Ever dreamt of becoming your own boss? Starting your own business can mean having the freedom to work the hours you choose, doing something you feel passionate about and building something that is completely your own. But in the wake of a global pandemic and in the midst of a recession, is going it alone the right decision?
The team at Outset Cornwall believe that now really is a good time to start a business and are running a free event as part of Cornwall Chamber’s Festival of Business to help would-be entrepreneurs get to grips with the support available.
Kate Perkin, Outset Cornwall programme director, said: “We’ve seen a year of immense change on a global scale, as well as within individuals’ personal circumstances. Sadly, many people are facing redundancy or reduced hours at the moment and looking for a shift in the way they earn a living. Becoming self-employed or starting your own business can be a fantastic way for people to use their hard-earned skills in creating something for themselves. Outset Cornwall is here to help put the foundations in place with fully-funded business start-up training.”
Cassie Davey, from Truro, completed the Outset Cornwall programme online and started her business ‘Tall & Beautiful Clothing’ at the height of the national lockdown. With the encouragement and support of Outset, she raised over £10k via Crowdfunder to launch her clothing brand for tall women.
She said: “I’m glad I got in touch with Outset when I did. I was thinking of launching my business in Spring 2021, which seemed like a lifetime away, but I quickly realised just how much there is to do. My one piece of advice to anyone thinking about starting a business and joining Outset would be just do it; I didn’t want to grow old and always wonder ‘what if?’.”
‘Starting a Business in the Times of Covid’ will run online via Zoom on Tuesday November 3 at 3pm.