Support for SMEs

Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) are vital in providing local employment and generating local wealth. Here at the University of Central Lancashire we are dedicated to supporting this vital sector of the economy.

Our entrepreneurial approach has enabled us to become a national leader, helping more than 1,000 students and graduates start a business or become self-employed in the last five years. 

More than 1,500 regional commercial organisations have been assisted through business support projects, with 950 reporting business improvements and more than 400 jobs created or safeguarded.

Our award-winning Centre for SME and Enterprise Development provides a focal point where you can connect, collaborate, network and learn so that whatever challenges you face you can benefit from excellent tailored business advice, support and knowledge.

Centre for SME and Enterprise Development

The Centre for SME and Enterprise Development responds to the needs of the SME community to stimulate enterprise, innovation and business growth.

Discover our Centre for SME

Idea2Scale-Up

This programme is a reimagined package of support that extends our knowledge transfer expertise into companies of all sizes and sectors.

Information about Idea2Scale-Up

Funded SME support projects

Completed funded SME support projects

  • students sat listening and learning in a lecture hall

    More than 600 individuals employed by Lancashire-based Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have benefitted from the University of Central Lancashire’s Executive Education and Leadership-led Leading Lancashire project.

    Tuesday 30 May 2023