Support for your business in 2023

Starting to think about your business plans for 2023?

Although new year's resolutions are infamously hard to keep going beyond January or February, here are a few fully funded business support programmes that will help keep you on track to innovate, learn, collaborate, grow, and challenges in your business in 2023.  

DCMS Create Growth Programme: opportunities for creative businesses to scale rapidly

A first of its kind opportunity targeted at creative businesses with the potential to grow, the free Create Growth programme is a Department for Digital Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) initiative to support high-growth potential creative businesses outside of London to become investment ready.

It's for creative businesses in the Southeast not yet at the scaling stage, who could benefit from intensive, targeted, expert support to help them secure the investment they need to grow their business.

Eligible businesses will access an intensive programme designed to improve the leadership capacity, so they’re better placed to access finance – plus get access to national and regional angel investor networks interested in creative industry investment opportunities.

To be eligible, businesses will be between the seed and scaling stages and working in:  

• Film, TV, video, radio and photography
• Design and designer fashion
• Music, performing and visual arts
• CreaTech, augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), extended reality (XR) and gaming

The programme, delivered by Innovate UK, will launch in January 2023 and run until March 2025. If you’re interested and think your business might be eligible, find out more and register your interest by contacting: info@createsoutheast.org.uk

The BRITE programme at Plus X: sustainable design and positive impact through partnerships

Together with the University of Brighton, Plus X Brighton Innovation Hub delivers the Brighton Research Innovation Technology Exchange (BRITE), a one-stop shop to support business leaders who want to be part of a collaborative community, innovate, and grow.

Here are two BRITE programmes starting in 2023 that are now open for interest. 

Sustainable design for a circular economy with PRODUCT FOUNDRY

Product Foundry is a free, intensive 3-day programme for established small to medium sized businesses that design, manufacture or distribute physical products. It’s for businesses that are looking to develop a sustainable product, or improve the sustainability of their existing products, packaging, manufacturing or business model.

Working with a group of 8-10 peers as well as experts in sustainable design, regenerative materials, and circular economy business, learn how to make truly sustainable products. Plus, find tools to assess the impact of your supply chain, manufacturing, use and post-life of your products.

Find out more and register your interest for the March 2023 cohort here.  

Creating positive impact through industry partnerships on PIONEERS

Pioneers is a new, fully funded and intensive 2-day innovation programme, supporting and developing business owners and leaders that are committed to scaling in a way that benefits both people and the planet.

It’s for people who are developing, launching or scaling an innovative product or service that can improve people’s lives or make a positive impact. With a group of like-minded entrepreneurs you will:  

• Find out how to scale through positive, impactful collaborations
• Improve your supply chains and sustainability through collaboration
• Learn how to pitch your innovation
• Hear from founders already on this journey
• Get bespoke support from experts  

Find out more, and how to register your interest for the February 2023 cohort here.  

Career Lab Student Consultancy programme: a dedicated team to help you tackle a challenge in your business

Explore a live challenge faced by your business with a dedicated team of 4-5 students. Funded by the University of Sussex, a small group of final year undergraduate and postgraduate students will spend a combined 100 hours on a project brief, providing a business-style presentation to showcase their findings after four weeks.

You could ask students to research a challenge or project, whether that’s making environmental and sustainable improvements to your business, market and competitive analysis, or user experience testing.

Students have varying levels of work experience, but strong research skills, and receive training and support from the University throughout. You'll get fresh ideas to tackle challenges in your business, whilst providing meaningful work experience.

Applications are now open for Spring 2023. For more information, examples of previous briefs, and how to apply head over to the Career Lab website.

All information correct as of November 2022.

Hannah Jackson is Membership & Marketing Manager at Brighton Chamber. If you’re looking for more business support, information and signposting, here are a few other places you can look to find out what support is for your business:

• Our business support page, including signposting and help on Net Zero, local support initiatives, finding talent, and workspaces in Brighton
• Blogs from us and Chamber members about finance and funding, and business support
• The Business & IP Centre Brighton & Hove – based in Jubilee Library, offering 121 business support, access to business information databases, workshops, events and IP support
• Coast to Capital Growth Hub – free and impartial government funded business support

Or, if you’re not sure where to start, the Chamber team are always happy to help. Get in touch with Hannah by email, or phone on: 01273 719097 

Header photo by Beth Wild Photography. 

If you want to contribute to the Chamber blog, contact us on hannah@brightonchamber.co.uk