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How to Start a Business in Cornwall

Free start-up resources and useful local contacts.

Improve your chances of success!

How to Start a Business in Cornwall

Starting a business in Cornwall

If you are thinking about starting a business in Cornwall or would like to grow your existing business, we would love to help you.

Start Your Own Business in Cornwall contains resources and the information that will help give your venture the best chance of success. It also highlights organisations who offer friendly advice and the services that you are likely to need as a new startup or local business owner.

Grants | Networking groups | Business advice | Mentoring | Co-working spaces

Starting a business in Cornwall

Free Startup Guide

Start Your Own Business in Cornwall

Download the 2025 edition of our Free Start Your Own Business guide

An interactive step-by-step guide which also includes all of the most important subjects covered in an easy-to-read way with links to useful online articles and relevant contacts.

The idea of starting your own business can be incredibly exciting and who can blame you for being tempted?

However, the sad truth is that far too many new enterprises fail in the early stages. Our aim is to make sure that you don't become one of them.

This guide explains the key start-up subjects in simple English.

There is also plenty of help available in the area and much of it is free - please do make the most of it.

Read more about what our Free guide contains and how you can download it.
More Information and instant download
More Information and instant download

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or already running a business in the area, this web page is designed to provide you with valuable information and resources to support your journey to success. Cornwall, located in southwest England, offers a vibrant business environment with a diverse range of industries and stunning natural beauty.

Demographics of Cornwall

Cornwall is a county known for its beautiful coastline, rich heritage, and unique culture. As of the latest available data, the estimated population of Cornwall is around 565,000 residents. The county encompasses several major towns and cities that contribute to its economic growth and cultural identity.

Major Towns and Cities

Click on name to view more information and find contacts in each area.

  1. Truro: Truro is the county town of Cornwall and has a population of approximately 19,000 residents. It serves as the administrative, cultural, and commercial center of Cornwall, offering a mix of retail, tourism, and professional services.
  2. Newquay: Located on the north coast of Cornwall, Newquay is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches and vibrant surf scene. It has a population of around 22,000 and boasts a thriving hospitality and leisure industry.
  3. Falmouth: Situated on the south coast of Cornwall, Falmouth is a picturesque town with a population of approximately 31,000. It is renowned for its maritime heritage, creative industries, and university campus, providing opportunities in education, research, and innovation.
  4. St. Austell: Nestled in the heart of Cornwall, St. Austell has a population of around 20,000. It is a significant commercial and retail center, with a focus on industries such as china clay mining, tourism, and renewable energy.
Local Authorities in Cornwall

To navigate the business landscape effectively, it's essential to be familiar with the local authorities that govern different aspects of running a business in Cornwall. Here are the key authorities in the county along with their website links for further information:

Business Support Organisations

Cornwall provides a range of resources and support networks for businesses at every stage of their journey. Whether you need assistance with funding, advice, networking, or general guidance, these organisations can be instrumental in your success. Here are a few noteworthy organisations dedicated to supporting businesses in Cornwall, along with their website links:

We hope this guide provides you with a solid foundation for starting or running a business in Cornwall. Explore the rest of our website for more detailed information, guides, and additional resources that will help you on your entrepreneurial journey in this vibrant county. Good luck!

Local partners

We are happy to promote anyone who is prepared to offer friendly support to local start-ups.

Our local partners have been kind enough to help us and are keen to help you too.

Whyfield
PB&J Web Design Ltd
Alison Howard Services
Hocking Associates
HF Graphic Design
Smart SEO Cornwall

Free Startup Resources

Getting it right from the start can help to prevent problems later.

To help you with this we have created a vast selection of resources and they are all completely free!

Local help for startups

There is plenty of help for startups in Cornwall but where can it be found?

Select classification:

Business advice in a group

Advice & Support
An accountant with calculator

Accountancy
A bookkeeper at work

Bookkeeping
Coworkers desks

Co-Working
Bank of England

Funding
Photo of a piggy bank

Grants
A mentor with group

Mentoring
Networking group talking

Networking
A view of a smart office

Office Services
Online marketing graphic

Online Marketing
A web designer at desk

Web Design
A nice place to work

Workplaces

Latest articles

You don't know what you don't know!

