Co-working space Welsh ICE has launched a new, free ‘crash course’ programme designed to give business founders a January-jump start with everything they need to launch and grow their enterprise.

In one day, Press Start will take founders through the entire early-stage process, from creating a business model and understanding the legal structures of ownership, right through to identifying customers, developing marketing strategies and pinpointing potential funding and partners.

The programme will take place virtually on Wednesday, January 27, and is free for anyone who feels they could benefit from the guidance of the expert mentors on offer.

Welsh ICE Community Manager, Llinos Neale, said knowing where to start was in itself a barrier for many.

She said: “With the pandemic still having a major impact on businesses and the growing uncertainty in the job market, many people are looking for new ways to take control of their finances. However, coming up with an idea is one thing, it’s another to know where to start.

“Should I start as a sole trader or Ltd company? What kind of customers should I be targeting? What are the legal structures I need to put in place? What is the best marketing strategy for me? Our intensive Press Start course will give individuals everything they need to know to get started, as well as introduce them to some expert mentors and give them access to a community of other founders.”

Based at Caerphilly Business Park, Welsh ICE is one of five regional enterprise hubs across Wales, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government. The hubs will see over £4m invested to provide supportive spaces and mentoring for new and growing businesses, with the ICE Campus supporting the South East Wales Valleys region.

To learn more, or to sign up for the free programme, email iceangels@welshice.org.

For more information about Welsh ICE or to join the community, visit www.ice.community.

Caerphilly Observer is a member of Welsh ICE and is based at its campus on Caerphilly Business Park.