Business Sheffield Shares Impact Report from the Launchpad 3 Programme

We are excited to announce our impact from the just concluded Launchpad 3 Programme, which ran from July 2023 to March 2025. In the last 2 years, the programme has made a significant contribution to Sheffield’s business community, offering support and funding.

We’ve helped ambitious entrepreneurs set up and run successful businesses, supported SMEs under three years old, and micro businesses of any age, to take the next step and grow.

Over £164,000 was awarded to both new and growing businesses. In total, we supported 600 businesses. This includes 218 established businesses, exceeding our original target by 115, and 382 pre-starts, which is 122 more than our target.

The programme also played a direct role in the creation of 64 new businesses across a range of sectors, as well as 51.02 new jobs. These outcomes reflect the positive impact of the advice, guidance and grant funding provided through the Launchpad 3 programme.

We are especially proud of these results because they support the aims of the Sheffield Growth Plan, a ten-year strategy focused on innovation, sustainability and inclusive economic growth. Our work is helping to build a stronger, more resilient local economy.

Looking ahead to Launchpad 4, we are aiming to support at least 252 pre-starts, 160 new or established businesses, create 50 new jobs and help launch 60 new businesses.

The Launchpad project is part funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and is receiving up to £2.5m investment through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund ( UKSPF).

Business Sheffield is here to help businesses across Sheffield. We provide free, comprehensive support to people across the city to help them start, thrive and grow. If you need any support, please call us on 0114 224 5000 or email businesssheffield@sheffield.gov.uk.