New free-to-access support programme now available for start-up and spin-out businesses in Knowledge Quarter Liverpool. Tony McDonough reports

Start-up and spin-out businesses based in Knowledge Quarter Liverpool (KQ Liverpool) can now access a free support programme that aims to “remover barriers to entry”.

KQ Startup has been specifically designed to help fledgling entrepreneurs navigate through the early stages of starting and running a business. It will aim to ensure they get “connected directly with the right people”.

Eight local organisations have been enlisted by KQ Startup to offer programme participants a range of advice and guidance.

This includes one to one consultations, digital resources and expert masterclasses across the fields of compliance, marketing, banking and finance, and intellectual property. They will also provide discounted workspaces and networking opportunities.

Colin Sinclair, chief executive of KQ Liverpool, said: “By removing barriers to entry, we can boost the number of new local founders, as well as the success rate of existing startups. This in turn will add to the economic prosperity of our innovation district.

“KQ Startup will ensure that the groundbreaking ideas and creative research being uncovered on our doorstep can succeed commercially and develop into thriving, scaling businesses.”

The eight KQ Startup expert advisors are Dearbridge, List & Found, Lloyds Bank, Marks & Clerk, Moore Media, Sciontec, Sedulo and Typocom.

KQ Liverpool will also be signposting participants to a number of other local organisations who provide complimentary support to entrepreneurs and SME leaders in Liverpool city region.

They include The Brett Centre for Entrepreneurship, The Women’s Organisation, Growth Platform, LYVA Labs, River Capital and the LCR Finance Hub.

Rachael Stevens, head of partnerships and external relations at KQ Liverpool, added: “Navigating the red tape around starting a new business can be both daunting and distracting from the excitement of launching a new product or service.

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“Through KQ Startup, we want to simplify this process and take some of the burden away from founders, therefore enabling business owners to focus on building their teams, attract customers and grow their business.”

KQ Liverpool is looking to engage with around 20 KQ Startup participants across the next 12 months. Click here to download a KQ Startup brochure or find out more information by clicking here.