Start your business

We work closely with partner organisations to support people looking to set up a new business in West Lancashire. 

Please also see below a number of partner services offering free support and guidance:

Boost; Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub

Boost is Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub led by the Lancashire LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) and Lancashire County Council and their purpose is to help Lancashire’s businesses grow.

Through Boost, Lancashire businesses ranging from start-ups to large companies can access a number of fully-funded programmes in areas such as mentoring, scaling up, innovation, international trade, leadership development, and accessing finance.

Boost can also help businesses navigate the plethora of national business support programmes to find the support they need.

To find out more information on the support available in the first instance, we advise that you contact the Council's Business Engagement team at lets.talk@westlancs.gov.uk 

Rosebud Finance

Rosebud Finance helps small and medium sized businesses in high growth sectors access fast, flexible loan and equity finance (or a combination of both) for growth. Finance is available from £10,000 up to £300,000 and is designed to meet the needs of your business with competitive rates and terms, along with a package of tailored business support and advice.

Rosebud is looking to support growing businesses in the following high growth business sectors (external link):

To be eligible, your business must:

  • Be in one of the following high growth sectors: Advanced manufacturing, Aerospace, Creative and Digital, Energy and Environmental, Finance and Professional or Health
  • Operate business-to-business
  • Be based in the Lancashire County Council administrative area or relocating here

To see how Rosebud could help your company please contact the Council's Business Growth team on 01695 712692 or email lets.talk@westlancs.gov.uk 

GOV.UK

The government website provides you with a step-by-step process of what you need to do to set up a business.

For further details visit the Government’s set up a business webpage (external link)