Entrepreneurs from the Newport area who operate in the creative sector are being offered access to free business development programmes.
The Startup Stiwdio, which operates out of the University of South Wales (USW) Newport Campus, will be offering the free support and coaching to anyone who wants to become a freelancer.
The programmes are open to anyone living in or wanting to start their business in Newport.
The programme is in partnership with Welsh ICE (Innovation Centre for Enterprise), which has been awarded funding from Newport City Council via the UK Government to run business startup programmes in partnership with local organisations.
There will be two programmes: the first starts in mid-September until November and the second runs from January 2025 until March 2025.
The second programme is specifically targeted at anyone who is from a global majority background, is D/deaf, disabled or neurodivergent, or comes from an educationally/environmentally or economically disadvantaged background and who has a new business idea in any sector – from fashion, beauty and fintech, to food and beverage.
All programmes will run on a Thursday between 9.30am and 3pm and include business development support and one-to-one mentoring.
Participants can then base their business in USW’s new Startup Stiwdio incubator in the city centre campus, and benefit from extensive business networks across South Wales.
Richie Turner, Startup Stiwdio Manager said:
“I am really pleased that we have secured continued funding to enable us to extend the Creative Business Network in Newport, after its successful pilot in 2023 which was funded by Creative Cardiff.
“Newport already has a thriving independent creative scene, and we hope that through equipping people and communities in the city to start new creative businesses and careers, USW can continue to add to this high growth sector.”
