The entrepreneurial spirit in Cornwall continues to inspire and thrive as another 22 women look to start their businesses through the Spark for Women programme.

MP Sarah Newton joined the female entrepreneurs to find out about the support available to women looking to start a business in Cornwall. During the networking lunch, Sarah discussed the challenges that the group of potential business owners faced and what support would be most helpful to them.

She said: “There is now a lot of help for people wanting to start up or grow their business in Cornwall. I encourage anyone interested to explore what is available. It was inspiring to meet such a talented and determined group of ladies with a wide range of good ideas to turn their passion into a good living for their families.

"Setting up a new business is hard work but can be an excellent way to achieve a good work life balance, especially for women with caring responsibilities.”

Those attending saw the benefits of the programme first hand from clients and mentors as they spoke about their engagement with the programme.

Spark is a fully funded programme through the European Regional Development Fund. Delivered by Truro and Penwith College, it supports businesses registered less than 12 months ago and those looking to start a new business.