Posted on: Tuesday 9 January 2024
A new programme for anyone thinking about setting up their own business will start next month.
The fully-funded Startup Club will provide entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge they need to set up and run their own businesses, including weekly expert-led workshops and support.
Starting on February 21, the six-week programme will run at the Hyb, in Pontypool Indoor Market, every Wednesday, between 5.30pm and 8pm.
It will be run by small business experts Town Square Spaces Ltd (TownSq) on behalf of Torfaen Council and is funded through the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund.
Councillor Joanne Gauden, Executive Member for Economy, Skills and Regeneration, said: “This Startup Club is the type of programme that can have a huge impact on local people looking to explore the prospect of running their own businesses.
“Starting a business can be a huge step, but the experienced team at TownSq can take people through the process one small step at a time, equipping them with everything they need to know.
"This initiative will also help grow a supportive business community in Pontypool that will enable startups to survive and thrive.”
The programme will cover a different core topic each week including sales and marketing, business planning, admin, legal and HR, finance, networking and pitching.
The sessions are designed to be relaxed and informal and will be led by an experienced facilitator, most of whom have run their own businesses for years.
Kevin Mansell-Abell, Commercial Director at TownSq, said “For some, the idea of starting a business can be daunting. The thought of having to give up their day job and take the risk of starting from scratch is just not feasible for most people - especially with the rising cost of living.
“That’s why we hold our Startup Clubs after-hours, so people can work on their business ideas around their busy lifestyles and get them to the point where they have everything they need to start and grow.
"We’ve delivered these clubs to hundreds of people in our spaces across the UK, and we’re delighted to be working with Torfaen Council to bring this to Pontypool."
Food and refreshments will be provided on the night but spaces are limited - to register for a place, please visit www.townsq.co.uk/pontypool
For information about how Torfaen Council’s Foundational Economy team can support new businesses in Pontypool and Blaenavon, contact businessdirect@torfaen.gov.uk.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and places, supporting local business, and people and skills.
For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus