New Funding for Local Businesses Announced

Today the Welsh Assembly will announce the launch of a £19 million fund for local start ups and established businesses in South West Wales. The funding will be provided by the European Union’s Convergence* funding. It will be called Flexible Business Finance Scheme and it will offer grants of up to £5,000 to help companies to start up and expand. The Scheme is set to start in September 2008.

Early indications are that companies will be able to apply for up to 2 grants to help to fund capital expenditure or to extend their business premises. We will publish further details and information as it becomes available.

In the meantime if you are interested in raising funding for your business please contact Business Connect on 01792 817575

*The West Wales and the Valleys region has been awarded the highest level of support (£1.4 billion), known as Convergence, from the European Union for the new European Structural Funds programming round 2007–2013. Convergence is the successor to the Objective 1 programme 2000–2006. For further info regarding Convergence visit the Welsh European Funding Office

Start Up Workshop dates coming soon!

We have had some great news regarding further funding to help local people to set up in business. If you are considering self employment and would like to attend our Free Start Up Workshops then please get in touch as we will be shortly announcing future dates. Anyone who would like to learn more about being their own boss is welcome to attend so long as their business would be based in Neath Port Talbot. (Please note: there is no obligation to go ahead and set up in business if you decide that it is not the right decision for you).

The Workshops covers all the most important aspects that you need to understand such as raising funding, writing a business plan, finding customers (marketing), taxation, book keeping, using computers & IT and understanding basic accounts. No previous experience or knowledge is required.

Interested? Then please ring Business Connect on 01792 817575 or 01639 895173 to find out more! Or visit www.bcnpt.co.uk

Aberavon Beach wins Blue Flag!

The beautiful sandy beach at Aberavon has been awarded a coveted Blue Flag award in recognition of its excellent water quality.  

Aberavon Beach has benefited from millions of pounds of investment by Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council which has upgraded the promenade, lighting, street furniture, toilets and play areas.  The Blue Flag award is great news for local businesses as it will help to attract even more visitors to the Beach.  Aberavon Beach is now home to many businesses include Cafe Remos,  Bar Gallois,  Apollo cinema, Four Winds bar and restuarant, the Lido, Aberavon Beach Hotel and a new bowling alley is being planned.  There is also a fantastic play area for children and a skateboard park for youngsters. 

Business Connect bids farewell to Advisor

Yesterday Business Connect hosted a leaving lunch to bid farewell to David Edenborough who has worked for the organisation for six years as a Business Advisor.  David joined Business Connect as a new graduate from Cardiff University in 2002.   His work involved the preparation of business plans and he was also responsible for helping individuals who are starting up in business.   Dave will shortly be starting work for Finance Wales who provide funding to Welsh businesses.  Business Connect wish him every success in his future career.

 Photo: Greg Kaminaris (left), General Manager at Business Connect with David Edenborough (right)

Assembly announces new Flexible Support for Businesses

Today marks the start of the Welsh Assembly’s new programme of support for businesses in Wales.  This programme is called Flexible Support for Businesses.   A key part of this support is a single investment fund which will replace existing capital funding such as Regional Selective Assistance.  This fund will have an initial pot of £92 million for investment into new and established companies in Wales.  For more information regarding funding for Welsh businesses please ring Business Connect in Llandarcy on 01792 817575

More funding for Neath Port Talbot start ups

Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council have announced further funding for new local start up businesses.  There is now a £500 Start up grant available and there is also a Capital Grant available.  If you are thinking of becoming self employed then you could be eligible for this funding to help you get started.   Your new business would need to be based within the County of Neath Port Talbot or if you intend to work from home then you need to be a resident of the Borough.  Business Connect can help you to apply for the funding.

Funding is very limited so if you are interested please contact Business Connect as soon as possible on 01792 817575 or 01639 895173.  

Business Connect also offer a wide range of business support to anyone who is thinking of starting in business.  You can have confidential 1-2-1 support with Advisors on matters such as writing a business plan, sourcing funding, cash flows, employing staff, finding customers and contracts, sourcing suppliers,  marketing, using computers & IT, websites and retailing.  We also run a popular 4 day Start Up course for anyone who is interested in self employment and wants to find out more about what is involved.  All of our services are free of charge and completely confidential with no obligation to proceed if you decide that self employment is not for you. Visit www.bcnpt.co.uk for details.

Good news for Pontardawe

Major regeneration plans for Pontardawe have been announced by Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council.   This is good news for the residents and local businesses.   Pontardawe is already a thriving town with many small shops and businesses.  A Commercial Property Grant will be made available to improve and upgrade shop fronts and improved car parking facilities are all part of the plan.  The local Authority will be consulting local residents and businesses regarding this scheme.

Staff News

Business Connect are proud to announce that two members of staff, Ralph Gillies and Leanne Daniel have recently passed their ACCA accountancy final examinations.  A staff lunch was held on the 5th March to celebrate their achievements at the Llandarcy Sports Pavilion.  

Photo: Business Connect Staff 

Ralph and Leanne are both experienced Business Advisors who specialise in helping businesses to raise funding through the preparation of business plans.  For further information about the availability of funding in Neath Port Talbot please ring Business Connect on 01792 817575 or click to visit the Business Connect website

Successful Business Lunch in Melyn

We would like to thank all the businesses which attended our Business Lunch yesterday in Grandma’s Cafe in the Melyn.  Our thanks too to David Beddoes and Sarah from Communities First for all their hard work.  The event was attended by a team of Advisors from Business Connect who were on hand to chat to companies about a wide range of issues including funding, business plans, computers, retailing, book keeping, contracts, marketing and websites.  The event was such a success that we hope to repeat it in other areas of Neath Port Talbot soon!

     

ps our thanks to Sarah of Grandma’s Cafe for the delicious buffet!

New Flexible Loan Scheme in Neath Port Talbot

Good news for local businesses! Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council has recently launched a new Flexible Loan Scheme for new and established businesses in the County. 

The funding ranges from £1,000 to £10,000 and is open to anyone starting up or already employing up to 250 staff. Typical eligible costs include capital expenditure, marketing (including website design),  R&D and training (if part of a project).  The loan will be charged at 2% below base for start ups and base rate for existing businesses (terms and conditions apply). 

How to Apply
Applicants need to complete a business plan and application form. Assistance with the application is provided free by Business Connect’s team of experienced business plan writers.  For more information about this Loan Scheme please contact Business Connect’s head office in Llandarcy on 01792 817575