Following the success of the Start Smart, Grow Strong programme, we’re excited to introduce Stay Smart, Grow Strong - the next step programme designed for established sole traders, micro and small businesses that want to gain clarity, strengthen their foundations and prepare for growth.

This new series of eight fully funded workshops will take place across East Sussex and focuses on the key skills business owners need when they move beyond the start-up stage and begin thinking about growth, sales, finance and long-term sustainability.

What is Stay Smart, Grow Strong? Commissioned by the East Sussex Growth Hub and delivered by Freedom Works, Stay Smart, Grow Strong brings together practical business knowledge, hands-on learning and peer support to help established small businesses move to the next stage.

Running a small business often means being the marketer, salesperson, finance manager and strategist all at once. This programme is designed to help business owners work on their business, not just in it, giving you practical tools, confidence and clear next steps to support business growth.

Across the programme, you can attend workshops covering:

• Smart Marketing
• Smart Sales
• Business Finance
• Preparing for Growth

Who Can Join? This programme is for sole traders, micro and small businesses based in East Sussex who want support to grow, improve systems, win more customers, and plan for the future.

It is ideal for business owners who:

• Feel stuck or unsure of their next steps
• Want to increase sales or attract more customers
• Want to improve their finances and cashflow
• Are ready to grow but don’t know how to take the next step
• Want practical, no-jargon business support

Why Join Us? This programme offers expert-led support to help you strengthen and grow your business:

• Improve Your Marketing - Learn how to attract the right customers and build visibility
• Increase Sales Confidence - Develop a simple, effective approach to winning more work
• Strengthen Your Business Finances - Improve cashflow, pricing and financial planning
• Prepare Your Business for Growth - Build systems, strategy and a plan for the future
• Connect with Experts & Other Local Businesses - Learn from experienced facilitators and meet other business owners across East Sussex

Workshops will take place across East Sussex between May and July 2026.