Free expo event for aspiring Swansea entrepreneurs

Aspiring businesspeople in Swansea are being encouraged to attend a free event being supported by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David next month to help inspire, support and guide them.

The Swansea Start-up Expo event is taking place at Swansea Arena on Wednesday March 6. A daytime session is being held from 2pm to 5pm, and an evening session is taking place from 5pm to 8pm.

The one-stop-shop event is being organised by 4 The Region in partnership with Swansea Council, the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Swansea University and Gower College Swansea.

Professor Ian Walsh, Provost of UWTSD’s Swansea and Cardiff campuses said: “UWTSD is proud to sponsor this innovative event in support of business development in the region. The university has an unrivalled record supporting graduate start-ups and is ranked 1st in the UK in the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) rankings.

“The university’s latest initiative to support new business development and growth is the SCALE project. SCALE is co-funded by the UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund, and administered by Swansea Council, will run throughout 2024, supporting Swansea-based enterprises entrepreneurs and graduates. 

“SCALE uses University research and knowledge exchange expertise to support enterprises seeking to ‘scale up’ their business.  This will be delivered through a series of business focussed workshops, scoping sessions and collaborative research and development (R&D) projects.

 “The demand for entrepreneurial skills in our region has never been stronger or more needed. Creative and critical thinking, flexibility to respond to challenges and opportunities, as well as understanding business and sustainability are key and help us to progress our learners’ careers in whichever field they may choose, and such skills are embedded in our programmes and projects.”

The conference will include talks from entrepreneurs and expert-led workshops on topics like grants and finance, employing people, marketing, business planning and finding the right premises.

The idea for the event was first developed by Swansea BID (Business Improvement District), who then started discussions with 4 The Region and event partners.

Russell Greenslade, Swansea BID Chief Executive, said: “We’re passionate about nurturing entrepreneurial spirit and driving prosperity within our vibrant community.

“Together with our partners, we recognise the need to provide aspiring businesspeople in Swansea with the resources and support they require to thrive, so the Swansea Start-up Expo emerged from our collaborative conversations.

“It’s shaping up to be a dynamic event that will inspire, support and guide budding entrepreneurs on their journey to success. This will then serve as a catalyst for economic growth and innovation within our BID area.”

 Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “There are so many people in Swansea with great business ideas, but they often find it difficult to know where to start.

 “This one-stop-shop event is aimed at helping tackle that problem by providing all the advice and expertise that’s needed to inspire and guide our city’s aspiring entrepreneurs to take the next step and realise the opportunities that are available here.

 “As well as the council’s business support team, representatives from many other local organisations and businesses will be available throughout the day to answer questions, network and share advice.”

 Zoe Antrobus, of 4 The Region, said: “We’re excited to be hosting the inaugural Swansea Start-up Expo, a collaborative effort with local businesses and organisations dedicated to fostering emerging ventures. From traditional trades to cutting-edge innovation, this event aims to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources and guidance needed to embark on their journey as business owners. We eagerly anticipate connecting with the vibrant individuals driving Swansea’s entrepreneurial spirit and cultivating a culture of innovation right here in our community”

 Among the support available from Swansea Council are pre-start grants of up to £10,000 being funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The grant can help fund costs relating to equipment, training, accreditation and marketing.

Go to Eventbrite for free Swansea Start-up Expo event tickets.

Further Information

Rebecca Davies

Executive Press and Media Relations Officer    
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: 07384 467071