Business advice and support
We have the knowledge and experience to help those who are planning to set up or expand a business in Bridgend County Borough.
We encourage enquiries from all sizes of organisations such as small start-up projects to large multi-national companies. We convert as many enquiries as possible into business success.
All enquiries are dealt with in a confidential, professional and friendly way. Free advice is provided on the essential ingredients of a successful business project. This includes:
- funding
- sites and premises
- training initiatives
- local business events
We administer Special Regeneration Fund schemes to support start up business and companies already trading or investing in the County Borough.
We liaise closely with the Welsh Government's Business Wales service and other business support organisations. We can help you make the right decisions and progress your development plans quickly and positively.
Support during the Covid-19 pandemic
The council has provided an unprecedented amount of support and contact to the local business community during this time.
Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have made 6,500 payments to businesses in Bridgend County Borough totalling more than £42.4m.
New funding through the Bridgend County Borough Economic Taskforce is available to local businesses. The funding supports start-ups and adaptations to business properties, which helps support the economy during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond.
Check your eligibility and apply for funding through the Economic Taskforce.
There has been a significant increase in the number of businesses engaging with the council for additional advice and support including:
- 2,000 sneeze-guards provided to local businesses as part of the retail start-back pack
- over 300 business employees completing the Covid-19 awareness training course involving certification
- almost 300 guest registers delivered to local businesses to support the Test, Track and Trace process as part of the tourism and hospitality start-back pack
In addition to this support, free parking is still available at two council-maintained car parks to support traders. Until the end of March 2021, parking is free at:
- the Rhiw multi-storey car park in Bridgend for the first three hours
- John Street car park in Porthcawl between 12pm and 3pm
Free parking is always available at the Llynfi Road multi-storey car park in Maesteg and the Penprysg Road car park in Pencoed.
Business advice and support organisations
Bridgend County Borough Council
Bridgend County Borough Council provides a wide range of business support and is committed to supporting the growth of local businesses.
- Business funds – the Economic Futures Fund supports start-ups, business property adaptations and innovative proposals.
- Financial support – the council works closely with Welsh Government to provide financial support and business advice.
- Employability Bridgend – employed and unemployed residents can reach out to Employability Bridgend for support to upskill, complete training and find employment.
Bridgend Business Forum
Supported by the council, Bridgend Business Forum provides local businesses with an opportunity to reach potential customers, clients and suppliers, stay informed of business news in the area and access various different training opportunities.
Bridgend College
Bridgend College supports businesses in a variety of ways:
- Recruitment – advertising vacancies for free, helping businesses hire apprentices and connecting with thousands of students through targeted activities.
- Staff development – funded courses to upskill employees, higher apprenticeships to support staff progression and bespoke training to meet specific needs.
- Partnership – offering masterclasses, scholarships and mentoring.
Business in Focus
Business in Focus deliver the Welsh Government’s flagship Business Wales service which provides small businesses with one-to-one business advice and business skills training and workshops.
Business Wales
Business Wales provides support to people starting, running and growing their business including information, advice and guidance available online or over the phone.
Superfast Business Wales
Superfast Business Wales can help your businesses finances, help you reach more customers, simplify your work processes and provide free support to make the most of online resources to grow your business.
Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) City Deal
The CCR City Deal is a programme agreed between the UK Government, Welsh Government and ten local authorities in South East Wales to support significant economic growth in the region through investment, upskilling and improved connectivity.
Cardiff Capital Region Graduate Scheme
The CCR Graduate Scheme aims to link graduates with ambitious businesses in the region.
Confederation of British Industry
The Confederation of British Industry provides helpful resources to support businesses in managing the impact of the coronavirus pandemic:
- help your business understand the latest guidance and FAQs
- help your business plan around complex topics with factsheets
- show your business how other businesses have responded through real life case studies
Chambers Wales
Chambers Wales can facilitate growth for Welsh businesses, ensuring that Government’s support you through appropriate policy.
Department for Work and Pensions
Information and support is available through the Department for Work and Pensions whether you are growing your business or have made the decision to reduce your workforce.
Jobcentre Plus
Employers can access a wide range of recruitment services through Jobcentre Plus.
Development Bank of Wales
The Development Bank of Wales helps businesses get the capital they need to start, strengthen and grow. Businesses can get loans and investment from £1,000 up to a potential £5 million.
Federation of Small Businesses
The Federation of Small Businesses work with members, Welsh Government, elected representatives and local authorities to support small businesses and those who are self-employed.
GO Wales
GO Wales connects with local employers, students and graduates to offer work placements, work experience, training academies and jobs.
UK Government
The UK Government can provide information on furlough, financial support and business advice.
Wales Co-operative Centre
The Wales Co-operative Centre provide responsive, reliable and flexible support to co-operatives, social enterprises, community groups and voluntary organisations.