If you’ve just launched a business in Liverpool, or you’re about to, this step-by-step guide walks you through exactly where to go, what to apply for, and how to get connected fast. I’ve pulled together the most current and relevant support available in 2026, so you don’t waste time searching in the wrong places.
Step 1: Start With Liverpool City Council
Your very first move should be contacting the Liverpool City Council Business Support Service. This is a no-cost service open to anyone starting or growing a business in the city.
Here is what you can access through the Council:
- Free one-to-one business advice sessions
- Start-up workshops covering planning, marketing, and finance
- Help finding suitable business premises
- Signposting to grants, funding, and training programmes
- Recruitment and skills support
Visit liverpool.gov.uk/business to get started.
It costs nothing and could save you months of searching for the right support.
Step 2: Register With Growth Platform
Once you’ve spoken to the Council, your next step is to register with Growth Platform, Liverpool City Region’s official growth company. Think of it as a one-stop hub that connects you to every available business programme in the region.
Their Start-Up Hub is particularly useful for new businesses, offering tailored pathways depending on your location within the city region, whether that’s Liverpool, Sefton, Wirral, or St Helens.
What Growth Platform gives you access to:
- The Local Growth Hub (funded by the Department for Business and Trade)
- Innovation and R&D support programmes
- Leadership and management training
- Net-zero and sustainability advice
- Capital grants and investment readiness programmes
Go to growthplatform.org/programmes and browse what’s available.
Registration is free.
Step 3: Apply for Startup Funding
Don’t leave money on the table. Liverpool and the surrounding city region has some of the most accessible startup funding in the UK. Here is a breakdown of the main options available to you right now:
| Funding Scheme | Amount | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|
| Start-Up Loan (British Business Bank) | £500 to £25,000 | Anyone starting a new business |
| Local Business Support Grant | £3,750 to £13,500 | Early-stage SMEs |
| MSIF High Growth Investment | Up to £75,000 | Businesses expanding or relocating |
| LCR Capital Grant Fund | £10,000 to £75,000 | SMEs trading 3+ years |
| LCR Seed Fund | £250k to £2 million | Innovative scale-ups in tech/manufacturing |
Funding links:
Pro tip: The British Business Bank Start-Up Loan also comes with 12 months of free mentoring, which is often more valuable than the money itself.
Step 4: Get Connected Through Networking
No business grows in isolation. Liverpool has an exceptionally active networking scene, and getting involved early puts you in front of potential clients, partners, and collaborators.
Here are the best groups to join as a new business:
-
Liverpool Chamber of Commerce the region’s most established business network, hosting monthly “Well Connected” events and an International Trade Club
-
Downtown in Business (DIB) 900+ member companies connecting private and public sector businesses across the region
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The Liverpool Network monthly events limited to one business type per meeting, designed for quality referrals
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Liverpool Ladies Network free to join, runs professional lunches and events for women in business
Step 5: Don’t Miss the Liverpool Business Fair
On Wednesday 18th March 2026, St George’s Hall is hosting the Liverpool Business Fair, one of the most valuable free events you can attend as a new business owner.
What’s on:
- A B2B exhibition with dozens of local businesses
- Workshops on key business challenges
- A dedicated networking session at 1pm
- Free promotion in the official Event Guide for all business visitors
If you are just starting out, this is the single best opportunity to meet potential clients, partners, and suppliers in one room for free.
Step 6: Explore the Novel Programme
If you are building an ambitious, growth-focused business, look into the Novel Programme, an initiative backed by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Led by the University of Liverpool’s VEC, it has already:
- Created 257 new jobs in the region
- Supported over £800,000 in SME innovation investment
- Seen 82% of participants report measurable productivity improvements
It focuses on leadership development for ambitious SMEs and is on track to deliver £42.9 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) for Liverpool’s economy.
Your Quick-Start Checklist
Follow these steps in order to hit the ground running:
About the Author: This guide was produced by the team at l1webtips.com, a Liverpool-based web services business helping SMEs get found online, generate leads, and grow their digital presence. All funding figures and programme details are accurate as of March 2026.