The prospect of starting a new business can be incredibly exciting but should be approached with care. You have probably heard scary stories about how many start-ups fail in the early stages. You can make sure that you are not one of them by learning as much as possible before you launch. Over the years, we have collected lots of articles which will show you what has worked well for other start-ups and the putfalls to avoid.

See: Full List of Latest Start-Up Articles
Starting a business in Cornwall

Key Contacts in Cornwall

'You don't know what you don't know' is a phrase that is so applicable to starting a new business.

Cornwall is a great place for start-ups but your chances of success are dramatically improved if you make the most of the support that is available locally. Click on logos to visit their websites.

Whyfield

Accountancy

Whyfield
Whyfield is very much a modern firm of accountants. Their Truro-based team are highly accredited and highly regarded throughout Cornwall, Devon and across the UK. They're Making Tax Digital experts and have helped hundreds of businesses make the switch over to systems that show how your business is performing in an instant! They offer everything you’d expect from an accountant, from bookkeeping and payroll to VAT returns and year end accounts, so you won’t be short of choice when it comes to support. They’re also experienced business advisors who help turn ideas into thriving start-ups. As a relatively young firm, who set up in 2014, they are perfectly suited to help new start-ups navigate the usual hurdles of starting a business. In fact, they’ve grown considerably since opening their doors and have won a whole host of awards along the way, so you couldn’t be in better hands if you’re looking to start up and grow your business. If you're looking for great value service and a modern thinking accountant, look no further! Get in touch with their team for a free 30-minute chat to see how they can help you: 01872 267 267b
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Paddle Creative

Web design

Paddle Creative
Accelerate your new business with the help of a marketing expert, ready to guide you through the best options. Starting a business can be a daunting prospect, but getting the marketing element right is one of the most crucial aspects in making your start-up successful. Your brand needs to resonate with your new customers, and you need to ensure you get yourself in front of enough potential customers. The best way to accomplish this for most companies is through successful online marketing via a range of channels, that work in tandem to create a marketing machine. Matt Connelly runs Paddle Creative in Cornwall and has a long track record in helping businesses like yours grow. I have helped businesses thrive in a wide range of sectors, and varying stages in their development. I take a ‘360 approach’ and aim to develop a wholesome marketing strategy aligned with your goals and budget to ensure your business is a success. From branding and business cards to new websites and digital marketing, Paddle Creative is here to help your business move forward. Contact Paddle now and discover affordable marketing solutions designed around your business.
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Business Cornwall

Advice

Business Cornwall
Business Cornwall has a section dedicated to local startup stories and useful information. Business Cornwall is Cornwall's leading business news publication and website.
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Starting A Business in Cornwall: How To Get Going

Advice

Starting A Business in Cornwall: How To Get Going
In todays connected world, setting up, relocating or starting a business in Cornwall makes sense. It also provides compelling benefits for your business and your workforce. In this article, well look at how to get yourself going as a business in the region, and provide links, suggestions and information for where to start, who to contact and what to look out for.
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Kernow Independent Networking Group

Networking

Kernow Independent Networking Group
Wouldnt it be fantastic if warm business prospects could be handed to your company on a plate? Thats exactly what happens at KING. Each member looks for opportunities to refer each others services and products to potential customers. As a member of KING, everyone in the group is on your side and to avoid any conflict of interest our membership includes just one company in each business sector.
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Cornwall Trade & Investment

Advice

Cornwall Trade & Investment
Find out how Cornwall Trade & Investment can help new and existing businesses in the county. Access free support and/or download their setting up a business guide.
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PB&J Web Design Ltd

Web design

PB&J Web Design Ltd
With specialists in Web Design, Web Development, SEO, Digital Marketing, Branding, Copywriting and more we have got your covered for everything you could possibly need for your digital journey. To do this, we like to make sure we get to know your business inside and out, so we always start our partnership with you with an informal conversation over a coffee. This way we can to get to know more about you, your business and your goals, to make sure that we know exactly what you are wanting to achieve with your online campaigns and how we can get you there. Everyone has different budgets and at PB+J Web Design we completely understand. We will tailor your strategy to your budget and make sure you are spending your money in the best places to achieve the best return on your investment.
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Cornwall Trade and Investment (Funding)

