Entrepreneurs and small businesses in Tregaron, west Wales, are celebrating a surge in activity and collaboration as they transform the local economy with support from targeted initiatives. Backed by Ceredigion’s Local Business Support and Smart Busnes projects, delivered via the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, the efforts aim to provide guidance and funding to help small enterprises thrive.
The bustling market town has become a hub of innovation, with traders accessing expert advice, interactive training, and financial assistance to grow their ventures. Businesses such as Halen a Pupur café, Y Talbot Inn, Gwen’s Cake Shop, and Welsh Homestead Smokery have benefited from the programmes, citing increased confidence and new opportunities as key outcomes.
Guiding New Entrepreneurs
Among the success stories is Halen a Pupur café, launched by Claire Davies and Morfudd Pugh earlier this year. With support from Antur Cymru Enterprise and an Arfor grant, the pair transformed their vision into reality. “When we started, we were entering the unknown,” said Morfudd. “Antur Cymru provided the guidance we needed to make it unique and our own.”
Claire added, “Their support was perfectly timed. They helped us navigate unfamiliar processes, from grant applications to managing suppliers.”
Established Businesses Find New Growth
For long-standing ventures like Y Talbot Inn, the programmes have been equally impactful. Owner Tracy Watkin accessed training and online support to modernise the business and engage new audiences. “We weren’t initially focused on social media, but the advice we received has helped us grow our database and improve customer engagement,” she said.
Meanwhile, Lewis and Hughes Printers, established just before the pandemic, overcame major challenges with Antur Cymru’s help. Co-founder Meilyr Wyn Hughes said, “Support from grants and business advice was vital. We now have plans to create employment opportunities for young Welsh speakers.”
Community Spirit and Collaboration
Tregaron’s transformation extends beyond individual success, with businesses forming a close-knit network. Many now share facilities, services, and resources, fostering a collaborative atmosphere.
Julie Morgan, Project Manager at Antur Cymru, praised the community’s resilience. “The energy and cooperation among Tregaron’s businesses have been incredible. This shared confidence is benefitting the town as a whole,” she said.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Young entrepreneurs like Gwenllian Bulman-Rees, who founded Gwen’s Cake Shop at 14, are also making their mark. With grant support, she expanded her business by opening new premises and launching a website. “Antur Cymru’s advice has been invaluable. It’s helped me take my business to the next level,” she said.
Similarly, Welsh Homestead Smokery has used the programmes to increase production space and diversify its product line. Owner Claire Jesse encouraged others to seek support, saying, “The resources have had a positive impact on us and driven growth.”
As west Wales gears up for the festive season, Tregaron’s businesses hope their success will inspire others in the region to explore new opportunities and strengthen local economies.