If you are starting up a new business in Hyndburn, you may be eligible for a grant of up to £2,500 (terms and conditions apply).
The Council are looking to support businesses which demonstrate sustainability, growth and innovative ideas.
Businesses are required to be at pre-start stage or trading for less than 6 months.
CIC’s and social enterprises are eligible to apply if they have a trading arm.
Grant funding can be used to support the following activity:
Purchase of fixtures & fittings, equipment, marketing, specialist consultancy.
Hyndburn-based businesses can apply for grant funding of up to £5,000 to help grow a business (term & conditions apply).
The Council are looking to support established Hyndburn-based business looking to increase turnover, enter a new market or diversify.
The grants can be used for building expansions, equipment purchase, exporting support, specialist accreditation, consultancy, reshoring, launching a new product or service, or adopting new technology.
Trading businesses currently located outside of Hyndburn who are looking to relocate into Hyndburn will also be considered, as long as they meet the growth eligibility criteria.
For further information, please submit expressions of interest to: business@hyndburnbc.gov.uk
 Following our article in the last edition on funding start-ups, in this month’s newsletter we are looking at funding for growing a business once you have navigated the start-up phase.
When is the right time to seek funding, and take your business to the next level? What are the options available fo Hyndburn based businesses.
Mark Gibbons from the Lancashire County Council Finance team has shared the following:
For SMEs, funding for growth is not just about securing capital, it's about strategically aligning them with growth objectives. Whether this is through traditional loans, alternative lending or investment.
Develop a strong business plan – Investors and lenders are seeking businesses with a clear plan, robust financial projections, and a strong management team.
Taking the time to formulate a funding strategy as part of the business plan will always pay off in the long run.
Look for suitable funders to partner with rather than view it as purely transactional. In Hyndburn, Rosebud Finance provides loans to businesses looking to grow, expand, and create local jobs.
Also, look for grants (your local council may have grant schemes) that feed into your growth plans and will help you reduce the aggregate cost of new capital.
Apart from the obvious appeal of grant awards they also benefit by de-risking the lending opportunity by contributing to the overall quantum required to execute the growth plan, and providing a matched funding element required by most grant schemes whilst providing third party validation of the project.
Taking a holistic view to your funding strategy may take time and effort, so take advantage of local support to help you on your growth journey.
There are around 500,000 small shops across England and Wales, occupied by a variety of businesses, such as fashion retailers, homeware stores, convenience shops, and cafés.
A small shop is any retail unit under 1,850m² (which is around 20,000 ft²). If you rent or own one, understanding how your business rates are calculated can help you manage your costs more effectively.
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is responsible for assessing the rateable value of all non-domestic properties in England and Wales. To do this, our surveyors use three main valuation methods, approved by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). For most shops, we use the rental comparison method.
For a closer look at this method and how we apply it to small shops, follow the link below.
To book a place on to any of the below workshops please email: business@hyndburnbc.gov.uk
AI Insights for Local Businesses: Getting ahead with the power of AI and how to transform your business with AI Agentic Layer.
Join Hyndburn Council for two great workshops designed to help business owners learn how to unlock and utilise the power of AI!
In these workshops, you'll get a clear and simple overview of how to bring AI into your business, no matter which industry you're in. We'll then dive into the exciting world of multi-agent AI systems. Using real-life examples, you'll learn how these systems can transform your business operations, making everything run smoother and more efficiently. Plus, you'll discover how to embed these smart systems into your business to drive amazing results.
AI Unlocked: Empowering Local Businesses to Understand and Implement AI with Confidence
Wednesday 11th June, 9.30am-1.00pm, Oswaldtwistle Mills Business & conference Centre, Clifton Mill, Pickup St, Accrington BB5 0BY.
This workshop offers a clear and engaging overview of Artificial Intelligence, ideal for teams seeking to understand AI’s current capabilities, limitations, and strategic potential. We’ll cover foundational concepts, key technologies (like machine learning and natural language processing), and real-world use cases across sectors. Perfect for businesses at all stages, digital teams, and stakeholders wanting to build confident, well-informed AI strategies.
Mastering AI Agentic Layer – Where Intelligent Agents act Autonomously to Drive Outcomes
Wednesday 25th June, 1.00pm-4.30pm, Oswaldtwistle Mills Business & conference Centre, Clifton Mill, Pickup St, Accrington BB5 0BY.
Agentic layering significantly enhances task automation by introducing flexibility, adaptability, and intelligence into automated workflows to drive outcomes. Unlike traditional automation which relies on predefined rules, Agentic AI systems can make decisions in real time data. This workshop will explore multi-agent frameworks, decision chains, and how this new paradigm transforms operations, workflows, and digital service delivery.
A great example of how Agentic AI is revolutionising the recruitment sector is by optimising the hiring process from candidate sourcing through to scheduling job interviews. Attendees will leave with a practical understanding of how agentic systems can be designed, governed, and applied securely in real-world environments, and embed agentic layer into their business.
Amazon Academy - 3 workshops to help businesses to master online sales via Amazon.
Join the Amazon Academy! Hyndburn Borough Council is hosting a series of three dynamic workshops designed to help businesses master the art of selling on Amazon. Whether you're a new entrepreneur, an existing business aiming to grow, or someone looking to start a side hustle, there's a workshop tailored just for you. Don't miss this opportunity to become an expert seller and elevate your Amazon success!
Amazon Academy - Learn How to Unlock New Growth Opportunities on Amazon.
Tuesday 9th September, 1.00pm-4.00pm, Accrington Stanley Community Trust, Stanley Sports Hub, Thorneyholme Road, Accrington, BB5 6BD
This workshop is ideal for businesses already selling on Amazon who are looking to increase sales and reach a bigger audience. Learn advanced strategies and insider tips to elevate your Amazon presence and achieve greater success.
Amazon Newbies - Businesses Looking to Sell on Amazon, But Not Sure Where to Start
Tuesday 23rd September, 1.00pm-4.00pm, Accrington Stanley Community Trust, Stanley Sports Hub, Thorneyholme Road, Accrington, BB5 6BD
If you have a product to sell, this workshop will teach you how to conquer Amazon’s marketplace, by providing the essential tools and strategies to boost your sales and visibility on Amazon. Suitable for start-up and established business.
Amazon as a ‘Side-Hustle’: Learn Why Amazon Can be a Great Platform for a Side Hustle.
Tuesday 7th October, 1.00pm-4.00pm, Accrington Stanley Community Trust, Stanley Sports Hub, Thorneyholme Road, Accrington, BB5 6BD
Side hustles have become increasingly popular, with around 39% of Brits engaging in additional income-generating activities alongside their primary source of income. This workshop will teach you how to start your side hustle journey on Amazon.
Business Grants from Hyndburn Borough Council
24th June, 12:15-13:00, Online
The Economic Development team will provide an overview on the launch of our new business grants, covering eligibility, terms, as well as the application process, and what needs to be submitted.
Book a place below
Business drop in sessions are held at venues across the borough from 9.30am - 1pm.
No appointment is required, pop in to have a chat with the Council’s Economic Development Team regarding support for your business.
Wednesday 2nd July, Haworth Art Gallery, Hollins Lane, Accrington, BB5 2JS
Wednesday 6th August, Accrington Library, St James St, Accrington BB5 1NQ
Monday 15th September, Tessa Clemson, Studio, 3 Mill St Great Harwood, BB6 7NN
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