A DRAGON’S Den style event has been held where aspiring entrepreneurs got to pitch their ideas to local businesses leaders.
The event, modelled on the popular BBC TV show where hopefuls seek investment from a panel of multimillionaire investors, was the culmination of an eight-week course held by Torfaen Borough Council and Welsh ICE which supports start-up businesses.
The course, which also had creche facilities, covered topics including ideas generation, branding and marketing, social media strategies and websites, sales and finance, funding and legal aspects and business oganisation.
Cllr Joanne Gauden, the council’s cabinet member for the economy, told the full council: “I attended the celebration event where attendees pitched their business to local business leaders, a Dragon Den-style event with constructive feedback for attendees to consider.”
She said due to the success of the course, which was funded by Shared Prosperity Funding from the UK Government awarded to the council’s business engagement team, it is intended to run a second start-up course in mid January.
Those who attended the first course will still receive support from the engagement team including access to further training.
The team, in partnership with Torfaen Business Voice, will also launch a mentorship programme Torfaen Business Voice Academy’ in January to support pre-start-ups, young entrepreneurs, and newly established businesses.
They will receive a fully funded 12-month membership to Torfaen Business Voice, personalised mentorship and the opportunity to attend four networking events per year to connect with peers, mentors, and other entrepreneurs.
Cllr Guaden, had been asked by Fairwater Labour councillor Jayne Watkins, to outline the support available to new start-ups. The Cwmbran councillor said she had recently advised a resident to contact the council’s business direct service.
Cllr Watkins said that launched in March 2023 as a ‘one stop shop’ for business advice and can provide assistance with everything from complying with licensing and environmental health regulations to completing planning applications and finding premises as well as information on grants.