Start Smart - Building the Foundations of Your Business WEALDEN
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Start Smart - Building the Foundations of Your Business WEALDEN

Led by experienced business adviser Phil Ashford, this session will guide you through the realities of self-employment.

By Start Smart, Grow Strong

Date and time

Location

Civic Centre

Bellfarm Lane Uckfield TN22 1AE United Kingdom

Lineup

Agenda

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Registration & Breakfast - tea, coffee and pastries

9:30 AM - 9:35 AM

Introduction from East Sussex Growth Hub

9:35 AM - 11:00 AM

Start Smart Workshop - part 1

11:00 AM - 11:15 AM

Break & Refreshments

11:15 AM - 12:30 PM

Start Smart Workshop - part 2

12:30 PM - 12:45 PM

Close & Networking

About this event

  • Event lasts 3 hours 30 minutes

Whether you're just launching your venture or looking to strengthen your early-stage business, this energising and practical workshop is designed to help you sharpen your focus, refresh your strategy, and move forward with confidence.

Led by experienced business adviser Phil Ashford, this session will guide you through the realities of self-employment, simplify legal and tax essentials, and introduce low-cost, high-impact tactics for growing your business sustainably. 

You'll gain insight into simple planning tools, explore finance and funding options, and discover how AI can save you time and boost productivity. With real-world advice, useful templates, and an informal, supportive environment, this workshop is perfect for pre-startups, startups, and micro businesses across East Sussex.

🚀 Start Smart: Building the Foundations of Your Business

Hosted by: Phil Ashford, Supersonic Startup

👥 Ideal for: Pre-startups, Startups, Freelancers & Micro Businesses

📍 Format: In-person Workshop | Practical | No-Jargon | Peer Support

📘 Description:Whether you're just getting started or already running a small business, this practical, informal workshop is designed to help you move forward with more clarity, confidence, and structure.

Led by experienced business adviser Phil Ashford, Start Smart breaks down the key foundations of building a business that’s sustainable, profitable—and works for your life. Perfect for early-stage entrepreneurs, freelancers, and micro businesses who are ready to stop winging it and start building something solid.

🔍 What We’ll Cover:

  • 💼 The reality of self-employment—pros, cons, and how to make it work
  • 🧾 Legal & tax essentials—get set up right without the overwhelm
  • 🛠️ Low-cost tools & tactics to save money and avoid common mistakes
  • 💸 Simple ways to explore funding and manage your finances
  • 🧠 Planning for progress—create your 12-month action map
  • 🤖 AI hacks to save time on content, admin and more

✅ You’ll walk away with:

  • A clear understanding of your next steps
  • A practical plan tailored to your business stage
  • Useful tools, peer support, and a boost of motivation

No jargon. No pressure. Just real-world advice you can act on.

Organized by

Start Smart, Grow Strong is a free business support programme from East Sussex Growth Hub, delivered by Freedom Works, offering four dynamic workshops between September 2025 and February 2026. Designed for pre-start, start-up, and micro businesses across East Sussex, the programme delivers practical, jargon-free support to help you start, grow and scale with confidence. Whether you attend in person in Eastbourne, Rother or Wealden, or join online, you’ll get expert-led advice on business planning, marketing, finance and growth strategy—plus access to resources, templates and our business support partners. Get your business moving with hands-on learning that fits your stage and goals.

FreeOct 16 · 9:00 AM GMT+1