Caerphilly-based start-up hub Welsh ICE (Innovation Centre for Enterprise) is offering would-be entrepreneurs a new intensive course to hone their business skills.
It has partnered with the Fairwood Trust, Harding Evans and Chwarae Teg to offer the courses called the 5 to 9 Club.
Applications are now open for the after-hours entrepreneurship course, designed to support aspiring business owners through the early stages of enterprise. The scheme has been fully-funded by the Fairwood Trust and sessions will run every Thursday evening over 12 weeks, with specialist mentors, workshops and industry experts offering support at every stage.
Sessions will include advice on marketing, development and finance, culminating in a presentation where the course participants will pitch their business idea.
The aim is to give founders and start-up businesses the boost they need to scale their enterprises through a fully-funded package that includes a full-time desk, a tailored mentoring programme and world-class workshops.
In association with the charity Chwarae Teg, the first round of funding will be available exclusively to women entrepreneurs.
Joy Kent, Chief Executive of Chwarae Teg, said: “Chwarae Teg are dedicated to supporting women in business and are therefore delighted to be involved in a scheme such as the Welsh ICE 5 to 9 Club.
“This initiative will not only give the selected women the motivation and confidence to grow their own business, but will also offer them the support and resources needed as well.”
Gareth Jones, CEO at Welsh ICE said “It’s excellent to be working in partnership with the Fairwood Trust and Chwarae Teg to deliver this initiative. The Cardiff Capital Region is now emerging as a hub for start-up business in the UK, and it’s essential that we can support aspiring entrepreneurs.
“Our vision for ICE was to create a space which allows its members the opportunity to create the businesses that they want to create – with incredible role models, advisors and advocates sat next to them to help offer insight that isn’t available when they’re working from the back-bedroom or dining table.”
The closing date for the first round of applications, open to women only, is September 30.
Those interested can submit their business ideas at www.welshice.org.