Independent cafés, craft shops and fitness businesses across Swansea are among those thriving thanks to grant support.
Run by Swansea Council and funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a new wave of both pre-start and business growth grants have supported small businesses on high streets throughout the city – from Gorseinon and Gowerton to Morriston, Mumbles and the city centre.
Among the local success stories is White Rabbit Wools on High Street in Gorseinon, set up by former teacher Nicola Briggs, who used a pre-start grant to buy stock and equipment for her new wool and craft shop.
Nicola said: “It was so easy to apply – I’d recommend it to anybody.
“As well as selling wool, we wanted to create a space that felt like home – where people could just pop in, have a chat and connect with others.”
In Gowerton, Jo-anne Purnell-Rees of Station 86 on Sterry Road, used a growth grant to open Station Express, a takeaway outlet expanding the popular café business.
Jo-Anne said: “The process was really quick – approved within three weeks.
“It’s working out really well and adds to what’s growing in Gowerton at the moment.”
Other businesses to benefit include DartNation in Morriston, Moss and Maple Play Café in Gorseinon, and two health ventures in Mumbles – Movement Mumbles and Kate Rees Elite Physiotherapy Services – which have both used grants to invest in new rehabilitation and fitness equipment.
In Swansea city centre, 21-year-old Malakai Kumar, of Hello Asia, said the pre-start grant has made all the difference in turning her dream into a reality.
Malakai said: “Being only 21, it was really great to have support from Swansea Council.
“The funding helped me get the right specialist coffee machine, fridges and stock for the shop floor. The council were very helpful throughout the whole process.”
More than 200 Swansea businesses have benefitted from these grants and others over the course of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund grant programme so far, helping to attract private investment, create new jobs and safeguard others.
