The entrepreneurial spirit in Cornwall is strong and the culture is inspiring others to take their next step to self employment. With 22,000 VAT registered businesses and at least as many below the threshold, the region is bustling.

Small to medium sized enterprises are integral to the economic growth in England. In 2013, SMEs were responsible for 59.3% of private sector employment and 48.1% of private sector turnover.

In a bid to make the UK one of the best places in Europe to start, finance and grow a business, it has been granted a significant amount of European Regional Development funding to support new and upcoming businesses. Truro and Penwith College are pleased to announce that it has secured c£1,000,000 to deliver its start up business programme, Spark.

Developed to inspire, encourage and support those wishing to start a business, Spark is a five step programme which assists the next generation of new enterprises, giving aspiring business owners the tools, insight and knowledge to start and grow their business in Cornwall. In addition to this there is also a dedicated programme of support for female entrepreneurs ‘Spark for Women’. Designed specifically to create a network of women as they turn their business idea into thriving enterprises.

The unique programmes offer a mixture of interactive workshops, inspirational speakers and a package of support and training worth in excess of £2,000. It also provides dedicated business mentoring, a test trade period in an environment suited to the upcoming business and a £500 grant.

Currently there is no better time to turn your business idea into a reality. Utilising expertise from Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, Plymouth University and the Cornwall Innovation Centres, those on the programme will develop a greater understanding of doing business in Cornwall. And it doesn’t end there! New businesses will receive support for up to 12 months after completing the programme.

So, if you have a spark of an idea and are looking to kick-start your new business, join us to develop your idea and start your journey to self employment.

Book your place on one of our information sessions to transform your future. Come along on the 27th July from 10am to 12pm at Penwith College for the Spark for Women Launch or on the 17th August from 10am to 12pm at Truro College for the Spark Business Start Up information session.

Find out more here: www.truro-penwith.ac.uk/spark-start-up or contact us on

t: 01872 308237 e: spark@truro-penwith.ac.uk.