Turn your business idea into action
Join the fully funded six-week Big Ideas Wales Academy and get practical support to start and grow your business.
Designed for young people aged 16-25 in Wales, the Academy gives you the knowledge, confidence, mentoring, network and expert guidance to move from business idea to business reality.
Choose the Academy that's right for you
Whether you're interested in developing a business based on your practical skills, trade or profession, or you're looking to turn your creative talents into a business, there's an Academy designed to help you take your next step
Wrexham Academy is ideal for young people interested in construction, maintenance, hair and beauty, barbering, skilled trades and self-employment opportunities.
Carmarthen Academy is ideal for young people interested in creative industries, arts and crafts, heritage skills, performance and creative businesses.
Whichever Academy you join, you'll receive practical support, expert guidance and access to a community of like-minded young entrepreneurs to help turn your ideas into action.
The Academy is designed for you if:
- you have a business idea but don't know what to do next
- you already have a side hustle and want to make it a real business
- you are studying and want to explore self-employment
- you have a trade such as construction, maintenance, beauty, barbering or similar skills and want to work for yourself
- you want support, accountability and guidance from people who understand your goals
With experienced Business Advisers, inspiring role models who have successfully started and grown their own businesses, and a supportive community of young entrepreneurs around you, the Academy provides the guidance, encouragement and practical insight needed to move your business idea forward.
If you're ready to turn your idea into reality, the Big Ideas Wales Academy can help you take that next step with confidence.
More than just a programme, the Academy is a community designed to support, connect and inspire you throughout your entrepreneurial journey.
What the 6 weeks cover
In Person | 09:00 - 13:30
Turn your business plan into practical actions and identify the key steps needed before you start trading.
Online | 13:45 - 16:30
Understand your customers, develop your marketing approach and explore digital tools to help your business work smarter.
In Person | 09:00 - 13:30
Explore finance options, support available and the systems that will help your business operate effectively.
Online | 13:45 - 16:30
Meet mentors, role models and organisations who can support you throughout your entrepreneurial journey.
In Person | 09:00 - 13:30
Build confidence with business finances, plan for sustainability and set goals for your first three years.
In Person | 09:00 - 13:30
Pull everything together, review your launch checklist and leave with a clear action plan for your next steps.
What will you achieve?
During the Academy you will:
- Receive fully funded support from a dedicated Big Ideas Wales Business Advisor
- Build confidence in your business idea
- Understand the steps required to start a business
- Meet experienced entrepreneurs and industry role models
- Develop marketing and promotion skills
- Learn about finance and funding
- Create a business launch action plan
- Join a supportive network of young Entrepreneurs
Receive support from a dedicated Big Ideas Wales Business Adviser
Why join the Big Ideas Wales Academy
During the Academy, you will:
- Build confidence in your business idea
- Understand the key steps involved in starting and growing a successful business
- Connect with experienced entrepreneurs and inspiring role models
- Develop practical marketing and promotion skills to help reach your customers
- Gain a better understanding of finance, funding opportunities and business planning
- Create a personalised business launch action plan to guide your next steps
- Become part of a supportive network of ambitious young entrepreneurs across Wales
- Receive one-to-one guidance and ongoing support from a dedicated Big Ideas Wales Business Adviser
By the end of the programme, you'll have the knowledge, skills, connections and confidence to move your business idea forward and take the next step towards becoming your own boss.
Looking for some guidance?
Our advisors are here to help. Register now to get started
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The Big Ideas Wales Academy is specifically designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs aged 16-25 in Wales.
The Academy provides structured workshop, expert advice, mentoring, networking and practical business activities over six weeks.
Participants receive support from Business Advisers, mentors, industry role models and fellow young entrepreneurs.
The Academy helps you create a step-by-step action plan covering planning, marketing, finance, networking and launch preparation.
Yes. Many young entrepreneurs begin developing their business ideas while in school, college or university. The Academy is designed to support this journey.
The Academy helps skilled tradespeople learn about finding customers, pricing services, marketing, finances and becoming self-employed.
What happens after the Academy?
Completing the Academy is only the beginning of your journey.
Once you've completed the programme, you'll continue to have access to the support, guidance and opportunities available through Big Ideas Wales. Whether you're refining your idea, preparing to launch, or starting to grow your business, support is available every step of the way.
You can:
- Continue receiving support and guidance from Big Ideas Wales Business Advisers
- Access additional resources, workshops and development opportunities
- Connect with business networks, mentors and industry contacts
- Build on the knowledge and skills gained during the Academy
- Continue developing your business with ongoing support and advice
You'll leave the Academy with:
- A clear and practical business action plan
- Greater confidence in yourself and your business idea
- Valuable contacts, connections and a supportive network
- Practical business knowledge and new entrepreneurial skills
- Access to ongoing support as your business journey continues
The Academy is designed to help you get started, but the support doesn't stop when the programme ends. You'll become part of the wider Big Ideas Wales community, with access to the guidance, connections and encouragement needed to help turn your ambitions into reality.