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.
Completed funded SME support projects
Local apprentices made leaps with Lancashire Engaging Apprentices Programme
The Lancashire Engaging Apprentices Programme delivered a targeted mix of support, training and development for apprentices and their workplace mentors employed in Lancashire-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Tuesday 2 April 2024Innovation Clinic: revitalising local businesses
A University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) programme assisted more than 300 businesses to develop and enhance their business proposition.
Tuesday 19 March 2024Upskilling Lancashire
More than 1,500 Small to Medium Sized businesses (SMEs) in Lancashire have benefitted from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) led Upskilling Lancashire project.
Tuesday 19 March 2024Leading Lancashire project empowered learners to shine
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 2023DigitME2 supported Lancashire manufacturers with digital innovation
The DigitME2 project helped SME manufacturing companies based in Lancashire to grow their business and become more efficient. The team introduced Industry 4.0 based digital technologies to improve manufacturing processes.
Monday 4 September 2023Digitalplus project helped local SMEs understand the benefits of digital technology
The Digitalplus project provided impartial advice and support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Lancashire, with a focus on emerging digital technologies.
Thursday 24 August 2023ECO-I NW Project supported a green economic recovery
More than 20 businesses across Lancashire and Cumbria were assisted with making their carbon footprint smaller thanks to the ECO-I NW Project at the University of Central Lancashire.
Monday 21 August 2023Lancashire Health MATTERS project summary
The Lancashire Health MATTERS programme which ran from 2019 to 2023, provided Lancashire based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with guidance on funding and investment opportunities in the health and care sectors.
Wednesday 6 September 2023Investment Readiness helps raise £18.5m in funding for local businesses
The Investment Readiness programme provided guidance and support activities to Lancashire SMEs that were looking for future investment.
Friday 18 August 2023Lancashire Forum Creative Project inspired business owners
More than 200 Lancashire-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been supported by the Lancashire Forum Creative Project at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).
Thursday 24 August 2023Making Carbon Work (MaCaW)
The MaCaW project helped Lancashire-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) move to a low carbon model. Overall, the project has assisted 193 SMEs.
Wednesday 16 August 2023MedIComm supported NHS Clinicians in commercialising innovation
The Medical Innovation and Commercialisation Accelerator Programme (MediComm) was a collaborative project funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and ran from 2020-2023.
Tuesday 5 September 2023Award-winning U Start project supported local businesses through COVID-19 pandemic
The U Start project, located within the Centre of SME and Enterprise Development, paved the path for budding entrepreneurs.
Friday 25 August 2023Lancashire Innovation Drone Zone boosted growth in the local economy
The University of Central Lancashire's Lancashire Innovation Drone Zone project provided specialist drone technology and research support to both new and existing high-growth small and medium-sized enterprises.
Tuesday 15 August 2023UNITEplus project drives business growth
The UNITEplus project helped Lancashire-based businesses drive projects to success by providing these companies with a student or graduate to work on a specific task.
Thursday 21 December 2023
