Over the past decade, Launchpad has helped thousands of people across South Yorkshire turn bright ideas into thriving businesses. As the programme celebrates its 10th anniversary, we caught up with Business Sheffield's Service Manager, Rob Lawley, to reflect on its impact so far, how business support has evolved and why there's never been a better time to take that first step.
For readers who may not be familiar with Launchpad, can you explain what the programme offers and who it's designed to support?
Every successful business starts with an idea. Launchpad is here to help people across South Yorkshire turn those ideas into successful businesses.
In Sheffield, the programme is delivered by Business Sheffield and supported by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA). It gives people with business ideas and early-stage businesses access to expert guidance, workshops, networking opportunities and, where eligible, funding.
The programme supports people at different stages of their journey, from those exploring a business idea for the first time to entrepreneurs looking to grow an existing venture.
What makes Launchpad different from other business support programmes available to entrepreneurs?
What makes Launchpad different is that it's built around people and individual businesses rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, and it's completely free to access.
We genuinely want everyone who comes through our doors to succeed, so our focus is on giving each person the support, knowledge and confidence they need to build a successful business.
Because Business Sheffield supports hundreds of entrepreneurs and businesses each year, we see first-hand the opportunities and challenges they face, whether that's finding customers, securing finance, building confidence or simply knowing what to do next.
The support is practical, tailored and rooted in local knowledge. We understand Sheffield's business community and the realities of starting and growing a business here.
One thing we hear time and again is that people are surprised by how approachable the support is. You don't need to have all the answers before getting in touch. That's exactly what we're here for.
We've also created opportunities for businesses to test their ideas in real-world settings. Through the Launchpad Pop-Up Shop in Sheffield city centre, more than 30 early-stage traders sold from a prime retail location in the run-up to Christmas, gaining valuable customer feedback, confidence and exposure before taking the next step.
How has the programme evolved since it first launched in 2016?
When Launchpad started in 2016, many of the conversations were about business plans, funding and taking those first steps into self-employment.
Those subjects are still important, but today entrepreneurs are also asking how AI fits into their business, how to sell online, how to stand out in crowded markets and how to adapt in a rapidly changing economy.
The way we support businesses has evolved alongside those changes. We've expanded the range of topics covered, introduced more specialist support and created more opportunities for entrepreneurs to learn from one another.
Launchpad has supported more than 13,000 people and delivered over 109,000 hours of support. What impact have you seen on the region from these figures?
Those figures are impressive, but what matters most is the people behind them.
Across South Yorkshire, the Launchpad programme has helped thousands of people turn ideas into businesses, develop new skills and create opportunities for themselves and others.
In Sheffield, Business Sheffield's delivery of Launchpad has supported more than 3,630 clients, helped create over 424 new businesses, supported the creation of hundreds of jobs and delivered more than 27,500 hours of one-to-one support. The programme also delivers more than 90 free workshops each year.
But the real impact goes beyond numbers.
We've supported people who started with a kitchen-table idea, freelancers turning a passion into income, entrepreneurs taking a chance on something new and founders creating their first jobs.
What are some of the most common challenges faced by the businesses you work with, and how does Launchpad help them overcome these?
Funding, marketing and finding customers are common challenges, but one of the biggest barriers is often knowing where to start.
Many people have a great idea but aren't sure how to turn it into a viable business. Others are trying to build something new alongside work, family commitments or financial pressures.
Launchpad helps break those challenges down into manageable steps. We help early-stage businesses access practical guidance, expert advice and fresh perspectives that help them move forward with confidence.
Sometimes the most valuable thing we can offer is reassurance, helping people realise that the challenges they're facing are normal and that support is available when they need it.
How important is a programme like Launchpad to the long-term growth of the South Yorkshire economy?
Small businesses are the backbone of South Yorkshire's economy. They create jobs, drive innovation and contribute to vibrant local communities.
Programmes like Launchpad help remove barriers that prevent people from starting or growing a business. Not everyone has access to professional networks, mentors or specialist expertise when they're getting started.
By helping entrepreneurs build successful businesses, we're investing in the region's future.
Peak Pickleball is a great example of the long-term impact Launchpad can have. The founders first came to us while developing their idea, and through one-to-one support and workshops they've gone on to open a successful venue in Attercliffe while continuing to engage with Business Sheffield.
In Sheffield, Business Sheffield sees first-hand how the right support at the right time can help transform an idea into a successful business. Today's start-ups could become tomorrow's employers, exporters, innovators or Sheffield's next success story.
What are your priorities for the next phase of Launchpad?
One of our biggest priorities is reaching people who don't think business support is for them.
Many people assume business support is something you access once your business is established. In reality, it's often most valuable before you've even started.
We want more people across Sheffield and South Yorkshire to know that help is available from the moment they begin exploring an idea.
If someone is reading this and wondering whether Launchpad is right for them, what would you like them to know?
Don't wait until you have everything figured out. You have nothing to lose by starting the conversation. Our support is free to access, and we're here to help you explore your ideas, answer your questions and give you the confidence to move forward.
Many successful businesses start with nothing more than an idea and a conversation. You don't need a perfect business plan or years of experience before asking for support.
If you're based in Sheffield and you're thinking about starting a business, have recently launched or want help to grow, we'd encourage you to get in touch with Business Sheffield and explore what support may be available through Launchpad.
Every successful business starts somewhere. More often than not, it starts with a conversation. If you've got an idea, we'd love to help you take the next step.
Launchpadsouthyorkshire.co.uk. Email: businesssheffield@sheffield.gov.uk, 0114 224 500, www.welcometosheffield.co.uk/business
