Business Support Services
With the Convergence programme now in full swing, several new schemes designed to help businesses in the county have been launched.
Investors can access an exceptional range of business support services, finance packages, mentoring, collaboration advice, research and development funding, training and assistance with recruitment, as well as links to the Combined Universities of Cornwall.
Business support and ‘signposting’ service that provides information and advice needed to start, run and grow a business.
Business Collaboration Networks Partner to Succeed (YTKO Ltd)
The aim of the Partner to Succeed programme is to help Cornish companies work together (or with businesses or organisations outside the county), in joint projects or ventures to pursue market opportunities that they would be unable to pursue on their own. Financial support may be available for market research, website development, marketing support, legal advice or another area vital to the success of the collaboration. High growth businesses will be the primary recipients of support.
Coaching for High Growth (Oxford Innovation Ltd)
The Coaching for High Growth programme helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to realise their growth potential and improve their performance. Managers of SMEs can access practical coaching and mentoring assistance delivered by coaches who have worked at board level in SMEs on a free and confidential basis.
Starting a High Growth Business (Oxford Innovation Ltd)
This programme assists potential entrepreneurs to start up businesses and helps start-up firms to grow. Practical hands-on help can be provided on issues ranging from creating a business plan and securing funding to identifying new markets and developing new products and services. There is a particular focus on entrepreneurs and start-ups in Camborne, Pool, Redruth, St Austell and the Clay Country.
Unlocking Cornish Potential (UCP) offers help for companies in Cornwall by placing graduates to undertake business development projects for them. Companies will benefit from advice on a whole range of human resource issues, including interviewing, training, appraisal systems and contracts. An expert mentor will be assigned to support graduates throughout their project, providing specialist knowledge and experience to help achieve the project goals. Businesses may also be considered for financial assistance towards the graduate's salary, depending on the company's eligibility.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
KTP is a national scheme which forms partnerships between a university or college and a business through the placement of a graduate or postgraduate who will work on a specific project over 1-3 years (shorter KTPs are also available over 40 weeks). The scheme attracts a 67% subsidy, so the cost to the business is around £18k.
Empowering Smart Women offers a unique opportunity for women to enhance their management careers and entrepreneurial skills. The project will lead the way for women in Cornwall, offering a tailor-made programme of high level qualifications, personal skills development, essential peer networking and inspiring professional mentoring programme. It will empower motivated women to reach their potential. The project is supported by the European Social Fund Convergence Programme.
Outset Cornwall (YTKO Ltd)
Outset Cornwall is a £2.2 million program aimed at supporting entrepreneurs from under-represented groups in Cornwall. Under-represented groups include women, disabled, over 50s and ethnic minorities. The intensive business start up programme is being delivered by business development company YTKO and is funded by ERDF Convergence and the South West Regional Development Agency. Support available through Outset Cornwall includes training sessions, one-to-one mentoring, practical workshops such as time management and juggling finances plus some start-up funding once the programme has been completed.
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