Increasing Economic Prosperity

Increasing Economic Prosperity (Economic Inactivity, Skills, Business Support, Social Enterprise and Entrepreneurship) Project: Enterprise Support for Rural Business

This scheme followed on from a similar, previously successful Local Authority run project called Rural Ward Support for Entrepreneurial Activity, which received considerable positive feedback and was run in partnership with Centre for Business Neath. The project continued to provide free business support to individuals who were considering self employment and existing business, with up to 10 employees, in Neath Port Talbot rural wards.

RDP monies funded Business Advisors who visited rural wards to hold regular advice surgeries, covering general business queries, grants, loans, business plans, marketing and website issues.

The project supported 217 micro enterprises, assisted 66 new businesses, supported the creation of 110 jobs and contributed to the safeguarding of 77 jobs.

The project provided advice to support the creation of new business start ups and the development of existing micro enterprises which has helped promote the benefits of self employment, improve employment opportunities as well as develop entrepreneurial skills within the rural wards of Neath Port Talbot. This has resulted in significant job creation and/or safeguarding of local jobs within many deprived communities.

Supporting Local Producers

RDP has also funded various Local Produce Fairs at the Princess Royal Theatre in Port Talbot in 2012 and 2013 and in 2014 funded a stall at the hugely successful Neath Food and Drink Festival for three local producers, Baked with a Cwtch, Sarn Helen Preserves and Daffodils Emporium.