Starting a business

If you are looking for support to start your business, your first point of contact should be our Business Engagement team. They will be able to discuss your business needs and identify the best way forward based on support available from us and partner organisations.

If you would like to discuss your start up plans and learn about what support is available, please contact our Business Engagement team on 01257 515300 or email edu@chorley.gov.uk.

Boost - Lancashire's Business Growth Hub

Chorley Council is partner of Growth Lancashire which is contracted to deliver business advice on behalf of Lancashire's Business Growth Hub, Boost. It is a role which the company has performed since the inception of Boost in 2012. Our experienced Relationship Managers are focused on helping Lancashire's ambitious businesses to succeed by providing advice and matching them to relevant funded support programmes or other provision. We pride ourselves on building meaningful and lasting relationships with the County's businesses.

Boost has 4 core funded programmes covering start-up, high growth and mentoring and a dedicated service that helps businesses navigate the raft of public and private sector business support available on a local, regional and national level.

Boost is led by Lancashire County Council and funded by 10 of the 14 Lancashire Local Authorities through UKSPF. If you are looking for expert support to help you start, manage and grow your business, call their team today.

View more information on the Boost website. 

You can also contact them directly on 0800 488 0057 or by emailing info@boostbusinesslancashire.co.uk.

Start up loans 

Start Up Loans is a UK-wide government backed scheme which offers a repayable loan to individuals over the age of 18 who have a viable business idea but no access to finance. The scheme funds businesses in every sector.

As well as financial backing, all loan recipients are given access to a mentor, free training events and exclusive business offers. Loans are available from £250, but the amount you can borrow will be determined by your business plan. 

View more information on start up loans.

GOV.UK

The GOV.UK website provides you with step-by-step process of what you need to do to set up a business, along with a business plan template.

Setting up a social enterprise

You must choose a business structure if you are starting a business that helps people or communities (a 'social enterprise'). You can find further information on setting up a social enterprise on the GOV.UK website.

Setting up a charity

View more information on setting up a charity on the GOV.UK website.

Business promotion opportunities 

Pitch your business for free in the town centre.

This enables Chorley based businesses to have a town centre presence to promote their products and services on our 'Business Showcase' pitch. It is located adjacent to the market on Cleveland Street and is available weekdays. Contact us by email to edu@chorley.gov.uk for more information.

Its local Chorley

A key new promotional channel is its local Chorley on-line business directory. We are proud to deliver this new interactive service for Chorley businesses, connecting them with local customers, free of charge, and keeping trade inside the local economy. The directory is fully integrated with Google maps, directions and streetview, and has direct links to company websites, including social media links.

You can create your own free entry or review an existing entry on the its local Chorley website.