The Grow Digital West Sussex Road Show was a series of free, carefully curated workshops, facilitated networking sessions and one-to-one mentoring that travelled across West Sussex between September 2023 and April 2024.
The programme was designed to help local businesses strengthen their digital capabilities, connect with peers, and access tailored support. Each themed day focused on one of four core topics – websites, social media, selling online and productivity hacks – allowing businesses to choose the sessions most relevant to their needs.
Developed in partnership with the District and Borough Councils, Freedom Works, Wired Sussex, Creative Bloom and Shake It Up Creative, the programme’s content was shaped by insights gathered from previous West Sussex County Council business support initiatives and direct conversations with local businesses about their digital challenges.
In short, the road show offered businesses the opportunity to learn from local experts while networking and enjoying the best of local food.
A programme designed to help businesses grow
The Grow Digital programme aimed to support West Sussex businesses by offering practical workshops, essential tools, and tailored advice. Delivered in collaboration with Wired Sussex and Freedom Works, the initiative helped companies improve their digital skills, build confidence, future-proof operations, and reach new customers.
With the online landscape becoming increasingly important, the road show played a key role in helping businesses cut through jargon, understand the tools available, and make informed decisions about their digital strategies.
What local businesses gained
Through hands-on and interactive workshops, participants learned how to leverage their online presence to attract and retain loyal customers. The programme helped businesses:
- Increase sales
- Reduce costs
- Reach new customers
- Grow capacity
As the road show toured West Sussex, each one-day event offered:
- Expert speakers
- Lunchtime networking
- 1-2-1 mentoring
- Free, fully funded support
The initiative was developed by Freedom Works, Wired Sussex, Creative Bloom and Shake It Up Creative, and delivered in partnership with West Sussex County Council and the West Sussex district and borough councils.
Eligibility
Businesses needed to be located within West Sussex to take part in the workshops.
