After the success of the first Mentro initiative’s business programme and the high demand, Llwyddo’n Lleol 2050 offered a SPECIAL opportunity for 12 people to join the second business training programme.
As part of the programme, successful candidates received weekly sessions with business experts focusing on aspects such as marketing, financial management, and attracting customers.
As well as specialist support, the participants also received £1000 in financial support to develop their business idea.
This training programme was open to applications from all areas in the ARFOR region. The programme was held through a combination of virtual and face-to-face sessions.
Scroll to see who the 12 enterprising individuals were.
The Enterprising Individuals
Aled Davies
@mm_Bathroom_Designs
Since establishing his business, MM Bathroom Designs, in January 2024, Aled has already offered his services as a bathroom consultant and designer to a wide range of customers all over Wales. He joined the Llwyddo’n Lleol business training programme in order to receive business advice and meet other young entrepreneurs.
Ceredigion
Anna Jones
@dyluniowyn.designs
Anna is an illustrator and graphic designer who offers a variety of services under the banner of her business, Dylunio Wyn. As well as creating creative designs inspired by her home on the Llŷn Peninsula, Anna can offer a wide range of services, such as personal commissions for customers, or even branding and marketing advice for businesses!
Gwynedd
Cari Rowlands
@cari_ioga
Under the banner of her business, Cari Yoga, Cari holds yoga and mindfulness sessions on Anglesey. Individuals of any ability are welcome to join Cari’s sessions, whether they are experienced yoga practitioners or completely new to the activity. She joined Llwyddo’n Lleol in order to develop her business skills, and was able to secure £500 in additional financial support towards developing her idea, after she came out top in the group’s People’s Opinion vote.
Anglesey
Cerys Pollock
@ceryspollock_art
Cerys is a talented artist who lives and works in Ceredigion. She started her enterprise after graduating from Aberystwyth University and she now has customers from all over the world – even as far as America! Cerys was also successful during the People’s Opinion vote, receiving £500 in additional financial support towards developing her idea.
Ceredigion
Emma Jones
@llifonllawen
Under the banner of her business, Llifo’n Llawen, Emma leads mindfulness and well-being sessions for children and young people in Gwynedd. After a few years working in the world of education, Emma decided to use her experience to set up a business that supports the emotional, physical and mental well-being of children and young people.
Gwynedd
Dafydd Williams
Gof y Ddraig
With his venture, Gof y Ddraig, Dafydd gives new life to old materials, by recycling scrap metal and transforming them into brand new furniture. As well as giving him the opportunity to experiment and be creative, Dafydd hopes that his initiative will draw attention to the opportunities around us in terms of reusing materials.
Anglesey
Georgia Rowbotham
@ynbalans
Georgia has worked in health for a few years, and is keen to offer her help and expertise through the medium of Welsh. YnBalans will be a bilingual well-being training service that gives customers the opportunity to grow their confidence, and receive valuable advice on how they could ensure ‘balance’ in life.
Ceredigion
Gethin Magee
@nodau_piano
Gethin is a talented musician, and having enjoyed playing the piano during special occasions for family and friends, he has decided to turn the interest into an enterprise by offering his services as a pianist for special occasions. Gethin will work with his partner, Elin, in order to develop this brand-new initiative, Nodau Piano.
Gwynedd
Lowri Elen Jones
@fflam.goch
Lowri is a blacksmith who turns iron and metal into interesting pieces for the home. As well as creating special furniture, Lowri creates products for the home, such as candlesticks, hooks, and clocks. She’s one of four generations who have worked from the forge in Carmarthen.
Carmarthenshire
Mali Gerallt
@maligerallt_flute
Mali is currently studying for a master’s degree in music therapy in Bristol. After she has completed the degree, she will combine the qualification with her musical talents in order to offer various music services in west Wales. As well as leading music therapy sessions for individuals and groups, Mali will offer instrumental lessons to young musicians in the area.
Ceredigion
Morfudd Pugh
@halen.a.pupur
In February, Morfudd and her business partner, Claire, opened a brand-new café in Tregaron. As well as offering delicious food, both are passionate about providing a warm welcome to everyone and a social space for local residents to come together in the new café called Halen a Pupur.
Ceredigion
Rhodri Lewis
@arwain_
Since starting the Llwyddo’n Lleol business training programme, Rhodri has set up Arwain, a business that takes the stress out of planning and organising special occasions such as hen and stag parties, special events, or team building days! Rhodri came out on top during the programme’s Pitch Perfect evening, securing £1000 in additional financial support towards developing his idea!
Carmarthenshire