MERSEYSIDE chambers of commerce have come together to help inspire 500 people to set up their own businesses.

Enterprising Merseyside involves Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral Chambers of Commerce and is aimed at inspiring unemployed potential entrepreneurs to be their own boss.

Business advisers and volunteer business mentors are available in each locality to provide support, encouragement and guidance to anybody who has a business idea but doesn’t know where to begin.

Ann Holcroft, business support manager at St Helens Chamber, who is overseeing the project, explained: “Whatever your background, no matter what your business idea may be, we can help you be your own boss.

“Starting and running your own business can be an exciting, rewarding, experience, but it can also be daunting and hard work. That’s where we come in.”

She added: “The Enterprising Merseyside programme will give you all the advice and support you need to get started – and keep going.

“You’ll be able access specialist support from our expert advisers and mentors, get a place on our regular business start-up courses and stay in contact with us every step of the way.”

Funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Enterprising Merseyside delivers regular ‘Be Your Own Boss’ seminars and a full programme of support, including help with writing a business plan, tax and finance, marketing, and more.

Support is available to people living in Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral.

Anyone interested in starting up their own business can contact Enterprising Merseyside on 0845 340 9980 or visit fb.com/enterprisingmerseyside