Start up loans reach £500,000 milestone in Blackpool

New businesses are benefiting from more than £500,000 worth of government start up loans, secured for them by Blackpool Council.

The council’s Get Started scheme – part of the Start Up Lancashire service supported by the European Regional Development Fund – plays a key role in supporting new business and helping it to develop.

Last year, it helped 100 new businesses get underway and has helped 900 since 2007 by providing business advice and support and access to finance.

And they know more than most that securing the finance needed to start up in business can often prove one of the toughest challenges.

But with the government’s Start Up Loans scheme, which was originally for 18-30 year olds to start up a business, opening up to all age groups, the team have been able to take advantage and secure support for more and more Blackpool entrepreneurs.

Now the help the council has been able to source from the scheme since September 2012 has reached half a million pounds.

Cllr Fred Jackson, Blackpool Council’s cabinet member for urban regeneration, said: “It’s pleasing that Blackpool Council is leading the way promoting the entrepreneur spirit so evident in our town.

“The Get Started Scheme was set up seven years ago to break down barriers that prevent businesses from starting up. They assist by providing expert advice and support to any Blackpool resident thinking of starting up a business.

“It really is a one stop service, facilitating the development of someone’s simple idea and turning it into a comprehensive plan, utilising training courses and one to one planning meetings.

“At a time when the local economy is starting to grow, it is important we help people become their own bosses and I look forward to hearing some more great success stories.

“We’ve helped 85 businesses secure a total of £500,000 from the Start Up Loans scheme and we hope that level of support can continue.” New businesses helped by Get Started span a huge range of fields from film production, tradesmen and gardeners to artists and IT experts.