An innovative business development programme designed to support the growth of small businesses in Powys has been unveiled.
The Enterprise Team at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), with the support of the Civic Engagement Team, has launched Prepare to Grow. It is being offered in collaboration with Antur Cymru, a social enterprise dedicated to community regeneration, and is funded through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF).
The Prepare to Grow programme aims to provide tailored guidance and resources to entrepreneurs and small business owners in the Powys region who wish to take their ventures to the next level. By participating, businesses will be equipped with the strategic tools and personalised mentorship necessary to develop and implement an effective growth plan aligned with their missions and values.
The launch event kicked off a series of workshops attended by a range of businesses who highlighted the value of the event, emphasising the possibilities for networking, collaboration, and access to professionals and peer-to-peer advice.
Rebecca Jones, Project Manager from the UWTSD Enterprise Team said:
“The university is passionately committed to fostering entrepreneurship, nurturing local talent, and supporting the growth of our regional business community.
“Through the Prepare to Grow programme, we aim to empower small businesses in Powys with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to overcome barriers, capitalise on opportunities, and achieve long-term, sustainable success.”
The programme will offer participants a comprehensive suite of resources and support, including:
- A proprietary business evaluation toolkit to assess current operations, identify areas for improvement, and outline strategic growth opportunities.
- A series of masterclasses and workshops led by industry experts, covering crucial topics such as market analysis, financial management, operational efficiency, and leadership development.
- Facilitated peer-to-peer learning groups, fostering collaboration, idea exchange, and mutual encouragement among like-minded business owners.
- Access to cutting-edge research, data, and market insights to inform data-driven decision-making.
- One-on-one advisory support from seasoned business mentors, providing personalised guidance throughout the implementation of growth strategies.
Bronwen Raine, Managing Director of Antur Cymru Enterprise said:
“As an organisation that has worked for many years to support businesses across Powys, we are very excited to collaborate with UWTSD to bring this new approach to supporting businesses to achieve sustainable growth. I am especially pleased that Mid Wales is the first Welsh region where this model, a combination of academic and practical hands-on experience, is being launched.”
“I would urge any small business in Powys that is looking to expand to take advantage of the expert support that is available through this scheme,” said Cllr David Selby, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys and Chair of the Powys SPF Local Partnership Board. “Getting the right help at the right time can make a huge difference to the success of your enterprise.”
Registration for the Prepare to Grow programme is now open. Small business owners in Powys interested in taking part are asked to contact prepare-to-grow@uwtsd.ac.uk for more details and to secure their spot.
