The Welsh Government has announced further support for its scheme to help unemployed people facing hidden barriers to start their own business.
The extension to the Barriers to Start-up Grant will provide assistance to 250 more unemployed individuals. To date, 1,637 unemployed people have received supported since the launch of programme in 2020.
Recent findings show that 78% of those supported to start their own business are still trading and on average have been running their businesses for two years – a slightly higher level than the two year survival rate of all business start-ups across Wales (74.5%).
The grant helped Swansea-based entrepreneur, Stephen Baker, conquer unemployment by launching a unique sports start-up.
Stephen launched Frenz Seniors Pickleball to introduce over 50s in the area to a more accessible sport that’s both physically and mentally beneficial, sociable and fun.
Since launching the coaching business in September 2022, Frenz Seniors Pickleball’s community has grown from six to 125 regular subscribers. Similar to tennis, pickleball players use paddles to hit a ball back and forth over a net or table, in singles or doubles games.
Stephen had never heard of pickleball until he moved to the USA in 2007 and took up the sport. Since then and on returning to Wales, Stephen has stuck to the low-impact sport, as a way of staying active and monitoring his health.
Stephen, who was diagnosed with late onset diabetes after suffering an auto-immune reaction at his former workplace, became unemployed in 2016. Struggling to find a job that fulfilled his mental capabilities while supporting his health requirements, he approached his local job centre for support.
Stephen said: “I mentioned my love of pickleball to my contact at the local job centre and he pointed me in the direction of Business Wales, who instantly advised me to apply for the Barriers to Start Up Grant. I used the funding to purchase equipment, hire out spaces in and around Swansea to host classes, and gain coaching qualifications.
“Accessing the grant alleviated me of my financial concerns. Without the grant, I wouldn’t have been able to launch my own business and escape unemployment. I couldn’t be more grateful to Business Wales for helping me to find success in self-employment, which has not only benefitted my physical and mental health, but helped others too."
Alongside supporting Stephen to access funding, business advisor Graham Harvey helped Stephen to develop a business plan during one-to-one meetings and signposted him to Business Wales webinars on topics like financial planning and market research.
In the coming months, Stephen is partnering Swansea social services to introduce schools, community centres and religious institutions to pickleball’s recreational and rehabilitative benefits.
The Barriers to Start-up Grant for 25-year-olds and over is open, for further information please select the following link: Barriers to Start-up Grant for 25-year-olds and over | Business Wales (gov.wales)
To read the full press release please select the following link: Sports start-up is batting for success thanks to Business Wales (gov.wales)
If you are under 25 the Young Person's Start Up Grant is currently open to applications.