Cornwall’s economy has been given a major boost by the launch of two new business support programmes worth a combined £19 million.

The Coaching for Growth and Cornwall Business Start-Up projects have been financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2014-2020. Both programmes will be delivered by Oxford Innovation, the UK’s leading specialist coaching company, in partnership with Unlocking Potential, part of The Cornwall College Group.

The Department for Communities and Local Government is the managing authority for the fund which was established by the European Commission to help improve the competitiveness of small to medium sized enterprises by increasing their capacity and capability and supporting entrepreneurship.

Businesses with expansion plans after having traded for a minimum of 12 months will be eligible for the Coaching for Growth programme while brand new ventures will be supported in getting off the ground and continuing their development under the Cornwall Business Start-Up programme.

Oxford Innovation employs a highly skilled team of coaches each with extensive commercial experience across a range of sectors. Depending on the client’s activities or specific requirements, coaches with the relevant expertise will work together to provide up to 30 days of fully-funded support.

As well as stimulating growth and creating new jobs, both programmes will also incorporate the Unlocking Potential scheme that delivered positive impacts under Convergence, the previous ERDF programme in Cornwall. This will provide assistance with the recruitment and placement of specialist roles that will support the drive towards key growth plans within engaged businesses.

An experienced team of business development managers will work with businesses to scope the new roles and support the search and recruitment process. They will then support the successful candidates with planning and access to specialist mentors who will advise them on all aspects of their new role.

Businesses wishing to find out more about the Coaching for Growth and Cornwall Business Start-Up programmes should call Oxford Innovation on 01872 300 116 or email cornwall@oxin.co.uk.