Outset Cornwall, the successful start-up support service for Cornish entrepreneurs, has marked its first 6 months by announcing 22 new business already started and over 25 jobs created - and 300 other potential entrepreneurs engaged in the programme.

Outset Cornwall was established to deliver free training across a broad spectrum of business and personal skills in an interactive, flexible and jargon-free way. Additional coaching support is given around the training via one to ones, and followed by ongoing peer support for up to 12 months enabling Cornish entrepreneurs to access vital information in one of the most testing times of any new business.

Bev Hurley, YTKO’s Chief Executive, says “Our programmes put a lot of emphasis on encouraging entrepreneurs to test the validity of their business concept, and show them how best to do so. This not only helps take some of the risk out of starting up, but also contributes to ensuring that these exciting new ventures become sustainable and thriving businesses for the longer term benefit of the Cornish economy.”

Martin Strutton, Managing Director of Lite Energy, completed the Outset Cornwall programme earlier this month and now successfully runs his energy efficient lighting consultancy. He says, “The Outset Cornwall programme has been excellent. Each workshop or coaching session I have attended has been of real value. I get great peer support and lots of networking opportunities. Now I have the skills and confidence I need to make a real success of my business.

Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Convergence Office, is delighted to see the programme smash its target. “”This is one of a raft of Convergence investments aimed at supporting people and businesses and strengthening our economy. The 300 people supported by Outset Cornwall since September have been given access to the opportunity to realise their ambitions and start the journey in developing successful businesses.”

Kate McEwen, YTKO’s Director for Outset Cornwall is similarly thrilled with the programme’s achievements. “Our phone hasn’t stopped ringing and our team of enterprise advisors now run the programme in over 15 different towns right across the County. We encourage anyone with a spark of a business idea to call us on 0800 9174 324 and find out what free support we can give them to get their business started.”

Outset Cornwall wish all their entrepreneurs the very best of luck as they venture further into business or self employment, and look forward to continuing to support their developing businesses over the coming months.

www.outsetcornwall.co.uk