HoW tO GET FREE SUPPORT FOR YOUR BUsINESS
Running a business isn’t always straightforward. How do you attract more customers? Should you become a Limited Company? Could AI save you time? Where should you focus next?
The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out alone. As a PLATF9RM member, you’re part of the wider Freedom Works community, which means you can also benefit from free Business Support.
Our Business Support team works with local authorities and partners to deliver fully funded programmes designed to help businesses start, grow and scale. And right now, there are three programmes available across East Sussex that could help you do just that.
Here’s how to find the support that’s right for you and get ready to start, strengthen or grow your business.
GET EXPERT SUpPORT WITH PLATF9RM AND FREEDOM WOrKS
Growing your business often means growing your own skills too. But investing in your development doesn’t have to come with a price tag. At PLATF9RM, we’ve got your back.
In partnership with local authorities, our wonderful Business Support team run workshops, bootcamps and seminars, both in person and online, across Sussex and beyond. You can learn new skills, get practical advice and meet other founders facing the same challenges – all at no cost to your business.
Whatever stage you’re at, there’s a programme designed with you in mind. From sole traders finding their feet to established businesses ready to grow, Freedom Works Business Support offers practical support tailored to your needs. And when you need advice that’s more specific to you, you can also access one-to-one mentoring tailored to your goals.
And you don’t even have to be a PLATF9RM or Freedom Works member. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria, you can take part. But if you are a member, you’ll have even more opportunities to learn, connect and get involved through our own programme of member events and workshops.
Ready to learn something new? Take a look at what’s coming up.
NAIL THE bASICS WITH BUSINESS ESSENTIAlS
Building a small business means wearing a lot of different hats. One minute you’re doing the work you set up your business to do. The next, you’re figuring out marketing, sales, finances and systems – often without any previous experience of them.
Having the right skills to get the basics right can make running your business a whole lot easier.
That’s why Freedom Works Business Support regularly runs workshops covering the essentials of running a business. Right now, Business Essentials East Sussex is helping sole traders, early-stage businesses and micro businesses take a closer look at how they plan, market, sell and manage their business.
From business planning and finance to marketing, sales, online essentials and better systems, it all comes back to one useful question: what could work better in your business?
You’ll come away with practical tools, fresh ideas and clear actions you can start using straight away. Check the upcoming dates and book your free place.
SHOuLD YOU BECOME A LIMITED COMPANY?
It’s a question many sole traders eventually face. But becoming Ltd isn’t automatically the right next step just because your business is growing.
Start with the practical questions. How much are you earning? How could becoming Limited affect the way you pay yourself and your tax? Would limited liability give you useful protection? And are you ready for the extra paperwork and legal responsibilities that come with running a company?
The important thing is to understand what becoming Ltd would actually mean for you, your business and your clients, rather than making the switch because it feels like something you should do.
If you’re a sole trader in Brighton & Hove, Freedom Works Business Support has built a program just for you. Step Up: Ltd will offer you clear guidance on tax, finances, liability, compliance and business growth, so you can weigh up the pros and cons and make an informed decision.
Going Limited is a big decision. You don’t have to make it alone.
TiME TO GROW: LET A FRESH LOoK AT YOUR BUSINESS
As your business grows, so does the list of challenges. Do you need more customers? Should you improve your marketing? Invest in new technology? Or sort out the systems that worked when you were smaller but are now slowing you down?
When you’re immersed in the day-to-day, it can be difficult to know where to invest your time and money to make the biggest difference. But as a PLATF9RM member, you’re never alone. Talking things through with someone outside your business can help you spot what’s holding you back and decide what to tackle first.
That’s why our team partnered up with Digital Islands to bring you Time to Grow. You’ll start with a business diagnostic to take a proper look at where you are, where you want to go and what might be getting in the way. You’ll then be matched with a specialist who can help you tackle the areas that need attention, from marketing and sales to AI, digital presence, finance and commercial planning.
Less second-guessing. More clarity. And a plan for what comes next.
rEADY TO PICK UP YOUR NEXT WORKSHOP?
As a PLATF9RM member, you’re part of the wider Freedom Works community, giving you access to their spaces and Business Support.
Whether you’re at the beginning of your journey or ready to take the next step, tap into our expertise to keep your business moving forward.
Found the right programme for you?
Book your free place on Business Essentials, Step Up: Ltd and Time To Grow now.
