Free practical workshops help East Sussex businesses get to grips with Google, AI and cyber security
Small businesses and sole traders across East Sussex can book onto free, hands-on workshops this November and December.
The fully funded programme of practical digital support is part of the East Sussex Digital Growth Series.
The programme is funded by the Sussex and Brighton Strategic Authority and East Sussex County Council, managed by East Sussex County Council and delivered by Portobello Business Centre CIC (PBC) – a not-for-profit social enterprise with more than 30 years experience of supporting small businesses.
The series started in September and has already run sessions in towns across the county.
The workshops cover the digital challenges small businesses say they struggle with most: getting found on Google, making a website bring in enquiries, creating content that gets noticed, using AI to save time, understanding business data and staying safe online.
These are the dates and towns where workshops will take place in November and December:
Tuesday 17 November (9:30am-12:40pm): Make AI Work for You (CPD accredited), The Manor Barn, Bexhill
Wednesday 18 November (10am-12.30pm): Business, Marketing & Finance Data Made Easy, Freedom Works, Hastings
Thursday 19 November (10am-12.30pm): Stand Out on Google, Welcome Building, Eastbourne
Wednesday 25 November (10am-12.30pm): Stand Out on Google, The Civic Centre, Uckfield
Thursday 10 December (1.30pm to 3.30pm): Cyber Safety Basics, Linklater Pavilion, Lewes
New dates for January to March 2027 are being planned, including sessions in towns the programme has not yet visited.
David Taylor, a published author who leads the workshops, said: “Having grown up in East Sussex, it’s an absolute pleasure to be helping businesses across the county develop their digital skills.
“In an age of AI and TikTok, whether you run a coffee shop, a pub or a plumbing business, your customers are checking you out online before they ever walk through the door. These workshops are about giving people practical things they can do straight away.”
Each workshop is practical rather than theoretical. Trainers use real examples, guided exercises and live demonstrations, so that business owners leave with clear actions they can start on straight away. No previous digital or technical experience is needed.
The workshops are free for actively trading businesses and sole traders based in the East Sussex County Council area. Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Full details and booking are at www.pbc.co.uk/east-sussex.