European funding secured to help businesses with Access To Finance
Business growth specialists Oxford Innovation have secured European Regional Development Funding to deliver a 3-year programme supporting small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The funding will deliver a service to help businesses with access to finance as part of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Programme.
Access to finance in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has been identified as a barrier to growth. Providing this support to growing SMEs is vital if they are to contribute to the economy of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and the UK. Eligible businesses will be able to access the Oxford Innovation’s Access to Finance Project through workshops and bespoke one-to-one support. Crucially, support will continue for businesses after investment has been secured to ensure they maximise the opportunity to them.
Project leaders Oxford Innovation have a long and successful history of business support and coaching in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Project Director at Oxford Innovation, Andrew Finley said, “We are delighted to add to our successful Coaching projects already active in the Duchy. The Access to Finance Project will deliver a range of support from basic funding raises for early stage businesses, to more complex equity investment for growing SME’s. The project has many innovative elements including assistance with essential due diligence to enhance success rates in raising investment. We are particularly pleased to be working with partners across the funding spectrum including Banks, Crowd funders, Legal firms and Accountants thus ensuring that this project will deliver a comprehensive package of support for businesses whatever the scale of their needs.”
Julian German Cornwall Council Cabinet Member and portfolio holder for Economy said, “I consistently hear from business that the inability to raise funds is a key hindrance to business growth. I encourage business to contact Oxford Innovation and grab this opportunity”.
This Growth Programme funding supports the aims of the Strategic Economic Plan for Cornwall and Isles of Scilly which, aims to ensure more businesses are genuinely excellent.
If you would like to join the Access to Finance programme, businesses can call Oxford Innovation on 01872 300386 or email info@a2fcornwall.co.uk for details and support. Go to www.a2fcornwall.co.uk for further details.
Notes to editor
Growth Programme
The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Programme is the European economic regeneration programme for the region. Running until 2020, it will contribute to the EU ambition to deliver smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.
Businesses and individuals can benefit from this funding, to find out how to go about accessing the support and to see if you qualify, contact us on 01872224770 or visit the Growth Programme website at www.cornwallislesofscillygrowthprogramme.org.uk
Oxford Innovation
Oxford Innovation helps businesses reach their full potential. They provide practical support to help ambitious businesses and start-ups succeed. This includes coaching, consultancy, training and mentoring. More information about the services can be found at www.oxfordinnovationservices.co.uk/cornwall
European Regional Development Fund
The project is receiving up to ££2,984,900 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Department for Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for ERDF. Established by the European Union ERDF funds help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding