Hyndburn Council announces first wave of Business Start Up Grant recipients
Hyndburn Council announces first wave of Business Start Up Grant recipients
Hyndburn Borough Council has awarded £15,000 in Business Start Up Grants to support a new wave of local entrepreneurs, helping to boost the borough’s economy, create jobs and unlock new private investment. The grants, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, form part of the Council’s wider programme announced last year to back both new and existing businesses with financial support, training and growth opportunities.
Seven start-up businesses have now received funding through the scheme: Heal with Us, Joanna Warner, Maqha Café, The Chicken Shop, Accrin Mortgages, First Glance Diagnostics and Zara Cakes Ltd. Together, these businesses have been awarded £15,000 and generated more than £67,000 in private sector investment, created nine new full time jobs, and safeguarded nine existing jobs, ensuring vital employment opportunities remain within the borough.
Image: Councillor Scott Brerton, Portfolio Holder for BusinessGrowth and Sustainability; David Williams, Owner of Accrin Mortgages: and Salma Chaudhry, Economic Development Manager
Councillor Scott Brerton, Portfolio Holder for Business and Growth, said:
“We are proud to be offering grants to our local businesses and entrepreneurs. This will provide a fantastic boost to the local economy and help to unlock our abundance of local talent. Helping local businesses is one of the priorities of our Corporate Strategy and we know that there is support from our residents for this. Even a small amount of money can help launch a new business or give an existing business a boost.”
The Start Up Grants form part of a wider £75,000 package, with £50,000 allocated to established businesses through the Business Growth Grant scheme. The Council will announce the recipients of these growth grants later this year. These grants will support businesses looking to expand, diversify, enter new markets, purchase equipment or carry out building improvements, further strengthening Hyndburn’s economic future.
Councillor Brerton added:
“It is an exciting time to be doing business in Hyndburn. Over the last year we have supported many local businesses through 1-2-1 support, shop front improvement grants, advice sessions and now through these start up awards. I cannot wait to see the innovative businesses that will benefit from the next round of growth grants. Hyndburn is a borough of hard-working people, and this programme is helping many of them to thrive.”
Businesses interested in applying for future rounds of support can submit an expression of interest to business@hyndburnbc.gov.uk, including their business name, address and whether they are seeking start up or growth funding.
Funding for this project has been provided by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.