Business boom in Blackpool

New businesses in Blackpool are booming, thanks to £100,000 worth of loans secured for them by Blackpool Council.

The Council’s Get Started scheme has helped almost 70 businesses in the town to start up in the last year, and 750 since 2007, by giving advice and support to access the money to begin trading.

Companies have been helped by the council to access funding from the Government’s Start Up Loans scheme, aimed at helping 18 to 30 year olds to start businesses, the NEA project for people on Job Seekers Allowance and also directly from banks.

Coun Gary Coleman, cabinet member for regeneration and urban development, said: “I’m proud to say that this council is fighting for the small businesses.

“The Get Started scheme offers some great expert advice to anybody thinking of setting up on their own. As well as special workshops and seminars, we are also able to help people create business plans and secure them funding to begin building their companies.

“At a time when the economy is tight for many, it’s really important that we can help people to become their own bosses, and we’re already getting some great success stories from businesses which are thriving thanks to our help.”

New businesses vary between many different sectors, from the service industry to retail and beauty.