Start up support programme launched

Pennine LEAP is being delivered by Regenerate Pennine Lancashire’s enterprise and employment team and a network of enterprise partners. The programme is financially supported by the European Regional Development Fund following a successful bid by Regenerate.

Pennine LEAP provides intensive coaching, mentoring, HR specialists, social enterprise and international trade support to non-retail enterprises across Pennine Lancashire, which includes Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn, Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale.

The programme also provides finance support and the benefit of an experienced business mentor for up to two years.

Steve Hoyle, managing director of Regenerate Pennine Lancashire, said: “Pennine Lancashire has shown that it is a hotbed of entrepreneurial activity, with new opportunities, such as attracting European funding and increasing the offer for those wanting to start up.

“Pennine LEAP is aimed at helping high growth businesses get off the ground. We are offering a full package of support to help people turn their ideas into thriving businesses.”

Specialist enterprise providers who will provide free coaching and mentoring support to new enterprises include Enterprise4all, Winning Pitch, Community and Business Partners, East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and SELNET.