More than 25 graduates who want to start a new business in Cornwall attended the first Unlocking Cornish Potential (UCP) Open Day for graduate start-up Businesses recently.
Held at the Pool Innovation Centre, more than 30 business advisors and support partners were on hand to test out the graduates’ ideas and help them develop their plans.
The event was to publicise UCP’s graduate start-up programme, which is running through to September 2013 and aims to support around 70 entrepreneurs.
Applicants are being selected through a rigorous selection process including Open Days like this one, as well as ‘Boot Camp’ style assessment centres.
Successful graduates will be offered a financial support package; 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.
Programme manager Chris Phillips said the first Open Day was a great success. “It’s been fantastic to hear about some really great business ideas and meet Cornwall’s newest entrepreneurs,” he remarked. “The Open Day was buzzing with excitement as it gives the graduates, who are all at different stages of the journey, the chance to tell people all about their ideas.”
Interested graduates can learn more about process by downloading the Start up Start Pack on the UCP website.
