Posted on: Friday 17 January 2025
A free course aimed at anyone considering setting up a retail, food or high street business starts next month.
The new 8-week programme at Pontypool Indoor Market will cover business development, branding, social media marketing, sales and finance.
The sessions will run every Wednesday, between 5pm and 9pm, starting on February 5th.
Book your space here
The course is being run by the council’s Foundation Economy team, which supports new and existing businesses in the town centres of Pontypool & Blaenavon, alongside the business innovation centre, Welsh ICE.
Councillor Joanne Gauden, Executive Member for Economy, Skills and Regeneration, said: “We want to help our high streets to grow by investing and supporting local businesses, which is why courses like these are so important.
“Our Foundational Economy team has already had successes in Pontypool Indoor Market which has seen occupancy increase, and has supported new businesses to start in Blaenavon”.
“Our sustainable food team is also developing a network of local food producers, suppliers and sellers to help new and diverse retailers to thrive in our town centres.”
Hope Eckley, Academy Manager, Welsh ICE, said: “Our courses are always popular. We have a limited number of places, so sign up now! Hope to see you there.”
There are 40 spaces available for anyone who is considering starting up a retail, food or high street business.
A separate business start-up course for all business sectors is also being run by the council’s business engagement team and Welsh ICE starts at Croesyceiliog Community Education Centre this week, and every Tuesday until the 11 March, from 09.30 to 13:00, with a free creche provision available.
Part of the council’s County Plan is to make Torfaen a great place to do business by encouraging new business start-ups and entrepreneurial activities.
For more information about both courses, contact hello@welshice.org or call 02920 140 040 if you have any queries.
The Retail, Food and High Street Businesses start up course 5-9 Club is a part of the Foundational Economy initiative which has received £95,000 in 2024/25 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.