13.01.2004
The new Eastbourne Hatchery, which offers space and support for business in the town, is now open. The Hatchery has 1000 square foot of accommodation, and provides entrepreneurs with a base from which to build their enterprise, together with the mentoring support to help them achieve success.
The official opening of the Hatchery is on Thursday 15 January at Eastbourne Town Hall. There will be an opportunity to hear the latest news on the project, view the Hatchery facilities in South Street and to discuss the project further.
The Eastbourne Hatchery is a business incubation programme that will strive to create a thriving entrepreneurial community in which resident enterprises can develop and grow. Target enterprises will have high growth potential and generally will be in knowledge based sectors.
The Hatchery will provide business facilities - workstations, meeting rooms and general office support to its resident entrepreneurs. The Hatchery team will also guide resident entrepreneurs to appropriate sources of professional advice and business mentoring support.
The Hatchery is funded by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), and managed by them in partnership with the University of Brighton and Eastbourne Borough Council.
Ray Wynne, Hub Director said,
"The opening of the hatchery creates an exciting opportunity to support business start-ups with growth potential in Eastbourne and the surrounding region."
Business Champion and Managing Director of CIBUS group Nik Askaroff said,
"After three years hard work we now have a hatchery to be proud of which will make business incubation in Eastbourne a leader in the south-east."
Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council and Cabinet Spokesman for Regeneration Beryl Healy said,
"The new Hatchery is the first phase of an exciting project to build entrepreneurial skills in the workforce. It will provide graduates from the Eastbourne campus of Brighton University the opportunity to launch their businesses and use their skills in Eastbourne. The Hatchery will also encourage its businesses to grow and create jobs to use the skills of local people."
The official opening of the Hatchery, and a project update, takes place on Thursday 15 January between 12:30 and 2.30pm in the council chamber of Eastbourne Town Hall.
A key strength of the Hatchery will be its ability to draw in a range of mentoring support for resident entrepreneurs. Mentors are not decision-makers, but rather provide an entrepreneur with coaching and encouragement. They can also help in the process of facilitation and introduction to those who can supply specific business advice and help.
Hatchery space will be provided on a short-term basis. Resident entrepreneurs will be invited into the Hatchery’s incubation programme for a pre-agreed period, normally 12 to 18 months.
Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton, 01273 643022
