Gwynedd schemes to boost enterprise are unveiled
GWYNEDD Council has unveiled how it wants to spend its part of a £2 million fund to boost enterprise in Welsh speaking heartlands.
Welsh Government Economy minister Ken Skates announced Arfor Programme fund earlier this year - set up to trial innovative ways of promoting entrepreneurship, business growth, community resilience and the Welsh language.
Council chiefs in Gwynedd have now unveiled a suite of projects to create employment, support businesses, keep money local and support young people to stay in the area.
The Gwynedd proposals will include:
● Support for Enterprise – an advice and financial support package for businesses wishing to be enterprising and create new jobs in Welsh language strongholds.
● Production Space open temporary workspaces in disused buildings in communities across Gwynedd to provide opportunities for local businesses and the wider community to learn about new equipment and technology and to experiment with them.
● Enterprising Communities Challenge - opportunity for two or three communities within the Welsh language stronghold to break new ground and turn their ideas into reality, in order to keep money circulating in the local community and create new jobs for residents.
● Llwyddo’n Lleol - a campaign across Gwynedd and Anglesey to highlight and promote current and exciting work opportunities available locally now and in future for young people and their families in both counties.
The Arfor Programme is running across the counties of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Gwynedd and Anglesey.
Anglesey council is also using the money – which is around £500,000 for each local authority involved – to support business innovation.
Cllr Gareth Thomas, Gwynedd Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for Economic Development, said: “The Arfor Programme will be an exciting scheme for Gwynedd with the development of innovative projects for developing the local economy and promoting the Welsh language.
“It provides an opportunity for Gwynedd Council and the rural areas of Gwynedd to try out new projects to develop local businesses; give communities a new challenge to pilot new ideas to create local jobs to keep people in their communities and promote the Welsh language.”
Mr Skates added: “The Arfor scheme is key to promoting new and innovative methods to support economic development in our Welsh language heartlands, where we know the rural and foundational economies are particularly important. The programme has been developed in close collaboration with the four local authorities who are responsible for its delivery.
“It aims to promote stronger links between language and the economy, creating an environment which can support quality job opportunities, meet people’s needs and help communities to flourish, providing the support needed to meet the demands and opportunities as we leave the European Union.
“I am pleased Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Gwynedd and Anglesey Councils have now announced their plans for this scheme and I look forward to seeing them implemented for the benefit of the people and communities in this region.”
The four counties will be working in partnership on activities to encourage businesses and individuals to use Welsh.