SBARC Ceredigion boosts entrepreneurship and confidence in Ceredigion
Several people across the County have benefited from the SBARC Ceredigion project, which is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and is administrated by the Cynnal y Cardi team, in Ceredigion County Council.
The project aims to boost self-confidence and ignite a spark amongst enterprising individuals in Ceredigion. Led by Menter a Busnes, funded by the UK Government and supported by Ffyniant Bro, SBARC Ceredigion aims to develop confident individuals who have the tools to develop sustainable enterprises in the County.
24 year old Megan Jones from Llanon wants to develop a new accomodation and business unit venture in Llanon, and has recently joined the project. She said: “SBARC Ceredigion is an extremely valuable and unique experience for someone like me, who doesn’t have that traditional business background. Being part of the crew has already taught me so much. One of the most important lessons so far is that you need to be flexible in business. It’s really helping me and my business plans.”
With many entrepreneurs working alone, SBARC Ceredigion ensures that members have plenty of opportunities to come together, to network, share ideas and support each other. Having left her long term role at the BBC to follow her dream of setting up a sound studio in rural Brynafan, Hannah Loy has benefitted from meeting local entrepreneurs. Hannah said: “Being chosen to be part of SBARC Ceredigion this year has been a huge confidence boost. I’ve been part of a large corporation for many years, so the business world is new to me. Meeting so many local talented people through this project and learning about their amazing ideas, has sparked my imagination. It’s already helping me and my business in so many ways.”
Eirwen Williams, Development and Rural Director of Menter a Busnes, said: “One of our aims at Menter a Busnes is to support individuals and businesses to thrive. Having launched SBARC Ceredigion in September 2023, the response has been incredible. With 12 new members joining us in March, we now proudly support 24 individuals and ventures in Ceredigion through this project, promoting entrepreneurship and self-confidence thorought the County.”
Councillor Clive Davies, Ceredigion’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, said: “The individuals involved in SBARC Ceredigion receive a wealth of support during the 18 month period, including mentoring and expert-led sessions. There’s also an opportunity to complete a post-graduate Grade 7 Certificate in Leading Change from Aberystwyth University.”
During the project, the group have an opportunity to join a study trip abroad to learn about good practice and to broaden their horizons. The 12 individuals who joined SBARC Ceredigion this March have just returned from a field in Reykjavik, Iceland where they met a broad range of business owners from various fields.
Gwenith Elias, Project Co-ordinator of SBARC Ceredigion, said: “Many of the individuals who joined us in March are developing businesses and ventures in the outdoors, tourism, food and wellness sectors. This trip was an opportunity to meet entrepreneurs from these fields. We visited a tomato farm owner who’s diversified the business; we also met the founder of an outdoor walking and activities business. These valuable skills and lessons in Reykjavik have inspired so many new ideas amongst the group. I can’t wait to see how our enthusiastic members develop these and use them in their own businesses and ventures in Ceredigion.”
For more information, visit https://menterabusnes.cymru/sparc-ceredigion or contact sbarc@menterabusnes.co.uk.