Business support service extended to help more Wirral residents
More local firms and entrepreneurs will continue to get fully funded, practical help to start or grow a business thanks to an extension of the Wirral’s Business Support Service through to March 2027.
The service has supported hundreds of businesses and entrepreneurs in Wirral since 2022, helping them build resilience, develop growth plans, access specialist programmes and create jobs for local people.
It will now continue for another 12 months after new funding was secured by the council from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Local Growth Fund.
Since the service launched in 2022, it has helped people and businesses across Wirral to:
- Start their business journey – with 318 residents supported to become enterprise ready, giving them the confidence and know how to start their own venture
- Launch new businesses – with 81 new start ups created across the borough, helping residents turn ideas into viable ventures, contributing to a more dynamic and diverse local economy.
- Grow and strengthen existing firms – with 324 local businesses receiving intensive and tailored support, helping them to plan, overcome challenges, unlock growth opportunities, improve productivity and build long-term company resilience.
- Create new jobs for local people – with over 200 full time equivalent roles created as a direct result of the support offered, helping residents access new employment opportunities
The extension means residents and businesses of all sizes, from all sectors, can continue to access fully funded, local support without disruption. It will help aspiring entrepreneurs get started and enable growing firms to build their skills and confidence, while also supporting businesses with the potential to expand further - creating new jobs and opportunities across the borough.
The service is commissioned by Wirral Council and delivered by Wirral Chamber of Commerce. It is designed to be as accessible as possible, offering support in local venues and through hybrid appointments so that businesses and entrepreneurs can access support in a way that suits them.
This support makes a real difference to people across Wirral - whether they’re taking their first steps into self employment or looking to grow a company that creates jobs for local people. Extending the service means more residents and local businesses can access free, specialised and practical help right when they need it, helping to drive economic growth right here within the borough.
The Wirral Chamber team are delighted to be able to continue supporting Wirral SMEs, start ups and entrepreneurs through the Business Support Programme in partnership with Wirral Council. Supporting people to start businesses and working with established SMEs to grow and scale, while also creating job opportunities, is something the whole team is immensely proud of.
From supporting someone with an idea through to SMEs seeking clarity and guidance on strategic and financial planning, leadership and management, HR and marketing, our team is here to support Wirral businesses to take the next step.
The extension of the service will be fully funded by the Liverpool City Region Local Growth Fund, which is designed to support economic growth across the region. Securing this funding, which includes £255,000 for the Business Support Service contract as part of Wirral’s £350,000 allocation, means that the service can continue for another 12 months.
The Business Support Service plays an important role in helping local firms become investment ready, supporting jobs, driving productivity and strengthening the borough’s economy. It also supports the ambitions set out in the Wirral Plan, ensuring that regeneration benefits residents, employers and communities across the borough.
The Business Support Service offers one to one guidance, workshops and tailored support for businesses at every stage of their journey.
It includes assistance with structured business diagnostics and action planning, start up and early-stage support, help with accessing specialist programmes across the wider City Region and themed workshops covering common business challenges and growth opportunities.
From 1 April 2026, the service will operate from Wirral Chamber’s base, which will also offer hot‑desking and co‑working facilities for start-up entrepreneurs. To arrange an initial informal discussion, email: info@wirralchamber.co.uk or complete the online enquiry form: Business Support Service – Wirral Chamber
