Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

Katie Bullock of Llandovery has set up her own business as an Artist/Illustrator following assistance from RDP Sir Gâr’s Mentro project that guides young entrepreneurs. Mainly working from commissions, painting various subjects, from loved pets to family homes, Katie has started original paintings, prints and cards through local shops, such as The Myddfai Gift Shop, Lorwyn Gifts and The Red Giraffe. Mentro hosted an 'Evening with Business Stars' at Dinefwr Park with speakers including The Apprentice’s Alex Mills that inspired Katie to follow her business dream. She said: "I found that the event really honed in on the idea of making a business out of something you love. You have to be passionate and enthusiastic about your business for it to succeed." Menter Bro Dinefwr Chief Executive Owain Gruffydd is delighted with Katie’s venture: “We are very pleased that Katie has been inspired to start her own business following support by Mentro. We hope that more young peop...

RDP Sir Gâr's Mentro Project is hosting an evening with business celebrities for rural Carmarthenshire's young entrepreneurs. The evening will feature motivational talks from international actress Samira Mohamed Ali, Dr Nerys Jones (Agri Advisor Solicitors), Ann Hughes (Designer) and Efa Gruffudd-Jones (Chief Executive of the Urdd) to inspire future businesspeople from rural areas of the county. Samira said: "I’m really looking forward to being part of the evening. Mentro is a fantastic programme that enables young entrepreneurs to develop their business ideas with the right guidance and provides a great platform for future small and medium enterprise owners in Wales, who are the backbone of the Welsh economy." Mentro is run by Menter Bro Dinefwr and is part of the RDP Sir Gâr Rural Entrepreneurship project, providing free business support to young people aged between 16 and 30. Funding for the project has come from the Rural Development Plan (RDP) for Wales 2007 – ...

The RDP Sir Gar Mentro Project has organised a 24-hour business challenge for rural Carmarthenshire's young entrepreneurs. The session will culminate in ideas being pitched to a Dragon's Den-style line-up. The best presentation will win £2500 to invest in their business. The competition is open to individuals or teams aged 16-30 and based in rural Carmarthenshire. Speakers including S4C’s presenter Heledd Cynwal, Tregroes Waffles’s Kees Huysman and Best of Carmarthenshire’s Diana Vickers. They will be at Llanarthne Hall in the Tywi Valley giving tips on everything from networking and social media to presentation skills and web presence during the challenge. The Rural Development Plan (RDP) is designed to support the regeneration of rural areas and has been funded by the Welsh Government and European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. The RDP Programme is overseen by Grŵp Cefn Gwlad in conjunction with Carmarthenshire County Council as lead body. Tomas Marks, RDP ...