Fylde Council has confirmed the allocation of £99,975 to The Small Business Academy to deliver comprehensive business support services across the borough through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) for 2025/26.
The new partnership, approved at a recent Executive Committee meeting, will provide vital support businesses throughout Fylde. The contract will also deliver tailored assistance for lifestyle and hospitality businesses including the retail sector, addressing specific needs identified within the local economy.
Councillor Karen Buckley, Lead Member for Corporate and Economic Development, stated: “This investment demonstrates our commitment to growing Fylde’s economy. We’re excited to work with the Small Business Academy, whose targeted approach to pre-start and start-up businesses, along with specialist support for our important hospitality and retail sectors, directly addresses the needs we’ve identified in our local economy.”
Nikki Hesford, Managing Director at The Small Business Academy, added: “Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Councils have independently selected The Small Business Academy to deliver the next round of their UK Shared Prosperity Funding business support programmes. Their decisions enable the us to provide comprehensive services to all businesses across the Fylde Coast simultaneously, reflecting a shared commitment to engendering a unified approach, both in the promotion and delivery of local and area business support.
“Our aim is to enhance networking and business opportunities across the Fylde Coast, ensuring that business support is consistent and not dependent on geographical boundaries. As a Fylde business employing Fylde residents, we are delivering support to Fylde, with all revenue flowing back into our circular economy from the caterer to the window cleaner.”
The contract is part of Fylde Council’s total allocation from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for 2025/26, which amounts to £857,692, comprising £297,000 capital funding and £560,692 revenue funding. This one-year funding programme will transfer to the new Lancashire Combined County Authority after 2025/26.
The contract with The Small Business Academy will commence in May 2025 and run until 31 March 2026.
Learn more about the business support available here or contact bookings@thesmallbusinessacademy.co.uk
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