Businesses and budding entrepreneurs across Fylde have benefited from hundreds of hours of expert support over the past year, as The Small Business Academy concludes a highly successful programme backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
From pre-start entrepreneurs taking their very first steps, to established growth businesses scaling up with bespoke coaching plans, the Academy has delivered non-financial support to 127 enterprises across the Fylde area in 2025/26, helping owners build skills, confidence and resilience in a challenging economic climate.
Over the course of the programme, 70 workshops and masterclasses were delivered on everything from digital marketing and AI to finance and leadership. Highlights include five new businesses launched, including two community interest companies, and 507 hours of scaleup coaching provided to growth businesses. A dedicated Women’s Scaling Up Programme also supported four female-led companies on the Fylde Coast.
A spokesperson at Fylde Council said: “This programme has made a real difference to business owners across our borough. Whether someone was just starting out with an idea or looking to grow an established company, the Small Business Academy has provided genuine, practical support – and the results speak for themselves. We’re proud to have delivered this through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and to have invested in the future of our local economy.”
Nikki Hesford, Managing Director at The Small Business Academy, added: “The funding provided by Fylde Council has enabled local business owners to become better equipped to handle modern challenges and opportunities – for example, knowing how to integrate Ai into their operations, how to use cloud based book keeping systems, and learning how to run their own social media campaigns, which have made a huge difference to the productivity and profits of businesses in our local area.”
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is the government’s flagship programme for investing in local communities and businesses, and Fylde Council has been committed to putting every penny to work for residents and enterprises across the borough.
Businesses in Fylde looking for continued support can find out more about the range of help available, including grants, advice, and networking opportunities, at Invest in Fylde.
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