The Growth, Acceleration and Investment Network (GAIN) “was founded by Plymouth University, Plymouth City Council and Tamar Science Park to accelerate the creation, growth and investment in high quality businesses and ideas to create wealth and jobs in the South West“. It is a regional partnership involving formation zones, innovation centres, business networks and the national University Enterprise Network. Through its partners GAIN is involved with more than 500 businesses. It seeks to add value by creating “a focused and accessible business ecosystem of aspirational businesses and investors”.
GAIN has different though related value propositions for businesses, for people with ideas, for investors and for partners.
- “For investors: GAIN will reduce risk and maximise growth by finding the best businesses and ideas, providing a first look at potential deals, bringing intelligence together in one place and helping businesses become investment-ready.
For partners: GAIN puts you at the heart of the South West’s most important business growth network.“
GAIN20 will give “the most innovative and exciting businesses in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset exclusive access to a unique series of opportunities and support over 12 months. … The aim is [to] boost enterprise and innovation across the region. …. Half of the GAIN20 will be recruited through Crowdfunder … ”
Some partners …
Formation Zone is a business start-up service (incubator) based on Plymouth University campus. The university also manages three Innovation Centres in Cornwall on behalf of Cornwall Council: at Pool, Penryn, and Truro. Unlike the BETA Enterprise Programme, the service is open to everyone. They are looking for innovative start-ups in these sectors: creative industries; hi-tech; marine, environmental, advanced engineering; health and well-being.
X Forces, based in London, supports ex-forces people and their families to start up businesses by providing them with loans, mentoring and support. People who think they could support X-FORCES with sponsoring, mentoring, work experience, contribution to the start-up fund of by offering a service or product are asked to contact admin@x-forces.com.
THINQTANQ is a socially-minded business based in Plymouth. It offers a range of office and workspace facilities.
Business Information Point provides advice, guidance, business support, training and information to both pre-start and existing businesses.