USW supporting new business innovation programme in RCT

The University of South Wales (USW) is part of a new a scheme which will support entrepreneurs who want to turn a business idea into an innovative product or service.

The Ideas 2 Innovation programme has been created to help individuals develop and commercialise their business idea, and to provide funding, mentoring, advice, and a space to work 

Supported through a grant of £559,526 from UK Community Renewal Fund, the Rhondda Cynon Taff-based scheme is managed by USW and the Alacrity Foundation, and will provide applicants with business and financial support.

Ideas 2 Innovation combines seed funding with direct assistance, including training, business support, mentors, and access to a dedicated working space.

Those interested in the programme, which has a maximum of 20 spaces, can apply at Ideas 2 Innovation by January 31. The programme will run from next month until June.

If successful with the application, funding, support, mentoring advice, and working space in Pontypridd will be available to no cost.

Professor Dylan Jones-Evans, Assistant Pro Vice-Chancellor of Entrepreneurship at USW, said: “Whatever your business idea might be, you'll have the opportunity to receive up to £15,000 in funding to turn it into a reality, as well as the chance to pitch your idea to investors at the end of the programme.

“High-quality training will also be delivered at every step of the way, in areas such as idea development and commercialisation, to ensure that you're working to the absolute best of your abilities.

“Don't worry if you still need to iron out a couple of areas in your plan - with access to world-class tools included in the scheme, creating a digital marketing strategy is made simple.

There's also bespoke mentoring available from experienced entrepreneurs and sector-specified experts, so if you ever run into any difficulties, they'll be able to use their own experiences to advise on the best way forward.”