Business West offers free support to Cornish businesses

Business West, supported by the Department for International Trade, has created a free programme of support funded by the European Regional Development Fund for eligible Cornish businesses to help them grow their sales overseas.

Business West is offering a range of match-funded grants to eligible businesses across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly that are seeking to boost their international sales.

Fast Forward Cornwall is a short-term offer which will provide businesses with the opportunity to grow their exports while improving their international digital presence.

Companies will benefit from a match-funded grant offer which has been broken down into five expertly crafted packages, each designed to help firms achieve a ‘global digital’ status. This includes courses on website internationalisation, website localisation, a Global SEO Review, support to help companies promote products on the Amazon US marketplace and advice on setting up targeted advertising campaigns. 

All grant offers must be match-funded with a maximum total value of £2,499.00, with applicants being required to contribute funds between the value of £1000.00 and £1,244.00 towards the awarded activity. 

Chris Wood, founder of Ocean 3D based in Cornwall, a company which creates accessible 3D tours, has been supported by DIT to export to the US. He said:

“The best advice I can offer to companies is to get in touch with DIT as they’ve been brilliant in supporting us to grow overseas. We wouldn’t have been able to do it without them.”

The launch of the programme comes as reports state that international trade will be the key to the UK’s post-COVID recovery. 

Nigel Barker, Digital Marketing Adviser at Business West said:

“During a time when there is restricted travel, limited trade shows, and few face-to-face meetings, having a strong digital presence is crucial for businesses to remain competitive.

“I would encourage firms of any size to apply to give them the best chance of boosting their sales through international trade and growing post-COVID.”

Businesses can apply here by completing a short expression of interest form. Spaces on the programme are limited so companies are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Companies will be selected by the end of October.