University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) has launched a grant to offer current students and alumni support to develop their business ideas.
The Futures Fund Entrepreneurship Start-Up Grant will award funding of up to £500 if applicants can demonstrate how financial assistance will help them on their journey to starting a small business or becoming a freelancer. This could be to assist with the purchase of materials, create a website or cover the costs of professional services, such as legal advice.
Applicants receive a business planning session with an Enterprise Team member to explore their idea in greater depth and to receive guidance for the next steps, as well as a business start-up course to ensure they have all the necessary knowledge and skills.
Naomi Seaward, who received the grant to build her own business after graduating from Surface Pattern Design says: “Stepping out alone in the creative industries sometimes feels impossible, but the support and guidance I have received from UWTSD both during and after my studies has helped me realise that I can achieve anything I put my mind to.
“I’ve benefitted from access to entrepreneurship courses and the community of other young, creative, industry entrepreneurs that comes with these. After graduating last year, I’ve achieved so much that I previously did not have the knowledge or confidence to do, including setting up my own design company and launching this at the country’s leading design showcase, New Designers, as part of their ‘One Year In’ showcase.
“Thanks to funding opportunities, I’ve been able to continue my practice and turn it into a business by purchasing equipment and materials that are harder to access after leaving education. All of this would not have been possible without the help provided by UWTSD, and I am eager to continue to grow and develop my business, strengthened by that guidance.”
Dylan Williams-Evans, Enterprise Champion at UWTSD says: “A huge barrier to our students and alumni in starting their businesses or freelancing careers is a lack of confidence and a lack of capitol.
“Through the Future Fund Entrepreneurship Grant, we ensure that every grant recipient will have received training via a Business Start-Up course, and this, along with the £500 grant should ensure they have the necessary skills and confidence to make a success of their businesses”.
