Award-winning business support set to continue in Cornwall

One of Cornwall’s longest-running business support programmes has just been granted an extension, meaning it can continue to deliver its services into next year and help more people become their own boss.

Outset Cornwall, the award-winning business start-up programme funded by the European Regional Development Fund, is now in its thirteenth year and was due to end at the end of December.

However, this recently-granted extension means that Outset Cornwall can continue operations until the end of June 2023, helping more people explore the option of self-employment and starting their own business.

Lee Hughes, Deputy CEO of YTKO Ltd, the parent company of Outset Cornwall, said: “We’re so pleased our project has been extended for another six months, giving us more time to support those living in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly who want to start their own business.

“To date, we’ve received numerous enquiries and referrals from a wide range of people from across the county, with different backgrounds and facing different circumstances and challenges; all looking for support in exploring self-employment and developing their business ideas.

“The fact that we’ve been able to help these people, and support over 200 of them to launch and grow their new businesses since our own re-launch at the beginning of 2020, makes us immensely proud.”

Lee continued: “Despite the challenging circumstances we’ve all faced over the last few years, I think it’s safe to say that the entrepreneurial spirit is very much alive and kicking here in Cornwall. We see a whole range of ideas coming through; from those that repurpose people’s existing skills and experience to ones where someone is turning their hobby or passion into a sustainable business.

“Outset offers a fantastic opportunity for any budding entreprenuer to do all the groundwork first, building solid foundations to launch their new business from, when the time is right. For us, just helping them start their business journey is such a privilege and, thanks to this extension, we’re in a great position to continue supporting them.”

For more information or to join Outset Cornwall’s free business start-up support programme, visit www.outset.org/cornwall