More than 150 fledgling or would-be entrepreneurs in Liverpool have accessed a business support service backed by £1.59m from the Government. Tony McDonough reports

People looking to start their own businesses in Liverpool are being urged to get in touch with a support service backed by £1.59m of Government cash.

Liverpool City Council says more than 150 people in the city have already contacted its Business Support Service (SBS) so far in 2024.

They include university students with innovative ideas, parents seeking a better work-life balance and those looking to change careers by pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams.

This service has supported a wide range of business concepts, including ventures in technology, creative arts, fitness, hospitality, and professional services.

In July LBN reported that the council had secured the money from the Government to support the initiative. This has come via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as the lead authority.

The service offers aspiring entrepreneurs a variety of resources, including:

• Workshops: Covering essential business topics to equip people with the knowledge they need.
• Online hub: A rich resource of information and templates to guide residents through the process of starting a business.
• One-to-one support: Personalised advisory sessions to help people refine their business ideas and strategies.

To ensure the service is accessible to all residents, the city council launched a promotional campaign featuring eye-catching advertisements in key locations.

These included Moorfields and Liverpool Central Merseyrail stations, as well as on digital screens at bus stops in high-traffic areas such as Queens Drive and Edge Lane.

Additionally, the council is bringing its support directly into communities by hosting drop-in sessions at various libraries, Lifestyles fitness centres, and business parks across the city.

And it has also introduced flexible support options, including virtual sessions and workshops held outside of traditional working hours.

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Kate Bull, Liverpool City Council’s director of economic strategy, skills, and sustainability, said: “Liverpool is filled with hard-working, fantastic entrepreneurial people.

“Our Business Support Service helps them thrive by offering comprehensive support at every stage of business growth. From start-ups to established enterprises, we provide free essential resources for success.”

Any residents with a business idea can take advantage of the free Business Support Service. To learn more click here. The service has a number of events coming up. To find out more click here.