Council supports Carmarthenshire businesses to start-up, grow and thrive

Carmarthenshire County Council continues to offer support to new and existing businesses across Carmarthenshire, with grant funding, other types of financial support and practical guidance available worth millions to businesses in the county.

Accessed via various funding streams, the support on offer can enable businesses to improve their kerb appeal through updating shop fronts, help owners/lease holders to bring empty properties back into use, create attractive spaces, give start-ups a boost, support growth and encourage businesses to explore renewable energy.

Through Carmarthenshire County Council’s External Landlord Intervention grant scheme, established business Davies and Davies Furniture recently secured a prime Carmarthen town centre location on 4 Lammas Street. Their new location near Merlin’s Walk provides strong visibility and footfall, complimenting their existing location in Drefach, Felindre.

Having traded for over 60 years, this support enabled Davies and Davies Furniture to grow their business as they continue to provide a range of furniture, storage solutions and accessories.

Since launching in December 2024, the External Landlord Intervention grant scheme has brought 15 vacant properties back into use through short-term leases, giving entrepreneurs and small businesses the opportunity to trial their ventures in town centre premises. This supports the revitalisation of vacant ground floor commercial properties in Ammanford, Carmarthen and Llanelli.

Visit Carmarthenshire County Council’s website for more information.

Funding support available also includes:

Heritage, Tourism & Culture Fund | £1m capital fund to support the restoration of historic assets, improve visitor experience and facility improvements to extend the tourism season

Refreshing Town Centres Fund | Targeted at providing opportunities for property owners / lease holders within town centres to add vibrancy to their shop fronts.

Town Centre Vibrancy Fund | Grants available of £5,000 to £50,000 to property owners/lease holders to bring ground floor vacant properties back into commercial use

Town Centre Mural Fund | Up to £2,000 funding available to support murals on prominent buildings to create attractive spaces, celebrate local identity, and increase footfall.

Business Launchpad Bursary | Creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs to test their business ideas before the formal creation of a new business.
Business Start-up Grant | Supporting new start-ups with grants between £1,000 and £50,000.00.

Business Growth Grant | For businesses looking to grow and expand, this funding supports the purchase of equipment including specialist vehicles, marketing materials and equipment.

Research and Development Grant | Grants up to £50,000 for innovation, research and development and/or future proofing projects linked to the Local Innovation Strategy.

Business Renewable Energy Grant | Grants up to £30,000 towards the cost of the renewable power and heating systems.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans, said: 

“Carmarthenshire County Council supports businesses across the county to start-up, grow and thrive with funding and practical support. 

With a wide range of funding streams administered Carmarthenshire County Council, Welsh Government and UK Government available within the county, all types of businesses could benefit from the support available and I would encourage businesses to visit the Council’s website to explore the support on offer.”

For more information on the External Landlord Intervention Scheme and other town centre funding visit Carmarthenshire County Council’s website.