Start Your Business with “Start Up Sefton” – Free Support for Sefton Residents
Are you a Sefton resident thinking about starting your own business or social enterprise? We’re passionate about supporting Sefton residents to become self-sufficient and resilient entrepreneurs. With our person-centred approach, we’re not just checking off business tasks—we’re helping you navigate life’s challenges as you build your business.
Start Up Sefton is here to offer free, expert advice and practical support to help you turn your idea into a reality. As part of the service, MEH (Merseyside Expanding Horizons) has partnered with Safe Regeneration to provide Sefton residents with tailored guidance every step of the way. See below for more information on MEH and Safe Regeneration, as well as the support available from the Growth Platform. If you would like to access any of this support, need more information or simply want a chat about your business idea then please call us on 0151 934 3452, or email investsefton@sefton.gov.uk
Start up Sefton:
- 1-to-1 Mentoring & Business Advice: Receive personalised support to refine your business idea, research the market, and build your business plan.
- Business Clubs: Join our monthly Business Club sessions in Bootle & Southport to connect with other local entrepreneurs and gain valuable insights.
- Skill Development: Learn the essential skills you need, from finance and marketing to risk management and business compliance.
- Support for Social Enterprises: If you’re aiming to make a positive impact, we’ll help you set up and grow a successful social enterprise.
Additional Resources:
- Business Incubation Space
- Hot Desk & Meeting Room Hire
- Mailbox & Registered Office Services:
- Catering Facilities
Founded in 1999, MEH (Merseyside Expanding Horizons) works across the Liverpool City Region to promote social inclusion and improve outcomes for marginalised and vulnerable individuals. MEH helps people become more socially and economically independent through skills development, employment support, and business or social enterprise creation.
Now based in Bootle, MEH partners with organisations across public, private, and community sectors to support the regeneration of the borough and the wider region. With over 15 years of experience, MEH plays a key role in regional programs aimed at growing the local business base.
SAFE Regeneration is a community business that nurtures social and economic regeneration in communities, pioneering creative grassroots approaches to support local people to contribute and lead the revitalisation of their community.
Since taking up residence in a disused school in Bootle in 2006, the organisation has achieved rapid and sustained growth, becoming firmly established as a key Community Hub in South Sefton, supporting thousands of residents, and helping hundreds of small businesses, social enterprises, creative and social organisations to start up and grow.
SAFE owns and manages the Lock and Quay Community Pub and Gardens and Community Business Hub (home to 13 other social enterprises, supported by SAFE to incorporate) in an oasis of growing/public space adjacent to its adopted stretch of the Liverpool-Leeds canal.
Check out the Start a Business page on the Growth Platform website, which has been created by local councils in Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, St Helens, Sefton, and Wirral.
If you want to chat with someone or need more specific advice, don’t hesitate to give us a call! We’re happy to discuss your ideas and refer you to the Start Up Sefton service for further support