VALE BUSINESS

In association with The Business Centre

VALEWIDE
Inspiring the Vale Bursaries

Launched in the Summer of 2009, the 'Inspiring the Vale Bursaries' project has assisted in the setup of over twenty new businesses in the rural Vale of Glamorgan.

The aim of the project, run by Creative Rural Communities, was to give the young people of the rural Vale the opportunity to develop innovative business ideas, retain skills in the local area and encourage entrepreneurship. With 23 new businesses formed by 27 young people from the local area, it's safe to say the project has been an overwhelming success.

In order to be eligible, the applicants had to live in the rural Vale, be aged 30 or under and new to the experience of setting up their own business. The application process included writing a business plan and presenting to a panel of judges. Successful applicants were given up to £3,000 or 75% towards the costs of setting up their own business.

The range of businesses is diverse, with applicants drawing on personal experience and circumstance to set up a business of their choice. Lickle Pickle was started by a couple of working mums who were looking for a greater work/life balance; MAB Gardening was the brainchild of an A-level student who was looking to develop a personal interest in gardening into a career.

From photographers and dancers to personal fitness trainers, surf academies and top-secret renewable energy inventions, the range of businesses receiving financial support from the 'Inspiring the Vale Bursaries' is varied.

Nia Hollins of Creative Rural Communities said, "Working with the people behind these businesses has been inspiring. Though the 'Inspiring the Vale Bursaries' have given them the support to start their own businesses, it is the applicants themselves who are responsible for making their businesses grow and develop. I wish each and every one well in the future and hope their ventures continue to grow into successful, profitable businesses."

In addition to the grant scheme, the project also helped the two local comprehensives, Cowbridge and Llantwit Major, with their Enterprise Week activities. At Llantwit over 800 pupils were involved in enterprise activity in their school, whilst at Cowbridge over 200 pupils worked with representatives from the local community, local businesses and volunteer organisations.

Though the project has now come to an end, the investment that the new businesses have received will provide a sound starting point from which they can develop in the future.

The 'Inspiring the Vale Bursaries' project was funded through the Vale of Glamorgan Council, the Rural Development Plan for Wales through the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

Creative Rural Communities Cowbridge Old Hall, High Street Cowbridge CF71 7AH 01446 775388

Lickle Pickle
Offering an alternative gift service for new mums and dads with bespoke hampers that are practical and useful. www.licklepickle.co.uk



Motiv8
Fiona Butchart offers one to one personal training at home or work, improving fitness, weight loss, nutrition. www.motiv8-121fitness.co.uk



BFAB Dance
Lynette Williams provides street dance classes to rural areas whilst encouraging the young to get active. www.bfabdance.co.uk



Travelling Toybox
Sophie Durnan provides a natural play environment with a range of traditional and sustainable sourced toys. www.travellingtoybox.co.uk



Otherwise Jane
Jane Tomlinson helps small businesses with marketing, branding, design and strategy advice. 07980 044835



Barbers 72
Rachel England provides a barbering service for all ages, with a range of hair products available to buy. 01446 775107



Lasting Energy Solutions
Lasting Energy Solutions Limited's (LES) business focus is within the renewable energy sector. 07825 279007/07779 132758



Nathan Phillips
With access to great facilities Nathan offers a different range of surf coaching from beginner to advanced. 07889 283083