THE Let’s Do Business Group is one of two South East community organisations to benefit from a share of £1 million from the NatWest Skills and Opportunities Fund.

The fund was set up in 2015 to create opportunities for people in disadvantaged communities to gain qualifications, financial capability & entrepreneur skills or start a business.

Let’s Do Business Group (South East) Limited, based in St Leonards, supports the economic development of Hastings and the wider East Sussex area by helping new and budding entrepreneurs.

Its Business Builder project has received funding to provide start-up workshops, mentoring support, online training and specialist advice for deprived communities.

Tim Boag, chair of NatWest’s south east regional board, said: “Supporting not-for-profit community organisations is a crucial part of our commitment to making a real, long term difference for disadvantaged communities in the South East.

“Since we launched the fund two years ago, the projects we’ve funded across the South East have so far made a positive difference to more than 1,600 disadvantaged and at risk people.

“This includes supporting 23 new business start-ups, helping 80 people get into employment and another 234 achieve professional qualifications.

“In addition to the funding we will also look to partner with each winner through mentoring, volunteering and advice.”

Sean Dennis, deputy chief executive of Let’s Do Business Group, said: “We are absolutely thrilled at receiving this award and would like to thank NatWest for choosing us.

“As the leading business support organisation in the region, we already have a long and successful track record of helping businesses start, grow and prosper.

“But this programme really allows us to provide a far greater level and depth of support than we would otherwise be able to.”

Hastings is seen as a deprived area.