Win £2,500 Cash to Help Get Your Business Idea Started

Have you got a business idea you’d like to turn into a reality?

Sara was taught to knit by her aunt when she was eight years old, and as a result she spent many happy hours creating lace, cross-stitching and tapestries. As an adult, she wanted to develop her passion into a business she could share with other people, so she created The Patchwork Cat Café & Shop in Newhaven. Whether you need a pin, or a large cutting mat, Sara and her team can help at The Patchwork Cat; you can learn how to create amazing patchworks, purchase materials and enjoy tea, coffee and homemade snacks.

Christina Ewbank, the Chief Exec of Edeal Enterprise Agency said: ‘Whenever you start a new business, always choose to do something you love. The Patchwork Cat café and shop does just that, and so Sara won £2,500 to help her share her passion for creativity with all her customers.’

Statistics show approx. 660,000 new start-ups register in the UK every year; sadly 80% of businesses fail in year one. The reason is simple: starting up a new business can often lead to unexpected surprises. You might be the best designer, florist, chef, or film maker, but will you need legal advice, marketing guidance and financial support? Who can you turn to for impartial, honest advice? More importantly, at the very start of your journey, it is crucial to create a business plan that outlines who you are, what you do, who your customers are and how your business works.

That’s why the LEAP programme has been so valuable for so many business people in the Lewes District. This free, comprehensive business start-up programme provides workshops, seminars, 1 to 1 mentoring and a chance of winning a cash prize of £2,500.

Advertising Feature Since 2013, residents have been supported to turn their business dreams into reality including massage therapists, haberdasheries, gardeners, handymen, social media gurus and health and safety consultants, to name a few. The LEAP programme starts in January with a oneday workshop in Lewes or a virtual workshop across two days in February. Following this, candidates are selected to attend further workshops and access 1 to 1 mentoring support with a dedicated business coach to help them create a robust business plan. This plan is then judged by a team of experts and finalists are invited to pitch their plan to the judges at a mini-Dragon’s-Den style event. The overall winner receives the accolade of LEAP Entrepreneur of the Year and a £2,500 cash prize which will be presented at a Business Awards Dinner.

Who can benefit?

The programme is fully funded by Lewes District Council and is open to any resident in the Lewes District or any individual who is looking to set up a business in the area. This includes towns and villages like Ringmer, Newhaven, Seaford, Lewes, Peacehaven, Telescombe Cliffs, Chailey, Plumpton, Newick and Ditchling. Businesses trading within the last six months are also eligible to apply.

key facts

•LEAP is open to all residents in the Lewes district over 18 years of age. • LEAP starts with an initial one-day business start-up workshop in Lewes in Jan or a virtual workshop across two days in February. • 15 candidates are selected to attend interactive workshops on marketing and finance. These take place in the morning and evening – perfect for those with childcare commitments or jobs. • Candidates are assigned a dedicated mentor who will work with them to develop a business plan which will be judged by an expert panel of judges. • The winner will receive £2,500 cash and the title

‘LEAP Entrepreneur of the Year’ at a celebration

Awards Dinner. • Applications close on 1st February 2022.

You can register for the programme via the LEAP website www.yourleap.co.uk Alternatively, you can call Edeal on 01323 641144 or email info@edeal.org.uk for more information.