ShellStep is a UK wide programme offering under graduates project based work within small to medium sized business

The Silvanus Trust is committed to regenerating the woodlands in the South West for economic, social and environmental benefits. We have worked for over twenty years, often in partnership with other organisations, statutory and voluntary, to promote and increase the potential of woodlands in the south west to support greater rural economic activity for the benefit of local communities, businesses and the environment. The support includes grant aid, advice, and help with training and skills development. The projects have involved all aspects of forestry including woodland management, timber processing, and community woodland and education activities.

The Skills and Learning Intelligence Module (SLIM) exists to bring information and intelligence on skills and learning to policy makers and practitioners across the South West. As a 'module' of the South West Observatory, our aim is to enable programmes and projects that promote skills and learning to be informed by the best available evidence. This site provides access to growing archives of labour market research, networks, data, news and good practice.

Cornwall Council’s Adult Education Service, are building on a track record of quality skills improvement and developing our employer focus, to offer a real alternative to big further education colleges and private providers. We aspire to offer: - a professional but personal approach based on listening - quality training designed to meet your needs - reliably providing what we say we will provide - training at a time and place to suit you, wherever possible - trainers who care about your staff as individuals and about the success of your business - managers who make themselves available to you and want to respond to any problems you have with solutions All are eligible for Skills for Life and for NVQs those in work either full time, part time or volunteering are eligible. Level 2 and level 3 NVQ courses are £365, unless it is the candidate’s first level 2 in which case this is fully funded. However, these prices are negotiable when a course is undertaken as part of a package of training.

The South West Angel and Investor Network (SWAIN) connects private investors, or 'Business Angels', with companies looking for investment. SWAIN specialises in helping small and medium sized companies to find equity finance, and assists private investors in the South West to search for investment opportunities in businesses with growth potential.

South West Business Finance is a partnership of agencies in the South West of England who are working together to support businesses across the region that need to raise more finance than the bank is able to lend for start up and growth. There are occasions when businesses can't raise enough finance to put viable plans into action, perhaps due to a lack of track record or security for traditional borrowing. We provide finance to businesses throughout in the South West region where this vital gap funding is needed. Loans of various amounts are available, up to a maximum of £50,000. We take a partnership approach to finance; working with each other, the banks, and and other funding providers to help put together the finance package your business needs.

South West Food & Drink is the "umbrella" trade organisation dedicated to the development of the food and drink industry throughout South West England.

South West Investment Group - SWIG – is the largest provider of complementary loan finance to small and medium sized businesses in the South West.

The South West Manufacturing Advisory Service (South West MAS) provides practical advice and hands-on support for manufacturers. It aims to help manufacturing businesses improve productivity, reduce waste and compete more effectively. Trained experts can help businesses cut costs, reduce stock, improve customer lead times and boost sales.

South West Screen is the funding and support agency for the cultural and economic development of film, television and digital media in South West England. Funded by the UK Film Council and the South West of England Regional Development Agency, they champion and promote the region's creative industries.

South West Tourism works to encourage the promotion and development of tourism in the South West. The site includes information on tourism trends, regional surveys and reports on tourism industry, sources of funding opportunities for promoting services to the tourism industry, training and tourist information centres.

The South West Ventures Fund is a £21 million Regional Venture Capital Fund which supports fast growing SMEs across the South West region. Initial investments can be up to £330,000 with an ability to invest a further £330,000 after six months or more. In certain circumstances, alongside other new investors, the Fund can follow on its investments with up to £2.1 million in total in a single company.

Sportsmatch can fund commercial businesses sponsorhsip for a grass roots sporting event or activity. They offer the same amount of money avaialble from a sponsor, so doubling the money available. A minimum of £1,000 is to be matched. Sponsoring is a great way to get your company name known and can be achieved through different media, see the website for further details.

Springboard is the new investment fund created to support the development of innovative ideas that will have a significant impact on the economy of Devon and Cornwall. The Springboard Fund will consider assisting any organisation in the public, private or voluntary sector to support early stage development, feasibility studies or 'step change' activity. The investment may take the form of either a grant or a loan depending on the type of project and applicant organisation. It is likely that grants will be made to ‘not for profit’ companies and charities and both grants and loans will be considered for commercial ‘for profit’ organisations.

Sustainability South West (SSW) is a not-for-profit organisation which achieved charitable status in October 2004. It acts as the independent champion of sustainable development in the South West of England, raising awareness and providing advice and guidance to accelerate change towards a more sustainable region.

Sustainable Build offers impartial information and advice on building sustainably and how to use eco-friendly construction techniques.

The South West of England Regional Development Agency was established in 1999. Their overall goal is to ensure the long-term economic success of the region. Central to the long-term economic success of South West England will be making sure the region has the right skills among its workforce, the most innovative businesses, and a high quality environment, both physical and cultural. They provide grants, skills improvement, training, advice and support to all businesses and individuals who contribute to and are shaped by the strategic drivers and objectives set out in the regional economic strategy (RES).