Create clearer plans, strengthen their foundations and build confidence in the digital tools needed to run a modern business

Business Foundations & Online Essentials

Date: Thursday 5th November

Time: 9am - 1pm

Location: Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club, 3 Harbour Quay, Eastbourne BN23 5QF

Ideal for: Sole traders, early-stage businesses and micro businesses operating in East Sussex

Format: In-person | Practical | Interactive | Peer learning

Cost: Fully funded for East Sussex businesses

About this event

When you are busy running a business, it can be difficult to find the time to step back, review your priorities and think clearly about what needs to happen next.

At the same time, customers increasingly expect businesses to have a professional online presence and communicate confidently through digital channels.

This fully funded event brings together two complementary workshops designed to address both needs.

The morning begins with Business Planning: Build Your Business Roadmap, helping you clarify your direction, priorities and next steps. It is followed by Online Presence & Everyday Business Tools, which explores the practical platforms and digital tools that can help you operate professionally and efficiently.

Together, the workshops will help you create stronger foundations and feel more confident about where your business is heading.

Meet your speakers

Workshop A

Carl Southwell, Start Up Street

Carl Southwell helps early stage founders get clear, confident and ready to move. He runs Startup Street, supporting people to turn early ideas into real businesses through simple tools, straightforward planning and a strong focus on action. Carl has spent years working with local communities, councils, sports foundations and business networks, helping thousands of people start and grow projects that make a real difference. His style is practical and encouraging, cutting out the noise and showing people what actually works in the real world. Carl brings energy, modern thinking and a genuine passion for helping founders take their first steps.

Workshop B

Mina O'brien, Ditzy Media

Mina O'Brien is the founder of Ditzy Media and an award-winning social media trainer with over 12 years' experience helping businesses, charities and community organisations shine online. Known for her practical, down-to-earth teaching style, Mina delivers engaging workshops on social media marketing, content creation, Canva, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, helping businesses and non-profits build confidence and achieve results.

Workshop A: Business Planning - Build Your Business Roadmap

Running a business can make it difficult to look beyond immediate deadlines and customer demands.

This workshop provides dedicated time and practical guidance to help you consider the bigger picture, establish priorities and create a clear roadmap for your business.

You will explore how to turn broad ideas into manageable actions and identify what should receive your attention now, next and later.

What we’ll cover

Clarifying the purpose and direction of your business

Reviewing where your business is now

Identifying priorities and opportunities

Setting realistic goals

Turning goals into practical actions

Creating a manageable business roadmap

Finding relevant guidance and further support

You’ll leave with

A clearer sense of direction

A better understanding of your immediate priorities

A practical roadmap for your business

Realistic actions you can begin implementing

Greater confidence about your next steps

Workshop B: Online Presence & Everyday Business Tools

A professional online presence can help customers find your business, understand what you offer and feel confident choosing to work with you.

This workshop will introduce the main platforms and tools that small businesses can use to build visibility, communicate professionally and manage everyday tasks.

The focus will be on accessible, affordable tools rather than complicated technology.

What we’ll cover

What makes a credible online presence

The role of your website

Creating or improving a Google Business Profile

Choosing appropriate social media platforms

Canva and simple content creation tools

Digital accounts and everyday business applications

Practical uses of AI in a small business

Keeping your online information consistent and current

You’ll leave with

A clearer understanding of your online priorities

Practical ideas to improve your visibility

Greater confidence choosing digital tools

Actions you can take to strengthen your online presence

Useful tools and resources to explore after the event

Why are these workshops paired?

Your business plan sets the direction. Your online presence and digital tools help you put that plan into action.

By attending both workshops, you will have the opportunity to consider what your business needs to achieve and then identify the practical tools that can help you get there.

Who should attend?

This event is suitable for business owners who:

Are unclear

Description supplied by the event organiser.