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Business support funding

If you are seeking business funding opportunities, please refer to the information below to explore what is currently available.

To discover the full range of support that is available to your business, please contact our Economic Development Team on 01257 515300 or by email to edu@chorley.gov.uk.

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British Business Bank

If you are seeking to start or expand your business and require financial support, the British Business Bank offers funding of up to £25,000 through its government-backed initiative. In addition to financial assistance, successful applicants receive one year of complimentary mentoring, access to training events, and exclusive business offers designed to guide your business towards success.

Loans are available starting from £250. To be eligible for a Start Up Loan, your business must have been trading for less than 36 months.

View full eligibility and further information.

Kings trust

The King’s Trust Start Up Grant is a dedicated funding initiative designed to support aspiring young entrepreneurs in launching their own businesses. Backed by The King’s Trust, this grant provides essential financial assistance and expert guidance to individuals aged 18 to 30 who are ready to turn their business ideas into reality.

Fhunded

Lancashire County Council (LCC) has officially launched a pioneering angel investment initiative, fhunded Angels. This initiative is designed to connect Lancashire start-ups with private or ‘angel’ investors who are actively seeking exciting investment opportunities.

fhunded Angels operates as an angel investor network, providing essential seed capital to start-ups based in Lancashire. By facilitating these connections, the initiative aims to strengthen Lancashire’s tech economy and contribute to the growth of the region’s wider innovation ecosystem.

For more information, please visit the fhunded website.

Rosebud business finance

Rosebud Finance is dedicated to supporting the growth and success of Lancashire’s most ambitious businesses. With a clear vision to help Lancashire’s businesses and people fulfil their potential, Rosebud plays a vital role in driving the economic growth of the region.

Rosebud provides a comprehensive suite of resources, tools, and connections designed to help businesses thrive. Its offering includes a range of financial and growth support services, such as hands-on assistance, expert guidance, and tailor-made finance packages. Rosebud also facilitates co-investment opportunities, catering to companies across Lancashire from diverse sectors and industries that are seeking to grow and scale.

View further details on Rosebud business finance, including full eligibility criteria and terms and conditions.

Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund provides three distinct funding options designed to address gaps in the availability of commercially accessible finance. These options range from small business loans of £25,000 to equity investments of up to £2 million. The funding solutions are as follows:

  • Small Business Loans: Ranging from £25,000 to £100,000, these loans are available to new or expanding businesses to support their working capital requirements.
  • Business Loans: Offering between £100,000 and £750,000, these loans are intended for early-stage or established businesses that can demonstrate significant growth potential.
  • Equity Funding (Early and Later Stage): Investments from £50,000 to £2 million are available for start-ups as well as more established businesses with high growth ambitions.

For further details, please visit the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund website.

Government Funding for Apprenticeship Training

Employers can receive government support to cover apprenticeship training and assessment costs. The amount depends on whether the employer pays the apprenticeship levy.

Employers can receive £1,000 for apprentices who are:

  • 16 to 18 years old (or 15 if their 16th birthday falls between the last Friday in June and 31 August)
  • 19 to 24 with an education, health and care (EHC) plan
  • 19 to 24 and have been in care

Foundation Apprenticeships:

  • up to £2,000 available for eligible apprentices in specified age groups or circumstances (including those in prison or leaving prison).
  • applies to apprenticeships in construction, engineering, health & social care, and digital sectors.

Find out more about Government funding opportunities for apprenticeships on the GOV.UK website.

Your local bank

Banks can provide a variety of practical solutions and financial products tailored to support your business needs. Whether you are seeking to drive business growth or acquire new assets, your bank may be able to assist you in securing essential 'match funding' to complement other funding programmes. Contact your banking provider today to find out how they can help you.