If you are looking for support to grow your business, your first point of contact should be the Council's Business Engagement team. They will be able to discuss your business needs and identify the best way forward based on business support available from partners and Chorley Council.
If you would like to discuss your business growth plans and learn about what support is available, please contact the Council's Business Engagement team on 01257 515300 or email edu@chorley.gov.uk.
Business support available from Chorley Council
Shop Front Improvement Grant
The Shop Front Improvement Grant is available for comprehensive visual improvements to the frontage of a VACANT retail property. The property must be in the designated Chorley town centre boundary or within one of the borough’s designated local retail centres. A business (or the property landlord) can apply for up to 75% of the total eligible project net costs up to a maximum of £10,000 grant. Download the guidance note for further information.
Chorley Business Investment for Growth (BIG) Grant
The Chorley BIG grant can be used to support eligible, expanding Chorley businesses making capital expenditure and creating new jobs. The grant can contribute to the construction of new buildings; the refurbishment/adaptation of existing business premises; site engineering works; signage; hard/soft landscaping and security improvements. Businesses can apply for 50% of the total eligible project costs, with a maximum grant of up to £10,000. Grants will be based on £5,000 per job created. Download the guidance note for further information
Choose Chorley Relocation Grant
The Choose Chorley Relocation Grant is to help attract inward investors to the borough, create sustainable local employment and strengthen local supply chains. It is aimed at existing businesses (not new starts) permanently relocating to Chorley from outside of the borough, generating at least 5 sustainable jobs within 24 months of establishing their base. Grants are available up to a maximum of £25,000. The grant is not available retrospectively and retail businesses are not eligible. Download the guidance note for further information.
Please note, all Chorley Council grants are offered on a first come, first served basis, and cannot be offered retrospectively. Businesses are advised to contact Chorley Council's Business Engagement team to discuss any potential applications at the earliest opportunity.
Business support available from Partners
Brexit
The UK is scheduled to leave the European Union on 31 October 2019. Leaving the EU will have a number of potential effects on Lancashire businesses. For further information from Government and other bodies to prepare your business for Brexit, the Government’s dedicated Brexit page at https://www.gov.uk/brexit and Boost Business Lancashire’s dedicated Brexit Hub page at https://www.boostbusinesslancashire.co.uk/brexit-hub/
Start Up Loans
Start Up Loans is a UK-wide government backed scheme which offers a repayable loan to individuals over the age of 18 who have a viable business idea but no access to finance. The scheme funds businesses in every sector. As well as financial backing all loan recipients are given access to a mentor, free training events and exclusive business offers. Loans are available from £250, but the amount you can borrow will be determined by your business plan.
Rosebud Business Finance
Get fast, flexible finance, from £10,000 to over £1 million. Lancashire County Council is looking for ambitious growing businesses to support. Rosebud Micro provides finance from £10,000 to £49,000, while Rosebud Business Finance provides funding from £50,000, along with a package of customised business support and advice. Rosebud is looking to support growing businesses in the following high growth business sectors: advance manufacturing; aerospace; finance and professional; creative & digital; energy & environment; health.
Access to Finance
Businesses looking for finance, whether for the first time or after they have been declined by a lender, can receive free and impartial advice from Access to Finance. Services the team provide include an assessment of your financial position and funding requirements, assistance with the development of a business plan, coaching and mentoring to develop an investment proposition, introductions to suitable finance providers, and support at meetings with lenders and investors.
Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund
The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund offers three different funding options designed to plug gaps in the provision of commercially available finance, ranging from £25,000 loans to £2million equity investments.
Funding options include:
•Small business loans, £25,000-£100,000: For new or growing businesses to support working capital needs
•Business loans, £100,000-£750,000: For early stage or more established businesses that can demonstrate growth potential
•Early stage and later stage equity funding, £50,000-£2million: For start-ups or more established businesses with high growth potential.
Your local bank
Banks can offer practical solutions and a range of products to support your business; whether it is business growth or asset purchases, your bank could potentially help you to secure vital 'match funding' for other funding programmes. Banks have access to a range of services, including the British Business Bank's Enterprise Finance Guarantee.
Business promotion opportunities
Pitch your business for free in the town centre! This enables Chorley based businesses to have a town centre presence to promote their products and services on our 'Business Showcase' pitch. It is located adjacent to the market on Cleveland Street and could be available weekdays. Contact the Council for further information and availability.
Taking advantage of the footfall in Chorley's popular covered market, the Council can offer free advertising space for your A4 posters or A5 leaflets. Space can be allocated in three month blocks and is offered on a first come first served basis.