LOOKING FoR A BUSINESS MENTOR IN BRIGHTON & HOVE? FIND YOUR PErFECT MATCH
Building a business can feel exciting and overwhelming all at once. One minute you’re full of ideas, the next you’re searching “how do I actually grow this thing?”
That’s where the right business mentor can make all the difference.
In a creative, fast-moving city like Brighton & Hove, there are plenty of brilliant people with experience to share.
The challenge is finding someone who genuinely understands your ambitions, your industry and the way you want to work.
WHERE To FIND A BUSINESS MENTOR IN BrIGHTON & HOVE?
The good news? You don’t have to look very far.
Brighton & Hove is packed with communities, networks and spaces designed to bring ambitious people together. Organisations like the Brighton Chamber are a great place to start, with regular networking events, talks and opportunities to meet experienced founders and business leaders.
Coworking spaces are another great way to meet mentors more organically. As a PLATF9RM member, you can access free business support, mentoring and startup guidance with Barclays Eagle Labs, all designed to help businesses grow with confidence.
Then, there are all the workshops and bootcamps organised by Freedom Works Business Support. Their latest free programme, Stay Smart, Grow Strong, is designed for sole traders, micro businesses and small businesses looking to gain clarity, strengthen their foundations and prepare for growth.
And it doesn’t have to be a formal setup. Sometimes, support simply comes from being around the right people. So keep an eye on events organised by local networking groups, too.
Because often, the best business advice starts with a conversation over coffee.
LOOK FOR ChARACTERISTICS, NOT CREDENTIALS
A great mentor should inspire you, challenge you and help you think differently. But they should also know how to listen.
The best mentoring relationships should feel collaborative, honest and energising. You should leave conversations with more clarity, confidence and momentum than when you arrived.
And while experience matters, there are a few red flags worth watching for. Be cautious of mentors who don’t listen to you, only talk about their own success stories, never mention failure or challenges, or always seem too busy to make time for you. Great mentors are generous with their knowledge and realistic about the ups and downs of building a business.
No one has all the answers. The best mentors know that too.
HOW To APPROACH A BUSINESS MENTOR
Finding a mentor is one thing. Building a meaningful relationship is another.
Start by being clear about what you actually need help with. Are you looking for growth advice? Accountability? Industry insight? Confidence as a founder? The clearer you are, the easier it is for someone to support you.
Do your homework. Research the mentor’s background, career and business journey before reaching out. A thoughtful, personal message will always go further than a generic request for ‘advice’.
And don’t wait for the mentor to lead everything. Be proactive. Suggest meeting dates, bring specific topics or challenges to discuss, and respect their time. It should be a two-way exchange, not a one-sided favour.
In return for their support, you can add value through feedback, introductions, recommendations or simply sharing their work with your network.
WHY COMMUNITY mAKES FINDING MENTORS EASIER
The truth is, mentoring thrives in a community.
That is why so many freelancers, consultants and founders in Brighton & Hove are moving away from working alone at home or in cafés and choosing coworking spaces instead.
At PLATF9RM, community sits at the heart of everything we do. Our Brighton and Hove spaces have been thoughtfully designed to spark conversation, connection and collaboration naturally throughout the day.
And it goes far beyond the workspace itself. From Entrepreneur Breakfasts and Accountability Clubs to Mind Reset Workshops, yoga classes and social gatherings, our events are curated to help members learn, connect and build something meaningful side by side.
READY TO MEET YoUR PEOPLE?
If you are looking for a business mentor in Brighton & Hove, start by putting yourself in the right spaces and around the right energy.
Come and experience PLATF9RM. Join the community and discover how one conversation could completely change the direction of your business.
