Cllr Altaf Hussain to the Deputy Leader/Cabinet Member – Communities
Councils are the first line of support for building self-employed businesses back up after the pandemic. For many self-employed people, the pandemic has been not only a health crisis but also an income crisis. Many freelancers in Wales did not get financial support from government and IPSE research found one in four burned through all their savings.
How is the Bridgend Local Authority investing in our areas’ smallest businesses and what help is there for freelancers?
Minutes:
Question
Councils are the first line of support for building self-employed businesses back up after the pandemic. For many self-employed people, the pandemic has been not only a health crisis but also an income crisis. Many freelancers in Wales did not get financial support from government and IPSE research found one in four burned through all their savings.
How is the Bridgend Local Authority investing in our areas’ smallest businesses and what help is there for freelancers?
Response
Bridgend County Borough Council offers a range of business support and is committed to supporting business growth. Officers have the knowledge and experience to help those who are planning to set up or expand a business in Bridgend County from all sizes of organisations such as small start-up projects to large multi-national companies. Officers convert as many enquiries as possible into business success and continue to help the business grow and develop.
The Enterprise team can provide ongoing business advice and support including:
• New premises support
• Networking opportunities via the Bridgend Business Forum
• Recruitment
• Skills
• Training
Employability Bridgend work with both employed and unemployed people across Bridgend County Borough and can provide free training and mentoring support. Including for people in employment wanting to improve their employment situation they can provide support to increase working hours, move into a different job, progress into a better job, and achieve a higher income. Once a business is trading then the project can help with recruitment and also with skills for the owner and staff.
The Rebel Business Schools (Pop-Up Business School) consist of 5 full-day sessions supporting people into self-employment and teaching them how to set up a business for free, usually this is run annually. Rebel Business Schools are also developing a 1-day course to run a few times a year. The approach is very engaging and gives wary people confidence to make the first steps.
The Council’s Economic Futures Fund supports start-ups and adaptations to business properties which help support the economy both during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond.
They include:
Bridgend Business Start Up funding providing grants of between £250 and £4,000 to new start-ups and businesses within the first 3 years of trading. Initially £150,000 will be available in 2021/2022.
Covid-19 Outdoor Improvement Recovery Fund providing grants of up to £10,000 for business premises adaptations that respond to restrictions arising from the coronavirus pandemic and develop future resilience. Initially £350,000 will be available for this Fund in 2021/2022.
The Council also offers a flexible grant scheme delivered through a partnership with UK Steel Enterprise and Bridgend County Borough Council. It provides financial assistance to new or existing micro-businesses that are located, or are planning to locate, in Bridgend County Borough. The grant can provide up to 50% of eligible projects costs. The minimum grant is £250 and the maximum grant available is £4,000 so the maximum project cost is £8000.
Supplementary question from Councillor Altaf Hussain
How many freelancers in Bridgend have applied for financial grant so far? How many have received £250 grant and what business they started with this sum and is the grant now closed to new applicants?
Response
It was agreed that a response to this question would be provided outside of the meeting.