Blackpool Council has announced the launch of two new business academies offering tailored advice to new and growing businesses, and practical help to lower carbon emissions.
The Blackpool Growth Business Academy and the Blackpool Net Zero Business Academy are new business support programmes set to play a crucial role in encouraging local firms to make use of the space to grow in Blackpool and support their sustainability efforts.
The Blackpool Growth Business Academy will play a pivotal role in driving businesses to succeed, helping new start businesses to chart their future success. It will also provide advice and mentoring for growth ambitious businesses to expand their operations, scale their impact, and drive innovation and job creation.
The Blackpool Net Zero Business Academy will assist local businesses in their journey to net zero, assessing their carbon footprint and creating detailed plans to reduce carbon emissions, drive down energy costs and develop sustainable business practices.
The £850k initiative is funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) and is led by the council’s Business Growth Team. It forms part of Blackpool’s £5.7m SPF investment programme to March 2025.
The academy programmes will be promoted via the Blackpool Unlimited gateway, the Business Growth Team’s website and alert service that has been signposting relevant advice, funding support and regeneration news to local businesses for over 15 years. The council has secured a wide range of specialist advisors and mentors to help deliver the academy offer.
Councillor Mark Smith, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Levelling Up – Place with responsibilities for business growth, recognises the remarkable entrepreneurial talent of new and established businesses in Blackpool. He said: “We are committed to nurturing our town’s economic development and job creation. This funding allows us to extend the range of advice and support available to a diverse range of businesses and sectors, whether large or small, hospitality or manufacturing.
“The advisors will work be working with companies to realise ambitions and grow sustainability. The establishment of the Blackpool Growth Business Academy and the Blackpool Net Zero Business Academy signifies the council’s commitment to empowering local businesses and steering the town towards a prosperous and environmentally conscious future.”
The Blackpool Growth Business Academy will focus on enhancing the capabilities of local businesses, providing them with guidance to flourish. By offering executive coaching, specialist growth expertise, workshops and events, the Growth Academy aims to empower business leaders and enable them to unlock the full potential of their companies.
Academy advisors will work closely with qualifying businesses to develop and implement company-specific growth plans. Each action plan will support the best route to growth, whether that’s adopting new technology, refining a process, entering new markets or launching new products.
The Blackpool Net Zero Business Academy will concentrate on helping businesses embrace sustainable practices and adopt environmentally friendly initiatives. By assisting companies in reducing their carbon footprint, implementing renewable energy solutions, and exploring eco-conscious business models, the academy aims to support the transition towards a net-zero future. This tailored approach will facilitate sustainable growth while promoting environmental responsibility, aligning with the global shift towards a greener economy.
With the backing of the Shared Prosperity Fund, Blackpool Council is well-positioned to drive economic growth while championing sustainable practices.
For further information on how to apply for support, businesses can visit www.blackpoolunlimited.com
