Wrexham’s first enterprise hub is now up and running after being officially opened by Economy and Transport Secretary Ken Skates AM.
The hub, which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, was launched on Thursday at an event that showcased several up-and-coming businesses already engaged with the coworking community.
The Wrexham Enterprise Hub aims to support 100 new businesses and create 260 jobs in its first two years. The two-year pilot will also focus on securing at least £1m of private investment for its members as well as building a community of entrepreneurs that will boost the local economy.
The Hub is now inviting applications for one of its 20 full-time funded spaces. Successful applicants will receive everything they need to grow and launch, including one-to-one mentoring support and a full-time desk for 12 months.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport, Ken Skates spoke at the event held at the Hub on Queen’s Square. Mr Skates said: “I am proud that the Welsh Government has invested £1m in the establishment of Wrexham’s first Enterprise Hub which will provide wrap around business support to startups and local entrepreneurs and help drive their ideas, ambitions and success.
“This kind of local business support which drives innovation and entrepreneurship really can be economically transformational and I am pleased to have been able to allocate £5m for the establishment of four additional business hubs in regions across Wales. Those hubs will very much follow the model and learn from the experiences of this first hub in Wrexham.”
The Wrexham Enterprise Hub will be delivered by Town Square Spaces for Business Wales and is focused on supporting business start up’s and creating jobs in the Wrexham area. The new Hub will act as a community resource, bringing local people and businesses together in a creative and collaborative space.
Speaking at the event, founder of Town Square Spaces, Gareth Jones said the Hub aims to provide people with a realistic route to self-employment, which according to recent FSB research is the source of nearly two in every five new jobs in the last decade. Mr Jones said: “We’re really excited to be finally launching the Hub after a lot of hard work from so many different people. This whole process officially started a year ago, but the idea of bringing something like this to Wrexham was talked about long before then. We’ve met some incredibly passionate people in developing the plan for the Hub, and I know that with their support we will achieve our aims and more.
“Wrexham is full of creative and driven people, and the Hub will be a place that provides the right support and conditions to help their companies and ideas grow. From individual passion projects and freelancers looking for a home to potential industry disruptors – we’re proud to say there’s a space for you in Wrexham.”
Business Wales, which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, supports the sustainable growth of small and medium-sized enterprises across the region by offering access to information, guidance and business support.