The RISE Hastings programme came to fruition after Hastings Borough Council’s successful bid for UK Shared Prosperity funding in 2022, with the North Hastings area being identified as a location that would benefit from increased investment in business support and local skills.

The new GAIN Growth and Innovation Network has come to Hastings for its first cohort - bringing together business owners and leaders from across the town to learn together and benefit from expert-led sessions and mentoring opportunities.

On Wednesday 24th January, Let’s Do Business Group and other providers of the RISE Hastings programme hosted the first Opportunity Fair at the Broomgrove Community Centre in Hastings – showcasing the support on offer for local residents to gain new skills, start or grow a business, and succeed in the town.