The pocket guide, written in response to business feedback about the lack of clear information available about the numerous different schemes on offer, has already helped one business – start-up company, Saplane Civil Engineering Ltd.

Kate Lane and Stephen Richards, Directors of Saplane Civil Engineering, were just starting out a few months ago when they happened to hear from a friend involved in the creation of the pocketbook. Kate said:

“Whilst we were setting up our business, we didn’t know a lot about the opportunities available to us, or where we to find out whether the business would be eligible for any support – financial or otherwise. So when we discovered the pocketbook we were delighted.

Building a bright business future: Kate Lane, Saplane Civil Engineering, holds a pocket guide to business funding and support.

“The schemes that seemed most relevant to our situation were the single and local investment funds – so we rang the helpline from the contact details listed in the guide.”

The help paid off, the couple found that they could have access to a free business mentor, and, as Kate recently qualified for chartered engineer status, the business is also be eligible to apply  for around £6000 of financial support from the Graduate Start-Up Support Program. She said:

“Without the pocket guide we wouldn’t have known about the assistance available to us.

“We are now working with a fantastic business mentor who has helped us put together our business plan for the first three years.  And we’re excited to put the grant towards computer software and equipment for the business to make sure that we can offer a complete civil engineering service – from conception to completion.”

Stuart Thomas is the business mentor in question.  Working for Venture Wales and the Welsh Assembly Government, he is well placed to comment on the worth of the pocket guide. He said:

“A pocket guide to business funding and support will be a useful tool for all businesses and organisations who want to learn about the opportunities available to them for growth and development, those who need some support, or those with business ideas.

“It’s not just for start-up companies either, SMEs and large businesses and organisations can also benefit from the subsidised employment schemes, funding opportunities and collaborative projects with universities.  

“It’s a great overview of a wide variety of schemes on offer, and a great reference guide to keep on your desk.”

The pocket guide to business funding and support is split in to three clear sections, funding opportunities; general university business support, and subsidised graduate placements for business development. Each of the schemes listed is broken down into an easy to follow format that defines the nature of the scheme, as well as stating who is eligible for the scheme, and how long it lasts and whether there is a cost. Contact details are also provided for each.

Ceri Jones, Dragon Innovation Partnership steering group member, said:

“The Dragon Innovation Partnership is delighted to provide our partners with the pocket guide. 

“We have aimed to provide businesses with an easy reference guide to some of the funding opportunities that can help businesses innovate and, where possible, develop closer ties with Welsh universities.  The guide is not meant to be comprehensive; more a short and sharp introduction to a handpicked selection of key support initiatives.”

All businesses and organisations are welcome to request a copy of a pocket guide to business funding and support from the Dragon Innovation Partnership by filling in a contact form on www.dragonip.ac.uk.