest: Confidence is Queen

Location: ONLINE
Wednesday 10 September

Register
Epping Forest: Business Start Up Bootcamp

Location: Civic Offices, High Street, Epping
Thursday 11 September

Register
Castle Point: Coffee, Cake and Conversation

Part of the Female Entrepreneurs programme
Location: Castle Point Borough Council, Kiln Road Thundersley SS7 1TF
Thursday 2 October

Register
Uttlesford Business: Ambitious Women in Essex Networking Event

Location: Town Hall, Market Street Saffron Walden CB10 1HZ
Wednesday 24 September

Register
AI & Networking

Location: Arise Chelmsford Innovation Hub, Alan Cherry Drive Chelmsford CM1 1QT
Wednesday 17 September

Register
Improving Business Efficiency: Yellow Belt Workshop

Location: The Coval, Civic Centre, Duke street, CM1 1JE
15 October

Register
North Essex Business Expo

Location: Charter Hall, Colchester
10 September

Register