Cwmbran entrepreneurial mums join Vodafone’s business.connected Academy as it brings digital skills training to Cardiff’s entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurs in Cardiff are set to get a fresh opportunity to enhance their digital prowess with the launch of a pioneering three-part business.connected Academy.
Delivered in partnership with Vodafone Business and Enterprise Nation, this initiative is set to equip the city’s business owners with practical digital strategies designed to boost business growth in today’s connected landscape.
Recent research highlights the important impact of digital tools on SMEs. The Lloyds Bank Digital Index reports that digitally advanced SMEs are 50% more likely to increase their turnover, while other research from Enterprise Nation’s Tech Hub found small businesses can get three and a half weeks of time a year back if they embrace technology.
The day-long event will hear from successful entrepreneurial mums Laura Waters and Kelli Aspland who will describe how their business grew from a chance conversation at the nursery school gates in Cwmbran, that fourteen years on, saw £7 million in sales in 2024.
Solar Buddies patented child-friendly sunscreen applicators are now a firm family favourite.
Following their 2023 Dragons’ Den success, securing £80,000 from Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden, Solar Buddies now employs thirteen people and sells globally through major retailers including Target.
Laura’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “It’s only a mistake if you do it twice. If you do it once, it’s a lesson. Celebrate the good times and normalise the difficult times.”
The Academy comprises three essential learning events:
- Thursday 6 November 2025: An in-person learning event from 10am to 3.30pm at the National Museum of Cardiff and Cathay’s Park. This will feature expert speakers and inspiring entrepreneurs sharing knowledge and advice on topics such as finding customers, digital branding, social media, AI tools and much more.
- Saturday 15 November 2025: An online webinar from 10am to 12 noon. This expert-led session will delve into the core principles of scaling a business online, from gaining visibility to converting customers.
- Saturday 22 November 2025: An online webinar from 10am to 12 noon. This expert-led session will teach you how to master email marketing. You’ll learn why email is still one of the most powerful tools in your marketing kit.
Aaron Asadi, CEO of small business support platform and membership community Enterprise Nation said: “In today’s rapidly evolving economy, digital business skills are fundamental for every business from high-street bakers to technology start-ups and everything in between. Technology helps businesses to adapt income streams, become more resilient to future shocks and shape their future success, and that’s why this Academy is so important.”
Spaces are free but extremely limited. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to secure their spot now by visiting https://www.enterprisenation.com/find-something/businessconnected-academy-london-and-online/
