Cornwall Growth Hub to Host March Webinars for Co-operatives and Mutuals

Cornwall’s co-operatives, mutuals and alternative businesses are being brought into focus this March as Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Growth Hub launches a dedicated webinar series to support purpose-driven organisations across the county.

Described by the Department of Business & Trade as a “significant but often overlooked” part of the UK economy, co-operatives and mutuals are recognised for delivering social value alongside strong business performance.

Spotlight on Cornwall’s Community Businesses

Cornwall Growth Hub has identified more than 100 examples of community-driven enterprises locally. These include community-run shops and pubs, local sports clubs, community energy partnerships, farmers markets and housing societies.

The new webinar series is designed to support organisations built around people and purpose, including charities, community interest companies, co-operatives, mutuals and community benefit societies.

Kirsty Miles-Musgrave, Operations & Communications Manager at the Growth Hub, said:

“We recognised that running a co-operative, mutual or purpose-driven enterprise isn’t the same as running a traditional business. Organisations built around people and purpose bring lasting social and economic value to Cornwall, but they face distinct challenges around governance, finance and sustainable growth.

“We want to shine a light on how these “alternative businesses” step up and support our communities – often with limited resources but powered by passionate people. We’ve also been out capturing incredible stories of resilience from this important sector of the business community.”

March Webinar Dates Announced

The series runs throughout March with four sessions scheduled:

• Wednesday 4th March, 18:30 – Funding the Future – Financial Models That Strengthen Purpose Led Businesses

• Wednesday 11th March, 12:00 – Are You EO Curious? Exploring Employee Ownership for SMEs

• Tuesday 17th March, 12:00 – Purpose-Driven People: How to recruit and retain awesome volunteers

• Thursday 19th March, 18:30 – Bid Writing for Purpose-Led Businesses

A full list of relevant webinars, events and stories is available on the Growth Hub website.

Funded Support for the Region

Growth Hub is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme. Its aim is to realise the potential of businesses, including self-employed people and not-for-profits, and to help make the region’s economy more resilient, more equal and more prosperous.

The Growth Hub continues to offer free, impartial business reviews. To book a review, request a call back via the Growth Hub website or call 01209 708660 on weekdays between 10am and 3pm.