After 17 years working in the NHS and community services, Donna Chappell saw a gap in dementia care, especially in rural Wales. She felt frustrated that people are often treated as passive recipients of support, not individuals with rich identities, skills and stories.
That led Donna to create Ty Dol, a Montessori-inspired activity club for people with dementia and long-term health conditions. Grounded in Welsh culture and community, Ty Dol offers hands-on, meaningful experiences — from traditional baking and nature-based tasks to bilingual storytelling — all designed to reconnect people with purpose and joy.
With support from the Business Wales Start-Up Accelerator, part of the Accelerated Growth Programme, Donna turned her idea into a structured, income-generating venture that’s already changing lives. We caught up with Donna to discover how participating in the accelerator gave her the confidence to turn her idea into a growing business.
What inspired Ty Dol?
I wanted to create something honouring people’s identity, not just caring for their needs. Ty Dol is about connection, purpose and dignity. It’s built on the idea that people living with dementia still have so much to offer.
We use Montessori principles in dementia care, focusing on what people can do. We work bilingually, celebrate Welsh traditions, and deliver everything through community hubs. It’s personal, place-based, and empowering.
How did the Start-Up Accelerator help?
Before signing up for the accelerator, I had the vision but struggled to shape it into a viable business model. I wasn’t sure how to scale, price my services, or plan for growth. The accelerator helped me refine every part of the business, from clarifying my customer journey and defining my offer to understanding my finances. It also gave me access to brilliant advisors and a supportive network of like-minded entrepreneurs. It helped me realise that a values-led business can still be commercially viable. That mindset shift changed everything.
What were your biggest challenges before the Accelerator?
I had a strong vision, but no clear business model. I didn’t know how to price my service, structure growth, or stay financially sustainable without compromising my values.
Were there any standout moments during the programme?
Yes — when I stopped feeling guilty about charging for what we do. I saw how much value we offer to families and communities. That gave me the confidence to build a sustainable model, not just a passion project.
The peer group was brilliant, and meant I didn’t feel alone anymore. The mentors were practical and encouraging, and winning the “Proposition Flex” award boosted my confidence and visibility. I left the programme with more clarity and self-belief than I thought possible.
What specific tools or skills made the biggest difference?
Financial planning, service design, and testing ideas without overcommitting. I learned how to make decisions strategically rather than emotionally. That’s made me a stronger founder.
Where is the business now?
We’re trading in three community hubs, with plans to expand to five within six months. The demand is real — families, social workers, and private clients are all seeking our support. We’re also launching a memory box lending library and upcycled furniture project to fund extra activities like trips and live music.
What’s next for Ty Dol?
We’re scaling to more hubs, recruiting staff, and growing our circular economy projects. In the long term, I want Ty Dol to be a leading example of compassionate, community-led care in Wales, with hubs running seven days a week, rooted in local culture, and offering work opportunities for local people.
What motivates you as a founder?
I’m driven by the belief that people living with dementia deserve more than care. They deserve community, joy, and purpose. What I enjoy most is seeing people light up during our sessions. When someone who’s been quiet all day suddenly joins in a baking activity or starts singing in Welsh, it reminds me why this work matters. I also love the creativity and constant learning that comes with building something new.
What advice would you give to other founders?
You don’t need all the answers to start. Action brings clarity. Ask for help, test ideas, and stay connected to your “why.” And if you can, join a programme like this. It will stretch you in all the right ways.
For more information on how the Accelerated Growth Programme can support your journey, click here.