A support programme for start-up businesses in Caerphilly County Borough has helped create 58 jobs over the last four years.
The programme, funded jointly by Tata Steel subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise and Caerphilly County Borough Council, has so far provided grant funding to help launch 49 businesses.
Recent start-ups include a business data company, a gardener, and two education-based companies.
Data Root Solutions of Caerphilly has been launched by former BT data manager Justine Williams. The firm provides high quality business-to-business information for marketing campaigns.
“We spend time talking to clients to make sure we understand what they are looking for, and drill down into the data to find exactly what they need. We can fulfil very specific requirements,” said Justine, who spent 24 years with BT.
A £500 grant from the start-up fund helped her set up her website and buy other essentials.
Brainstorm Education, run by Tom Burriss based in Blackwood, helps younger children appreciate the uses of iPads and other devices to enhance their digital learning, and also offers home tutoring.
“I help children develop their digital skills in learning apps and games such as Minecraft,” said Tom, a former IT teacher. Brainstorm Education received a grant of £500.
Also in the field of learning is Panda Education, run by Ros Protheroe and Rachel Arnold. The firm received a £458 grant towards capital equipment and was launched earlier this year. The firm works with post-16 education providers offering consultancy, training and advice.
“We provide training to work based assessors and tutors in Wales to maximise the benefit of apprenticeships to employers,” said Ros.
Claire Vokes of Caerphilly County Borough Council said the business start-up programme continued to play an important role in getting new businesses off the ground.
She said: “There is a great deal of interest in the scheme.
“While many of these firms might remain small, some may well go on to be major employers and job creators in the future.”
The flexible scheme is designed to help residents of Caerphilly County Borough set up a full-time business for the first time, if they are not able to access any other source of funding.
The funding is a discretionary grant and can provide up to 50% of eligible project costs to a maximum of £500.