Two businesses have shared their success stories in support of an after-work group to help budding entrepreneurs in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
The Welsh Innovation Centre for Enterprise (Welsh ICE) scheme has launched to target people who work full-time currently and are thinking of taking the next steps into business.
The 5 to 9 club is aimed at people who have a business idea or would like to work for themselves but are unsure where to turn in order to access business support and to turn their ideas in to a profitable business.
The support scheme is set to start on Wednesday, February 16 and there are still some spaces on the cohort. They will be running every Wednesday for eight weeks.
The scheme looks to accommodate people's busy lives by offering the scheme after working hours and without the need to leave their current roles before they have a structured business plan and support in place.
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Previous attendees on the programme include Sarah and John Sutton who own Clwb Coffi, in Tonypandy. They said: "We did the 5-9 club pre-Covid. It was amazing. We didn't know anything about running a business, but it helped us to understand business through expert advice on how to create a business plan, marketing and social media."
Their successful coffee shop opened in the year of coronavirus - 2020, but their business has gone from strength to strength and they owe it to the 5-9 club.
"I would recommend the club to anyone who wants to start a business, I wouldn't want to start a business without it. Not only did it give us business and financial support but we made connections with other business owners across the Rhondda."
People who sign up for the course will have access to essential legal and funding advice from business owners themselves which they hope will break down barriers in accessing these schemes for people across Rhondda Cynon Taf.
People don't need to sign up with an idea, only that you would like to work for yourself - however if you already have a clear vision and just need advice and help accessing support, then you will get more out of the eight-week course.
The scheme has been funded by Welsh Government for RCT residents to create positive change through entrepreneurship.
Owners Donna and Chris Graves of MicroAcres, a microgreens business in Church Village, also received support through Welsh ICE's 5 to 9 scheme. They said: "Help from Welsh ICE has been invaluable. We were a part of one of their 5 to 9 evenings club. They offered seven weeks of business workshops dedicated to start-ups, culminating in an online ‘pitch' to a panel of experts with constructive and useful feedback.
"We were able to train and realise our entrepreneurial idea in the evenings, whilst working full-time. The mentors and fellow '5 to 9ers' continue to be a source of inspiration, information, motivation and networking that has helped develop our business experience and know-how to date.
"We were afforded the opportunity to pitch for the 'Chairman's Award' too, offering another opportunity to develop and experience the ongoing support that Welsh ICE offers. We cannot recommend them highly enough! If you have a business idea, with no business experience, then sign up. You will not regret it. We have been thankful ever since."
Lesley Williams, outreach director at Welsh ICE, hopes that local people will gain much-needed confidence through the course: “One of the club’s main aims is to redefine people’s idea of what an entrepreneur can be; many people can’t relate to the notions of business expressed on The Apprentice or on the Dragon’s Den panel, but this doesn’t mean they aren’t entrepreneurial.
“Having an idea is just the start, you also need the right knowledge and a supportive community; so we want to encourage anyone who’s on the fence about signing up to put their trust in the experts and join like-minded people who are in the same boat.
“Whilst the goal is to turn an idea into a full-time career, most people don’t have the time, money or experience to risk leaving their job before they’re ready to start making a profit. There really is nothing to lose by getting involved in the 5 to 9 Club and it’s a fantastic opportunity to take the first steps into entrepreneurship without the hard risks.
“There are so many people in Rhondda Cynon Taf with so much promise - they just need that nudge of support, and we’re excited to be able to provide that. I’d encourage anyone with an idea or a desire to start their own business, to get in touch!”
The Rhondda Cynon Taff 5 to 9 Club starts on February 16 and will be held virtually every Wednesday over eight weeks. For more information or to express interest in joining the latest cohort, contact Lesley at lesley@welshice.org, call 02920 140 040, or find application forms here.
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