Small Business Saturday 2026 is just around the corner (December 6), which will celebrate small businesses across the UK and their contribution to local communities as well as the UK economy.
This year’s Small Business Saturday tour included Preston, visiting small businesses such as Action Records, Townhouse Coffee and Green Pheasant Gifts to shine a light on the creativity, resilience and heart of businesses that are central to their communities.
For those with a business idea or who are just starting out, gaining external support can make all the difference. This month’s Lancashire Support Spotlight showcases five startup programmes which are available to new businesses in Lancashire and can be accessed via the Boost website.
In addition, Boost has partnered with the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and Customer Love on a special programme for independent high street retailers in Lancashire, Retail Renaissance.
Places are fully-funded and worth £3,000. You can register here.
Boost Business Support Helpdesk
Who is it for?
Boost’s Business Support Helpdesk is a fully-funded service for all Lancashire businesses, and ambitious people planning to start a new business, who wish to understand and find the right business support.
The helpdesk is delivered on behalf of Boost by Growth Lancashire, a team of highly experienced frontline advisers.
What will I gain?
By having a conversation with one of Boost’s helpdesk advisers, business owners and leaders will gain details of the local, regional and national support available and impartial advice on the most suitable support for their business needs.
They will also gain information about sector-specific support programmes available to their business.
Having a growth conversation with one advisers should always be the first step on your business support journey and can unlock new opportunities you weren’t aware of in Lancashire, across the UK or internationally.
How can I find out more?
Businesses can contact the helpdesk by calling 0800 488 0057 or requesting a callback by filling out the contact us form here.
Digital Boost
Who is it for?
Digital Boost supports small businesses and charities to develop the essential digital skills they need to adopt ways of working and grow their businesses.
What will I gain?
It provides free mentoring, workshops, courses and content to help businesses and charities understand digital better. Over 1,700 volunteers from organisations including Google, BT, and Visa help deliver Digital Boost services. They are experts in digital marketing, sales, finance, HR and much more.
Digital Boost also offers a wide range of free resources including webinars, courses, and toolkits to help organisations thrive in a digital-first world.
How can I find out more?
Visit the Digital Boost page on the Boost Support Directory here.
Startup UK by Enterprise Nation
Who is it for?
StartUp UK provides free tailored support to the next generation of startup entrepreneurs. It is backed by the UK government and Monzo Business and delivered by Enterprise Nation.
What will I gain?
It provides a range of support including virtual workshops, in-person flagship events, e-learning and downloadable business guides.
Through Enterprise Nation, businesses can also gain targeted resources to manage rising costs as well as access to an expert business adviser to support with specific issues.
How can I find out more?
Visit the Startup UK page on the Boost Support Directory here.
Business Support Service for England
Who is it for?
The free to access Business Support Service for England can help businesses to start, grow and succeed by connecting them with a trained business support adviser.
It is delivered by business support service Umi on behalf of the UK Government.
What will I gain?
Advisers provide tailored guidance and information on schemes and publicly funded business support programmes available both in a business’s local area and across England.
How can I find out more?
The service is available Monday to Friday 9am – 6pm. Call 0800 998 1098, email enquiries@businesssupporthelpline.org, have a live webchat or connect via X and Facebook.
King’s Trust Enterprise Programme
Who is it for?
The programme is designed for people aged 18 to 30, living in the UK and unemployed, or working fewer than 16 hours a week, who have a business idea or some ideas to explore. It is delivered by the King’s Trust.
What will I gain?
The Trust has helped over 91,000 young people start their own business. With expert-led workshops, one-to-one support and opportunities to apply for funding, it provides the tools to create a strong business plan and launch a successful business.
When young people launch their business, the trust matches them with a mentor who has the expertise, business skills and experience to help. All mentors are trained in business principles and will be able to support in a variety of ways.
Businesses may also be eligible for a Test My Business Idea grant of up to £500 and Start Up Grant of up to £5,000.
How can I find out more?
Visit the King’s Trust Enterprise Programme page on the Boost Support Directory here.
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