Start up support unlocks confidence, new skills and funding opportunities for fledgling Torbay Business
More and more people are looking towards self-employment because they want to turn a talent, hobby or idea into a business, they want more flexibility or perhaps more security. Whatever the motivation, navigating starting a business can feel daunting, risky and often lonely. Privately offered business support can be expensive and fledgling entrepreneurs require unbiased support on an ongoing basis to give their start-ups the best possible chance of success.
Funded through Torbay’s UK Shared Prosperity Funding, Start-Up Torbay is a project led by Business Advisor Kim Thornton. Kim has a wealth of experience in business support and has spearheaded many successful projects in the local community.
Start Up Torbay aims to provide continued support to Torbay’s entrepreneurial spirit and give people the confidence, skills, and practical advice they need to start a business. The programme is open to anyone in Torbay who is looking to start a business
Before Claire took the leap into self employment, a local business founder encouraged her to get in touch with Start Up Torbay. At the time, Claire was still working, and juggling art on an ad hoc basis. Apprehensive about starting out, Claire was relieved and delighted to find the Start Up programme was welcoming, encouraging and supportive and full of helpful and relevant guidance.
This help inspired confidence in Claire and the weekly sessions propelled her into tackling her business. The practical guidance made navigating the early stages of starting a small business achievable. Claire has now founded CABBAGE TREE STUDIO CIC and is launching workshops at Cockington Court from May 2024.
Claire has engaged with multiple workshops and has found support from the business community. Claire has also reached out to Torbay Communities and Local Spark for information and guidance regarding starting up a CIC and opportunities available.
Claire is currently taking her business to the next level through the UKSPF funded IMPACT TORBAY Accelerator programme and has recently been awarded Torbay Local Heritage Grant funding to deliver an art project ‘Picturesque Torbay’ locally.
“The advice and support from Kim Thornton, through Start Up Torbay, has been the catapult I needed to help shift my small business from an idea to an exciting and ambitious reality”
Claire Jo Harmer
Cabbage Tree Studio