Funding

Cornwall Trade and Investment (Funding)
Discover the funds and organisations that are fuelling innovation and shaping Cornwalls evolving business landscape.
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Business Information Point

Advice

Business Information Point
Business Information Point have been providing tailored, small business advice in Devon and Somerset for over 20 years. During that time weve helped literally thousands of people start and grow their own business by providing free or heavily subsidised, high quality support and advice.
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Hocking Associates

Property

Hocking Associates
A Falmouth-based team of independent chartered surveyors and valuers, Hocking Associates should be your first port of call if you are considering investing in property in Cornwall. We offer a wealth of expert surveying services and professional advice for residential property purchases, along with decades of local housing market expertise. Contact us for a no-obligation chat today.
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Cornwall Innovation

Advice

Cornwall Innovation
Three Centres across Cornwall aimed at inspiring dynamic people to grow and build innovative enterprises leading to business success.
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Cornwall Community Foundation

Grants

Cornwall Community Foundation
The South West Enterprise Fund is a new funding stream aiming to support a variety of young Cornish people who do not have the initial starter funds to get their business ideas off the ground.The fund is for 2 sets of young people:Those who have already shown some initiative in getting their new business off the groundThose who have an idea and need some funding to get their idea off the ground.To be eligible for a grant you must: Be resident in Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly Be aged between 18-30 years old Be able to demonstrate your business idea and know what products or services you want to provide or have been trading for under 2 years.Grants range from 200 to 2,000, donations will vary depending on individual requirements.As part of the application process, the applicant will be asked some questions about their business, the journey taken up until now, how their business will benefit the local community, how it will impact their family life, how will they make a profit and, if appropriate, how they intend to grow the business.Please visit our website for more details: https://www.cornwallcommunityfoundation.com/grants/south-west-enterprise-fund/
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Cornwall Chamber of Commerce

Networking

Cornwall Chamber of Commerce
Cornwall Chamber of Commerce inspires, connects, and supports all businesses in Cornwall and Scilly. We are an independent, not-for-profit organisation that works hard to improve our countys economic prosperity and represents Cornish business interests on a local, regional, national and international level. Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, Chamber Offices, Cardrew Way, Cardrew Way, Redruth, TR15 1SP
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The Hive (Bude)

Co-Working

The Hive (Bude)
The Hive was born in 2016 out of a lack of suitable office space in Bude and the surrounding areas. We offer an informal space for freelancers, startups and individual business owners to take advantage of and flourish in. Our coworking space aims to provide an alternative to home offices or corporate office spaces. We've created a special space to work, meet, collaborate, and in turn it delivers a professional platform for businesses to grow and excel. 15 Efford Farm Business Park, Bude, Cornwall EX23 8LT
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Network Cornwall

Networking

Network Cornwall
Digital Peninsula Network runs Network Cornwall, Cornwalls network of professional and business women, which enables business women across Cornwall to communicate with each other promote their businesses and collaborate.If you are a woman working in Cornwall, you can benefit from Network Cornwall. This unique network, exclusively designed for professional women based in the county, is a fantastic tool to stay connected with more than 11,000 professional women across Cornwall on a daily basis.
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Cornish Networking Calendar

Networking

Cornish Networking Calendar
Business Cornwall keep a diary of upcoming networking events. It is free to add your own so if you are the organiser of an event or series of events they would love to hear from you.
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Cornwall Clouncil Grants Advice

Grants

Cornwall Clouncil Grants Advice
A comprehensive list of local and national organisations who may have grants available can be found on a dedicated grants page on the Cornell Council website. Follow the link.
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BNI Devon & Cornwall

Networking

BNI Devon & Cornwall
BNI - The World's Leading Business Networking and Referral Organisation. The best way to find out about BNI is to visit a chapter. Click here to find out more about how to visit. Come and visit and see why BNI is the world's largest business networking and referral organisation. Last year the members of BNI Devon and Cornwall reported income in excess of 8.2 million in new business!
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The Growth & Skills Hub

