East Sussex Digital Growth Series
Free, practical digital workshops for East Sussex businesses
Portobello Business Centre is working with East Sussex County Council and the Sussex and Brighton Strategic Authority to deliver a fully funded programme of hands-on digital workshops for small and medium-sized businesses across the county.
Each session is built around one goal: giving you something you can put into practice the same day. Whether you want more customers finding you online, a website that earns its keep, a clearer handle on your business data, safer systems, or a practical grip on AI, there's a workshop here for you.
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Dates: Programme launches September 2026 - see below for workshop times. New dates being added all the time
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Locations: In-person sessions across Eastbourne, Hastings, Uckfield, Lewes and Bexhill
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Cost: Free to attend for SMEs based in East Sussex
Spaces are limited and sessions regularly sell out - book early to guarantee your place.
East Sussex County Council Digital Workshops
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FAQs
Who can attend these workshops?
The East Sussex Digital Growth Series is open to small and medium-sized businesses, sole traders and small charities actively trading and based within the boundaries of East Sussex County Council. Whether you're just starting out or have been trading for years, every session is designed to be accessible - no prior digital experience needed. Pre-start businesses or organisations not currently trading unfortunately are not eligible for this programme - please contact the East Sussex Growth Hub to see what support there is for you.
Are the workshops really free?
Yes. The full programme is funded through East Sussex County Council, the Sussex and Brighton Strategic Authority and the UK Government, so there's no cost to attend for eligible East Sussex SMEs.
Do I need any digital or technical experience to take part?
No. Every workshop starts from the basics, avoids jargon and builds up to practical actions you can take straight away - whatever your starting point.
How do I book a place?
Choose the workshop you'd like to attend from the list above and select “Find out more” to see the date, time, venue and booking link.
What happens if a workshop is fully booked?
Popular sessions do sell out. If a date is full, check back for newly added sessions or contact PBC directly to ask about a waitlist.
Who delivers the workshops?
All sessions are delivered by Portobello Business Centre (PBC) CIC, a not-for-profit that has supported entrepreneurs and small businesses for over 30 years, working with experienced trainers and business advisers.
About This Programme
This programme is funded by the Sussex and Brighton Strategic Authority and East Sussex County Council. It is managed by East Sussex County Council and delivered by Portobello Business Centre.
It's designed to give local SMEs the tools and confidence to compete and grow in an increasingly digital marketplace.