Reinforcing their commitment to supporting businesses across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly during these challenging times, the team at Access to Finance are running a series of free business start-up courses at venues across the county.

Delivered by experienced finance specialists, the Finance for Start-ups courses are designed to provide those looking to start their own business, and owners of early stage businesses, with the practical knowledge and skills they need to achieve their ambitions.

The two-day courses cover all aspects of business finance including funding options, grants, VAT, profit and loss, cashflow, forecasting and writing a business plan. As well as step-by-step guidance from experts, the sessions offer attendees the chance to network with other local business owners to share experiences and build lasting connections.

Visiting a number of locations across Cornwall in the coming months, the first two courses will run on 11^th and 12^th May at Victoria Conference Centre in Victoria, St. Austell and on 23^rd and 24^th May 2022 at Venton Conference Centre in Summercourt, Newquay. Only 20 places are available at each venue. More dates and venues will be announced soon.

Heather Coupland, Progamme Manager at Access to Finance, explains: “Small businesses and entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of the economy, which is why our courses are designed to empower attendees with the knowledge and confidence they need to get their businesses off to the best possible start. They provide the chance to learn from experienced finance experts, many of whom have also run their own businesses, so they understand the challenges new business owners face.”

For those that prefer to learn from the comfort of their own home or office, Access to Finance also deliver a series of bitesize webinars via Zoom. Topics include business basics, alternative finance, grant funding and financial forecasting.

Since it was established in 2017, the Access to Finance programme has supported over 2,380 businesses across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and helped local businesses raise over £36 million over the last five years. As well as delivering workshops, the team provides tailored one-to-one support and can assist with everything from financial forecasting to finding and applying for funding.

The Access to Finance programme, which is designed and delivered by Oxford Innovation Advice, is fully funded by the European Regional Development Fund. With a regional office in Redruth, Oxford Innovation Advice has been engaged in ‘levelling up’ and supporting businesses in Cornwall for over 12 years – enhancing the economy, lives and prosperity of communities and individuals across the county.

For further information on the Finance for Start-ups courses and to register, visit www.a2fcornwall.co.uk/starting-a-business or call 01872 300386.