LEAP Start-up Programme

A FREE Business Start-up Programme for Residents of Eastbourne Borough Council

LEAP is a no-cost business start-up initiative offered by Edeal in partnership with Eastbourne Borough Council. Fully funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, this comprehensive support programme includes the chance for one candidate who completes the best business plan to win a £500 grant!

The LEAP 2025 candidates celebrating at the LEAP Awards event at The View Hotel, Eastbourne.

THE ROAD TO SUCCESS

The Leap Programme Is Delivered In Three Stages:

Stage 1

Attend a one-day business start-up workshop. The workshop will cover everything you need to consider when setting up a new business and will lay the foundations to support you to complete a business plan.

This workshop will take place at The View Hotel in Eastbourne on 24th June 2025.

Stage 2

After the workshop, up to 15 selected participants will be matched with a dedicated business mentor who will assist in developing a solid business plan. Additionally, candidates will attend three 3-hour workshops focused on Finance, Legal, and Social Media Marketing. These workshops will be offered both in-person (during the day) and online (in the evening).

Once the business plans are completed, they will be submitted for evaluation. Five finalists will be chosen to pitch their plans at a mini–Dragons Den event, where one winner will be selected. The winner will be announced at a networking awards event and will receive a £500 cash prize.

Stage 3

Ongoing mentoring will be available to support candidates as they launch their new business.

Please note registration for the programme is now closed.

application criteria

Who can attend?

The programme is open to any resident based in the Eastbourne Borough local authority area who aspires to start a new business. We will also accept bookings from businesses based in Eastbourne who have been trading less than 12 months.

Customer Testimonials

Don't just take out word for it. See how we've helped others.

1-2-1 Advice

The business advisor understood the support I needed at the time of the meeting and gave me the reassurance and confidence to pursue my strategy development programme.

Start-up Workshops

I particularly enjoyed the sharing and shared learning, the scope of information covered and the relaxed delivery of the trainer.

Social Media 1-2-1

Her explanations of how to use Facebook etc were very clear. She was patient and listened well. She helped me to understand what might be useful to my business.

1-2-1 Advice

The business advisor listened to me and understood where I lacked knowledge and competence. Ie. The legal areas. She helped me understand these points and was incredibly patient.

Start-up Workshops

I really enjoyed hearing the range of business ideas in the room. It was a thorough workshop with great content covered.

1-2-1 Advice

I was feeling overwhelmed by the whole process (especially financial side) and didn’t know where to start. The advisor was great at putting everything into an orderly structure and guiding me in the right direction.

All Testimonials