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Search forFirms get going with cash scheme
Thursday, November 20, 2008, 12:00
Laura Robinson has just opened the doors to her brand new clinic, Ammanford Chiropractic.
The 27 year-old graduated from university in July and set her heart on returning to the Amman Valley, where her family lives.
She has spent the past two months setting up the business, and has been helped along by a £2,000 youth business loan from Carmarthenshire Council.
Laura is now welcoming her first patients, and is offering a wide range of treatments including help for back problems, sporting injuries and problems connected with pregnancy.
The keen horsewomen is also planning to train in the treatment of horses and dogs in the future.
She said: "The business has just opened and I am starting to see patients in need of help.
"It has been a lot of work to get everything ready and the loan from the county council has proved very helpful.
"It is very costly setting up a new business and I am delighted at the support I have received from the authority."
The business loans scheme was launched two years ago, as part of an ongoing package of support for firms.
Applications totalling £105,000 have since been approved, leading to 56 new jobs in the county.
Business officers said they wanted to continue supporting companies after a £3 million grants scheme came to an end.
Loans of up to £5,000 are available to help new start businesses and to support existing companies looking to expand.
Business development officer Jennifer Davies said: "The loans scheme was launched to help businesses in the county and fall into two categories. We provide help to young businesspeople, aged 18 to 31 and a separate loan is available for the over-31s.
"We understand the barriers that young people face when developing a business, and this scheme is aimed at helping them in the early years to develop sustainable companies."
Firms must be located in Carmarthenshire and the loans, which can be repaid over three years, are available for revenue such as rent and wages, or capital expenditure, including equipment.
The council's regeneration executive board member Clive Scourfield said: "The council is totally committed to encouraging entrepreneurship in Carmarthenshire and a whole package of measures is in place to help businesses.
"I am delighted that Laura has had the vision to set up her own business and I wish her every success."
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