'Dragons Den' event in Carmarthen
Budding young entrepreneurs living in rural parts of Carmarthenshire have pitched their ideas in front of a panel of local business leaders in an exciting competition called Cwtsh y Ddraig.
The Cyf.le Cwtsh y Ddraig competition final was held in the Llwyfan Arts Centre in Carmarthen along with a business networking evening.
Six finalists were given 10 minutes to convince the business dragons to part with their cash to invest in their businesses, in a similar way to the TV series Dragon’s Den.
Local businesses put their hands into their pockets to sponsor the £900 prize fund.
The winner Shelley Williams, of Vintage Tea Party Experience, won £500 to invest in her business which will provide the experience of a traditional tea party for weddings and other special occasions.
Emma Burgess of Llanboidy, who manufactures designer wool gifts exclusively from Welsh wool, won a 2nd prize of £250. The 3rd prize of £150 went to Llyr Lloyd, whose sports and occupational therapy business idea impressed the judges.
Paul Thomas, the Cyf.le officer based at Menter Cwm Gwendraeth, said: “Judges were left thoroughly inspired by the enthusiasm, dedication and quality of business ideas presented by the finalists. We congratulate all involved.”
Chair of Carmarthenshire County Council’s regeneration and leisure scrutiny committee Cllr Anthony Jones said: “It was an interesting evening and a pleasure to see the new businesses trying their hardest to become entrepreneurs in the area.
“It can only help Carmarthenshire and I would like to thank the sponsors and the winners.”
The Cyf.le team can provided guidance for entrepreneurs considering setting up a new business and offer support to enable existing businesses to develop and access grant funding.
Cyf.le is funded through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013 which is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
For further information and an application pack please contact: Paul Thomas Cyf.le officer based at Menter Cwm Gwendraeth on 01269 871600,
email : Paul@mentercwmgwendraeth.org.uk
Pictured from left, rear row: sponsor Mike Blofield of Towy Projects, sponsor Angharad Rees of Igam Ogam, sponsor Andrew Davies of Towy Projects, Cwtsh y Ddraig co-ordinator Paul Thomas of Menter Cwm Gwendraeth, Kevin Davies of Ceir Cawdor, and Dafydd Jones of TRJ; front row: winner Shelly Williams , 2nd Emma Burgess, chair of Carmarthenshire County Council’s regeneration and leisure scrutiny committee Cllr Anthony Jones, 3 rd Llyr Lloyd, sponsor Mike Donovan of Mido Publications, and Sian Ellen of Menter Bro Dinefwr.
Picture Terry Morris
The Cyf.le Cwtsh y Ddraig competition final was held in the Llwyfan Arts Centre in Carmarthen along with a business networking evening.
Six finalists were given 10 minutes to convince the business dragons to part with their cash to invest in their businesses, in a similar way to the TV series Dragon’s Den.
Local businesses put their hands into their pockets to sponsor the £900 prize fund.
The winner Shelley Williams, of Vintage Tea Party Experience, won £500 to invest in her business which will provide the experience of a traditional tea party for weddings and other special occasions.
Emma Burgess of Llanboidy, who manufactures designer wool gifts exclusively from Welsh wool, won a 2nd prize of £250. The 3rd prize of £150 went to Llyr Lloyd, whose sports and occupational therapy business idea impressed the judges.
Paul Thomas, the Cyf.le officer based at Menter Cwm Gwendraeth, said: “Judges were left thoroughly inspired by the enthusiasm, dedication and quality of business ideas presented by the finalists. We congratulate all involved.”
Chair of Carmarthenshire County Council’s regeneration and leisure scrutiny committee Cllr Anthony Jones said: “It was an interesting evening and a pleasure to see the new businesses trying their hardest to become entrepreneurs in the area.
“It can only help Carmarthenshire and I would like to thank the sponsors and the winners.”
The Cyf.le team can provided guidance for entrepreneurs considering setting up a new business and offer support to enable existing businesses to develop and access grant funding.
Cyf.le is funded through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013 which is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
For further information and an application pack please contact: Paul Thomas Cyf.le officer based at Menter Cwm Gwendraeth on 01269 871600,
email : Paul@mentercwmgwendraeth.org.uk
Pictured from left, rear row: sponsor Mike Blofield of Towy Projects, sponsor Angharad Rees of Igam Ogam, sponsor Andrew Davies of Towy Projects, Cwtsh y Ddraig co-ordinator Paul Thomas of Menter Cwm Gwendraeth, Kevin Davies of Ceir Cawdor, and Dafydd Jones of TRJ; front row: winner Shelly Williams , 2nd Emma Burgess, chair of Carmarthenshire County Council’s regeneration and leisure scrutiny committee Cllr Anthony Jones, 3 rd Llyr Lloyd, sponsor Mike Donovan of Mido Publications, and Sian Ellen of Menter Bro Dinefwr.
Picture Terry Morris
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