Multiply course helps seven parents start new businesses

Seven parents have started their own businesses thanks to a course run by Multiply and Blossom & Bloom.

The start-ups are now selling products such as personalised gifts, home-baked treats, beauty treatments, wigs and much more from Blossom & Bloom’s Wellness Hub in Rhyl.

The enterprises were launched after the parenting charity worked with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s Multiply department to deliver a six-week course, ‘Starting Your Own Business’.

All those who successfully completed the course were given a small grant towards start-up costs, as well as funding towards ongoing learning with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai.

More budding entrepreneurs in the area will now have the chance to do the same, with the course set to run again from November 7.

Multiply offers easy access to a wide range of FREE maths courses, with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai leading on the project across Gwynedd, Môn, Conwy and Denbighshire. Blossom & Bloom has worked with Multiply since April this year, when the charity started hosting numeracy courses to empower local people.

So founder Vicky Welsman-Millard knew where to turn when she wanted to help people be their own boss.

“You need those basic skills around figures on money management, so that's why I went to Multiply to say ‘I've got this great idea. Can we do this together?’

“There are seven businesses that have been created, which is amazing because that wouldn't have been possible without Blossom & Bloom and Multiply, and the grant was specifically funded by Multiply, which wouldn't have happened otherwise.”

The course consists of four sessions with Multiply tutor Anthony Harrison on starting a business, followed by two one-to-one meetings for more personalised support. Blossom & Bloom arranged childcare to enable parents to attend the sessions, and also offered continued support with space in the charity’s development hub in the White Rose Shopping Centre.

Vicky said: “I wanted to run the course for four weeks, then offer at least a four-to-eight week period where we're doing drop-in support so they can come and use the space to make things, sell things, and be accessible around publicity. Or if it's financial management thereafter, we’re offering our input with a business plan.

“It's just thinking outside the box and utilising the space we've got for entrepreneurship.

“It's not only the mums who are currently engaging with us, it's for anybody else in the local area who's got a business idea who wants to access this support.”

Erika Lloyd, one of the learners who successfully completed the course, has started her business, ‘Maisie’s Makes’, creating a range of key rings aimed at mums.

She used her grant to buy stock and equipment to produce the key rings, which she makes at home before selling in Blossom & Bloom’s development hub.

Erika said of the course: “It has inspired me to work for myself and to be flexible around my daughter.

“It's been helpful because I didn't get all the legal side. I know that when I come to sell, I’ve got to figure things out like budgeting and working out with the stock. Another part is focusing on not underselling myself as well.

“Because I used to be on the go all the time, I’ve taken a step back now, and when my baby’s in bed that's giving me that chance to do something for myself.

“I’ll sit on the sofa with her and just design. Then when she goes to bed, that's when I think ‘Right, now’s my opportunity to make it real’.”

Bethan Lloyd, Multiply Engagement Coordinator for Denbighshire, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to witness the impact our free numeracy courses are having across North Wales.

“The courses at Blossom & Bloom are a stand-out example of how the Multiply initiative not only builds confidence with numbers but also empowers individuals to chase their dreams, like starting their own businesses.

“At first glance, it might be hard to believe that a free numeracy course can lead to such transformative outcomes - not just for one person, but for seven (and counting).

“These successes truly highlight the creativity, determination, and willingness to step outside their comfort zones that these individuals possess. A special thanks to Vicky and the Blossom & Bloom team for their commitment to the community, and to Tony for his engaging approach and expertise in delivering the course.

“I'm really looking forward to hearing the inspiring stories from those participating in the next wave of this course!”

Would you like to improve your maths skills? To be eligible for Multiply courses through Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, you must be aged 19 or over, and live in Gwynedd, Môn, Conwy or Denbighshire.

To apply, or to discuss how Multiply can help you, email multiply@gllm.ac.uk, call 01492 542 338, or complete this online form.

Multiply is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

For more information about courses at Blossom & Bloom, click here or go to blossomandbloom.org.uk/events-courses-opening-times/