Whether you're a sole trader, market stall holder, start-up founder or established small business owner, a wide-ranging programme of training and business support is now available through Horsham District Council (HDC) offering valuable opportunities to develop new skills, improve performance and grow local enterprises.

HDC’s Business Training Programme has become a popular resource for businesses across the district, including those in Pulborough. Designed to support both new and established enterprises, the programme combines practical workshops, one-to-one advice sessions and online learning resources covering a broad range of business topics.

Who is it aimed at?

The programme is open to businesses based within the Horsham District, including micro-businesses, sole traders, start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises looking to develop new skills, improve profitability or adapt to changing market conditions.

What training is available?

The programme offers an extensive mix of business development opportunities, covering:

Business Growth and Management

• Business growth strategies
• Business and tax advice
• Sales and negotiation skills
• Business resilience
• Pricing and money mindset
• Growth acceleration programmes
• AI and automation tools for business

Marketing and Customer Engagement

• Social media marketing
• Facebook and Instagram content creation
• LinkedIn for business
• Product photography
• Video creation and editing
• Podcasting
• Presenting on camera
• Mobile content creation and behind-the-scenes marketing

Sustainability and Innovation

• Carbon literacy training
• Net Zero awareness
• Digital transformation
• Artificial intelligence applications for small businesses Health, Safety and Wellbeing

Emergency First Aid at Work

• Mental Health First Aid
• Workplace wellbeing support

Specialist Support

The programme also includes support tailored to specific sectors, including food and drink businesses through schemes such as the SALSA (Safe and Local Supplier Approval) programme, alongside market trading support and business mentoring.

Who provides the training?

Courses are delivered by locally based business experts and specialist trainers with practical experience in their respective fields. HDC works with a range of professional advisers, consultants, trainers and business support organisations to provide high-quality, relevant learning opportunities.

How is it delivered?

The programme uses a flexible blend of:

• In-person workshops
• Online training sessions
• One-to-one support appointments
• Video learning resources
• Interactive practical courses

This approach allows business owners to access training in ways that fit around often busy schedules.

What does it cost?

Many sessions are heavily subsidised by HDC. Some workshops carry a small charge, with the majority of the cost covered by the Council on behalf of participating businesses.

When can businesses book?

Some support and resources are available immediately, while bookings for the main 2027 programme opened from 4 December 2026. HDC advises interested businesses to sign up to its business support newsletter to receive updates on future workshops and availability.

Why it Matters for Pulborough

For many local independent businesses, finding affordable professional development can be difficult. The Business Training Programme provides access to expert knowledge that might otherwise be costly, helping traders strengthen their marketing, embrace new technologies, improve customer engagement and build long-term resilience.

As businesses continue to navigate economic pressures and changing customer expectations, initiatives such as this offer practical support to help local enterprises remain competitive, sustainable and ready for future growth.

For details of current and upcoming workshops, visit the HDC Business Training Programme webpage.