Ambition to Action

Turn your business ambition to growth

Ambition to Action is a business support programme for helping fast growing businesses drive economic growth across East Sussex. One-to-one specialist support is available for high-growth businesses to access finance, innovate, digitise and open opportunities in international markets.

The programme is designed to assist and offer expertise in growth strategy, innovation and unlocking growth barriers. Priority is given to businesses operating in the key growth sectors for East Sussex such as advanced manufacturing, creative industries, Agri-tech, green energy and healthcare, or those located in a rural or coastal community. This directly supports the county’s mission to become a place where “people live and work well” by 2050.

The project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and the partnership between Lewes, Eastbourne, Rother and Wealden District Councils. It is managed by East Sussex County Council and delivered by Oxford Innovation Advice.

How it works

There are three business support stages:

Each business is assigned a business adviser, who will lead a diagnostic process to assess the specific needs of the business.
Development of a bespoke action plan to enable each business to grow.
For businesses with the greatest potential, additional support of a specialist consultant to fully capitalise on the growth opportunity.

By providing insightful data-driven business diagnostic and action planning, tailored support and specialist expertise, Ambition to Action will enhance productivity, foster sustainable business practices and help in responding effectively to technological shifts and evolving market demands for hundreds of businesses in East Sussex.

Why take part?

The main growth challenges facing East Sussex businesses include access to finance, innovation readiness, digital adoption, skills and workforce development, and export and market access.

This programme aims to empower high-growth businesses in East Sussex to identify individual barriers to growth and provide specialist support to resolve these challenges. A business can expect the following benefits on joining the programme:

Access to impartial business advice and specialist support to grow your business
Tailored one-to-one support that will deliver an actionable growth plan
Benefit from a suite of digital tools and AI
Time efficient: the service is typically delivered via 3-5 sessions spread across a 6-10 week period
Introduction to a wider business support ecosystem for ongoing support
Fully funded

Business support session for the Ambition to Action programme

Who can join?

As an inclusive and targeted business support programmes across East Sussex, qualifying businesses need to pass the programme eligibility and suitability criteria:

Businesses must be based in Eastbourne, Lewes, Rother or Wealden
The business must already be established and trading, with fewer than 250 employees
Priority will be given to businesses with the greatest potential for growth and job creation

How to get started

If you are an established high-growth potential SME looking to turn your ambition to action, we are ready to join you in refining your growth plans or exploring external opportunities.