THE ROAD TO SUCCESS
The Leap Programme Is Delivered In Three Stages:
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 Eastbourne 2024 winners seen here with Councillor Stephen Holt, the Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council. From L to R, Heather Godding of Ceremonies with Heather (second place finalist) and Kerry Fradelos & Victoria Fuller of Send a Smile Gifting Ltd (overall winners).
01
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.
02
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.
03
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.
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LEAP Programme
It was good to have the support and advice that I needed to get my business started. Everyone was lovely and always there when I needed any help.
Social Media 1-2-1
The trainer responded to all the points I raised and helped find solutions. The time was used very well. She also checked other things and explained changes to Facebook which were upcoming.
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.
Start-up Workshops
The workshop helped me to understand the complexity of starting a business and ways to communicate with customers and other businesses.
Start-up Workshops
Everything was so clear and well delivered, thought provoking and inspiring.
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.