Cornwall Innovation bridges the post-SPF support gap for local businesses

Over 100 companies have benefitted from in-house business advice, mentoring and collaboration since the new advisor role was launched.

Cornwall Innovation has invested over £100,000 in a dedicated in‑house Business Support Advisor role, ensuring that more than 100 high‑growth companies across its three Innovation Centres continue to receive free, tailored business advice, mentoring and collaboration opportunities following the end of funded business support programmes, such as the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF), in Cornwall in March 2026.

By replacing withdrawn government provision with its own fully funded service, Cornwall Innovation is safeguarding specialist, high‑quality growth support for its customers at a critical time for the local economy.

To date, Rebecca Loto, who joined Cornwall Innovation in 2023 specifically to fulfil this role, has supported 110 businesses across the three Centres, providing bespoke 1:1 advice, offering mentoring support and creating collaboration opportunities by holding on-site workshops and strategy sessions.

Matt Harrington, Head of Cornwall Innovation Centres, said: “With many external funding sources coming to an end, we were determined that our customers wouldn’t lose access to high-quality business support at no extra cost. The Business Support Advisor role has bridged that gap brilliantly and become a real driver of growth and connection within our centres.”

A key focus of the role has been encouraging collaboration between companies across the centres, resulting in new partnerships, shared projects and ongoing referrals that strengthen the Cornish business community.

Rebecca Loto, Business Support Advisor at Cornwall Innovation Centres, added: “It’s been fantastic to see how businesses have responded to the support on offer. Many have said it’s helped them simplify their planning, build confidence and see real growth. Hearing feedback like ‘a game‑changer for my business’ or that our sessions brought renewed clarity makes such a difference. The best part has been watching companies connect across the centres, collaborate and celebrate each other’s progress.”