Advice

The Growth & Skills Hub
Ready to take your business to the next level? Need new skills to adapt to a new way of working?With expert, independent and impartial guidance its time to make contacting the Growth and Skills Hub your next move today...
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Cornwall Council - Business Advice & Support

Advice

Cornwall Council - Business Advice & Support
Cornwall Councils website contains a section dedicated to business support and advice.
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Cornwall Community Foundation

Grants

Cornwall Community Foundation
Please contact grants@cornwallfoundation.com if you have any funding enquiry. Please let us know your location, how much funding you require and for what purpose, and if you are a registered charity, a community group or a social enterprise.
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Strippers flooring

Directory

Strippers flooring
Strippers Flooring offer professional wood flooring restoration and finishing services to customers across Sussex and Cornwall. The company has held the Which? Trusted Trader kitemark since 2014 and are certified Bona contractors, offering a high standard of workmanship and excellent results for residential and commercial clients. Call today to find out more.
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SWIG Finance

Funding

SWIG Finance
Business Loans For Start-Ups in the South West. Do you need funding help to bring your business idea to life? We have Start Up Loans available for new and early-stage businesses in the South West.
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Citizens Advice Cornwall

Advice

Citizens Advice Cornwall
Citizens Advice can provide you with the information and advice you need for the challenges you face. Our advice and information is free, confidential, independent and impartial and includes topics as wide ranging as employment law, benefits, housing, debt, consumer rights, discrimination, family & personal, and immigration & nationality.
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The Lonely Middle Club - From Startup Hive

Networking

The Lonely Middle Club - From Startup Hive
Starting a business is exciting, and succeeding is rewarding, but what about the bit between? You know, that bit that’s full of self-doubt, endless repetition and feelings of being out of your comfort zone? We call it ‘The Lonely Middle’ and it’s one of the hardest parts of creating a successful business. We know, we’ve been there. So, we created The Lonely Middle Club to help you through it. Each month you get exclusive content to help give you the knowledge and inspiration to succeed. Plus, you get access to a private members-only Facebook group where you can get advice and network with small business owners who are going through similar challenges to you. If you want even more, you can download our 51 worksheets, guides, and journals all designed to do one thing, and one thing only… help you get through ‘The Lonely Middle’ and achieve your business goals. Visit our website today to join the club and benefit from our members price lock and full no questions asked money-back guarantee.
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HF Graphic Design

Design

HF Graphic Design
Strategic freelance graphic design for science, technology, engineering, manufacturing, and sustainability-based companies. I partner with businesses to develop cohesive, consistent branding and effective visual communications, helping to secure financial backing, gain better customer understanding, and market their innovations, products, and services. If you're looking to grow your business with specialised branding and print or digital visual communications, get in touch for a free, no-obligation consultation. Visit harrietfawcettdesign.com.
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Growth Hub Cornwall & Isles of Scilly

Advice

Growth Hub Cornwall & Isles of Scilly
Starting a business can be scary. There is so much to do and probably so many areas to think about! Worry not, help is available from our business support programmes.Whether you just have an idea for a business or are only in the early stages of your journey, then there is help available for you. Starting with Breakthrough before moving onto thinking about your finances with Access to Finance +. They can help new businesses identify and successfully overcome common obstacles and lay strong foundations for future growth.
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Advice

Cornwall & Isles of Scilly LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership)
The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership drives activity to support business growth, create jobs and help people realise their potential.
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Advice

Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Growth and Skills Hub
Work with local businesses, including self employed people and not for profit organisations to find the right guidance and support to help their business work smarter, develop and grow.
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Start-up articles

100's of free startup articles

We have created a collection of 100s of startup articles to help anyone with whatever stage they are on with their business journey. Hundreds of thousands of people have gone before you and we can learn from what they got right and avoid the things that have been proved not to work so well.

You can see the full list of 'articles' at: How to start a business

FREE Start-up Pack

This FREE start-up pack contains everything that you need to get you started.

Startup Pack

Start-up Guides

Our FREE downloadable guides are packed with the information that you need to start and grow a your business.

Startup Pack