Cornwall’s essential community-driven organisations can continue to access valuable insights through on-demand webinars from the Growth Hub.

The Alternative Business Model webinar series shines a spotlight on co‑operatives, mutuals, employee‑owned firms and other purpose‑led enterprises – models increasingly recognised for delivering both strong commercial performance and social value.

The series responds to growing interest in alternative business approaches, which the Department for Business & Trade has described as a “significant but often overlooked” part of the UK economy. 

Locally, the Growth Hub has already identified more than 100 examples across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly – from community‑run shops and pubs to energy projects, housing societies and employee‑owned businesses.

Although the live sessions have now concluded, recordings remain available, giving business owners, advisers and community organisations the chance to catch valuable content at a time that suits them.

The webinar recordings cover:

•    Financial models that support purpose‑led businesses
•    Exploring Employee ownership for SMEs
•    Recruiting and retaining volunteers in purpose‑driven organisations
•    Bid writing for co‑operatives, charities and community businesses

Kirsty Miles-Musgrave, Operations & Communications Manager at the Growth Hub, said: “There’s a real appetite right now for business models that balance profit with purpose. We know many business owners are exploring new ways to structure, finance or future‑proof their organisations, but can’t always attend live events. Making these sessions available to watch again ensures that practical, expert insight remains accessible.”

All recordings, alongside related support, case studies and upcoming opportunities, are available at: www.ciosgrowthhub.com/alternative-business-models

The Growth Hub and the Alternative Business Model campaign is funded by the UK Government.

End

14 April 2026

Notes to editors: 
 
Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Growth Hub       
The Growth Hub is a service of Cornwall Council and has received £22,739,093 in funding, including grant funding for businesses, from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.  

The Growth Hub collaborates with local businesses, self-employed individuals, not-for-profit organisations, and aspiring entrepreneurs to connect them with the right support, skills training, and grant funding. With a dedicated team of local experts, the Growth Hub works closely with businesses to help them access the resources they need to achieve their goals. For more information, please visit www.ciosgrowthhub.com

UK Shared Prosperity Fund 
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.  For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-sharedprosperity-fund-prospectus  

Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme 
The Good Growth Programme is managing the delivery of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Cornwall Council has been chosen by Government as the lead authority for the fund which is being invested in accordance with the Good Growth SPF Investment Plan.  For more information, visit https://ciosgoodgrowth.com