Building on the success of previous programmes, a new set of budding entrepreneurs have been allocated a place on the Spark Up programme designed to inspire and motivate business growth within the Liverpool city region.

Spark Up, which is supported by Liverpool Chamber of Commerce and NatWest, has welcomed new start-up businesses onto its 12-week long programme, which will be the first of three to take place this year.

The programme offers support and advice for entrepreneurs via a series of workshops, seminars and one-to-one mentoring. It covers everything from the perfect pitch, business practicalities and realities through to developing an entrepreneurial mind set and making the right connections.

The latest cohort features a diverse range of businesses, from those in retail and hospitality to those in the digital and technology sectors. There is also an increased number of younger entrepreneurs taking part, who will represent the city’s next generation of business leaders.

Spark Up founder Jenny Stewart is delighted with the success and impact the programme has had to date. She said:

“Working with entrepreneurs to create scale and growth is exciting. The programme develops the individual, giving them confidence and the skills required to run a successful business. In turn this creates jobs and prosperity.”

Spark Up benefits from a network of more than 50 Liverpool-based business leaders and experts, who give their time to develop the city’s newest entrepreneurial talents.

The start of the latest Spark Up programme marks the beginning of an exciting year at Liverpool Chamber as they look to focus on developing support, training and advice for not only the city’s budding entrepreneurs but for existing business owners who would like to grow.

Ms Stewart continued:

“Spark Up never fails to impress and surprise me with the many diverse businesses it attracts. After this first intense week I know they are all ready to take on the challenges and opportunities that Spark Up will provide.”

More than 250 businesses have applied for Spark Up to date. Places on the programme are open to both would-be entrepreneurs, armed with an initial business idea and owners of existing businesses who have been trading for up to two years and are ambitious to grow.

Entrepreneurs, who demonstrated an ability to grow through ambition and investment opportunities, as well as a strong desire to participate in the programme, were chosen to join the latest programme.

Applications for the remaining programmes in 2016 can be made via the Spark Up website www.sparkup.org.uk