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 2025 candidates celebrating at the LEAP Awards event at The View Hotel, Eastbourne.
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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.
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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.
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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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1-2-1 Advice
The Edeal business advisor was very good at understanding our business and what we want to achieve, helping come up with ideas to help our business function better and become more profitable. She is relatable and informative.
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 was patient in explaining things I had questions on as she went. Very methodical at a good pace.
Social Media 1-2-1
The trainer made everything very easy to understand, I am a novice at all things social Media and I didn’t feel that any of my questions were responded to in a way that went over my head.
Start-up Workshops
I particularly enjoyed the sharing and shared learning, the scope of information covered and the relaxed delivery of the trainer.
LEAP Programme
The LEAP Programme was well run and organised. Well-structured with a good pace. And I still cannot believe it was free!