Great Resources for Start-Up Businesses in Horsham
Posted on 15th July 2019
As a Horsham based web design company, we often speak with start-up companies in West Sussex and Surrey, and it is very common for them to be looking for information such as grant opportunities, networking events, office space, and local companies to do business with.
We thought it would be useful to put all the information in one place, so we have pulled together a whole bundle of resources that we hope you find useful.
Local Grants
Horsham District Council's Economic Development Team has secured £142,000 of funding to support small businesses in the Horsham District.
The LEAP Small Grants Scheme is aimed at new start-ups and small businesses looking to grow to the next step.
Business can apply for grants of up to £2,000 providing they are based in the Horsham District, are registered with the HMRC and/or Companies House, and employ less than 20 people.
There are 6 rounds for applications, and Round 1 is open until 30th August 2019.
For more details, including a link to the application form, click here.
Networking Groups and Events
Whether you are looking to meet potential new suppliers or customers, or to swap ideas with other local business owners, networking events are a great place to start.
Horsham has a wide range of networking groups and events - here are 11 which offer great variety:
1. BNI
BNI is an international business networking and referral organisation, and there are three groups that meet weekly in the Horsham area:
BNI Vanguard meet at 6.45am on Wednesdays at Cisswood House Hotel, Lower Beeding
BNI Achievers meet at 11.30am on Wednesdays at the Holbrook Club, North Heath Lane, Horsham
BNI Winners meet at 6.4am on Fridays at the Holbrook Club, North Heath Lane, Horsham
2. 4NETWORKING (4N)
4N is 50% business, 50% social, and there are over 250 groups in the UK.
4N Horsham meet on alternate Thursdays, 8-10am, at The Warnham Barn, Rookwood Golf Course, Horsham.
3. Billingshurst & Horsham Chamber of Commerce (BHCC)
BHCC provides a supportive and friendly environment for local businesses, and they hold 2 networking events every month:
The Networking Natter is an informal networking meeting at the Kings Head in Billingshurst and is from 5-7pm on the first Tuesday of every month.
The Networking Lunch is from 12.30 to 2pm on the third Thursday of every month at The Warnham Barn, Rookwood Golf Course, Horsham.
4. Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
FSB offer their members a wide range of business services including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice in government.
They also hold FSB Connect networking breakfast meetings, with the Horsham event held on the third Friday of the month from 7.45-9.15am at the Cisswood House Hotel, Lower Beeding.
5. HSC Networking Group
HSC Networking Group is an informal group that meets at Horsham Sports Club (HSC) every other month.
6. Sussex Connections
Sussex Connections is a networking club for sole traders, business owners and local enterprises which meets at the Holbrook Club in Horsham on the first Thursday of every month.
7. lello: networking
lello networking is a free networking group held at Mungos Bar, Piries Place, Horsham on the 2nd Thursday of every month, from 5pm. Membership is by invitation only.
8. First Friday Network
First Friday hold a number of free monthly business networking meetings, with the Horsham group meeting on the third Friday of the month at the Malt Shovel, Springfield Road, Horsham from12.30-2pm. No prior booking required.
9. The Mumpreneurs Networking Club
The Mumpreneurs Networking Club is a women’s business network with groups across London and the South of England.
The Horsham group meets once a month, on Wednesdays from 10-11.30am, at the Hornbrook, Brighton Road, Horsham.
10. Women in Business Sussex
The Sussex Women in Business group offers you a combination of effective networking, inspiring and informative talks, powerful support from other female entrepreneurs as well as an opportunity for some fun and relaxation.
Based in Horsham, they hold regular lunch and brunch networking meetings.
11. Horsham Business Show
The Horsham Business Show is an annual Business-to-Business event showcasing the diverse range of business, products, and services available in the Horsham area.
The object is to promote local businesses, encourage small business-to-business networks, and to maximise local trade.
Sponsored by it'seeze Web Design Horsham, this year's event will be at Horsham Football Club's Hop Oast Stadium, on Thursday 10th October 2019 from 12:30pm-6pm.
Shared Office Spaces
If you are running your business from home, it can be hugely beneficial to have the option of working in a business environment, without the commitment of renting a permanent office space.
Horsham Coworking is a coworking space in Horsham town centre that offers freelancers, consultants, home-based employees, or indeed anyone looking to work in an environment of support, creativity and freedom, the opportunity to share a space with like-minded people without having to commit to a long and expensive contract.
Affordable Office Space
If you are looking for an office space to rent, Bishopric based JR Print have a number of offices which they rent out at affordable rates.
They are ideal for 2 or 3 occupants, whether from one business or on a shared basis.
Business Services
When you are looking for business services, whether it is a printing company, graphic designer, accountant, bookkeeper, or any other type of local business, we appreciate that it can be difficult to make a choice when you don't know the company personally.
It always feels safer if you deal with someone that you have been recommended to, so if you are looking for any business service in the Horsham area and don't know where to start, we will be very happy to help. Just contact us and we will put you in touch with one of our trusted contacts.
And if you think your business would benefit from a new website and you don't know where to start, why not get in touch with the team at it’seeze Web Design Horsham today.
We offer affordable web design services that are ideal for local businesses, and we provide ongoing website support for all our clients too. If you're looking for a reliable Sussex web design company, we'd love to hear from you.
Tagged as: Online Marketing
Share this post: