Audio: UCP boot camps

A three-day entrepreneurial ‘boot camp’ run by Unlocking Cornish Potential (UCP) has been helping to guide nearly 40 graduates as they launch their own businesses in Cornwall.

Held at the Daphne Du Maurier Building on Combined Universities in Cornwall’s (CUC) Tremough campus, more than 20 business advisors and support partners were on hand to test out the graduates’ ideas that ranged from community flower production to text message marketing.

Oxford Innovation business development coach Alan Bartlett commented: “It’s a fantastic process to go through because we can help them think about things they just haven’t considered. They have so much to gain and they are happy to soak up as much knowledge and understanding as possible.

“That’s particularly rewarding and I’m confident that there are some real quality businesses for Cornwall here today.”

Over the next two years, around 70 entrepreneurs will be selected for a 12 month support package. Successful graduates will be offered financial support; bespoke business skills training; 40 hours of mentoring from industry experts; regular meetings and advice from an experienced business coach as well as organised events and networking opportunities.