A PROJECT designed to inspire people to start their own businesses has helped more than 700 new and existing enterprises in Liverpool in the last four years.
Liverpool City Council leader Warren Bradley has praised the success of the three community-based entrepreneur support projects, all based around the Sirolli model.
The method, in which new and fledgling enterprises are supported by their local communities, was pioneered by Italian-born Dr Ernesto Sirolli and has been replicated across the world.
In less than four years, a total of 724 new and existing businesses in Liverpool have been helped by the three projects – Dream High, in east Liverpool; Waves Enterprise, in central and south Liverpool, and Enable North, in north Liverpool.
Cllr Bradley told around 150 business people attending a Sirolli celebration event at Liverpool Town Hall: “This is a fantastic success story, and it’s due to local people helping others in their community.
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“These three projects are playing an important role in the renaissance of Liverpool.”
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Each project sources funding to employ one enterprise facilitator, backed by a panel of volunteers who comprise a mixture of local residents and business people working in the area. The panel meets once a month to provide advice and support for the new businesses, which is relayed through the enterprise facilitator. Executive member for enterprise and tourism, Cllr Gary Millar, urged the city’s business leaders and professionals to get involved in the three projects.
He added: “We all need to help each other in the city, and these projects are a fantastic way to get involved in a community and to support local people who are passionate about their business idea.”
He paid tribute to the individuals who had successfully started their own businesses, including Kensington beauty salon owner Leah Eaton, who opened Le Spa three years ago, aged just 19.
Ms Eaton was helped by Dream High facilitator Claire Chang, who accompanied her to meetings with bankers and advisors.
Another client helped by Waves Enterprise was Johnny Santer, of The Stables pub and eatery.
“My business would never have taken off so quickly without that help,” said Mr Santer.