The recent impact of COVID-19 on the small business community has been significant. As a positive, more rural people have sought to support local businesses, but some businesses will have found operating or adapting to the current economic environment more challenging than others.
Cwm a Mynydd, the rural development programme for Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent are offering rural micro and small enterprises 1-2-1 business support and mentoring sessions with Design Rally.
The mentoring sessions can explore how you and your business has coped, what challenges you are facing, any opportunities you have found, and what is needed to move forward.
Design Rally consultant Lynne Elvins will be available for a 1-2-1 session over the phone or by video call followed by feedback with relevant resources, strategic advice or sign-posting to further support throughout June 2020. This can involve revisiting longer-term business plans and making sure the business is equipped to maintain or adapt a strong marketing position through this period of upheaval and into the future.
Support is available to 15 businesses from across Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent eligible areas.
Caerphilly Council cabinet member for Environment and Neighbourhood Services and chair of Cwm a Mynydd Local Action Group Councillor Nigel George launched the support by stating ‘Rural businesses across Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent support thousands of jobs creating award winning products and manage the landscape that make our areas a thriving tourist destination. The Cwm a Mynydd Local Action Group are keen to use LEADER funding to assist and support resilient and thriving rural communities during this challenging period’.
If you are interested in taking part, or for more information, please email to rdp@caerphilly.gov.uk or call 01443 838632. Alternatively, go to: www.your.caerphilly.gov.uk/cwmamynydd
This project is funded through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the Welsh Government and the European Union.