Posted on: Monday 25 September 2023
A service has been launched to support new and aspiring businesses looking to set up in Blaenavon or Pontypool town centres.
The Foundational Economy Project team is focused on helping businesses that provide goods and services people need on a daily basis, such as retail, food outlets or health and beauty treatments.
They aim to work with around 40 entrepreneurs and five new businesses in Blaenavon and Pontypool over the next two years, with plans to expand to Cwmbran at a later date.
The support on offer includes:
- 1-2-1 mentoring to develop business ideas
- Training and skill development opportunities.
- Grant funding
The new service builds on a Foundational Economy Torfaen pilot in 2020 and last year's Pontypool and Blaenavon Small Business Support Project, which provided financial and practical advice.
Among those helped by the project was James Austin, from New Inn, who was given help to set up Austin & Co barbers in Pontypool town centre.
Councillor Joanne Gauden, Executive Director for Economy, Skills & Regeneration, said: "Making Torfaen a great place to do business by working with local employers, encouraging new business start-ups and entrepreneurial activities is one of the well-being objectives in the council's County Plan.
"Both Blaenavon and Pontypool town centres have been affected by changing shopping habits in recent years but we hope that by supporting businesses to move into the high street will help reduce the number of vacant properties and bring customers back."
The Foundational Economy Project team is funded by the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund. For more information about the service, contact businessdirect@torfaen.gov.uk
Find out more about Torfaen Council's County Plan.