A Newcastle Emlyn-based enterprise has been helping small businesses across mid Wales.

Antur Cymru has been providing guidance and advice to start-ups and entrepreneurs, with several accessing transformative funding via the Powys Growth Grant.

Among the beneficiaries were Beyond Breakout escape rooms, Seren Handmade, and Keridwen Garden Design.

These female-owned companies are contributing to the regional economy by following their dreams and creating long-term employment opportunities.

Beyond Breakout, near Llanidloes, was launched by friends Lorna Morris and Jo Woodall just before the covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020.

The last five years have been "a rollercoaster ride" for the mobile escape rooms business, which now has a range of customers.

Ms Morris said: "Antur Cymru has been a huge support, the grant we received enabled us to put together a new plan focused on growth, and we have received brilliant advice whenever we needed it on a range of issues, notably SEO.

"We decided to change direction and take the product out into the community – largely due to the pandemic – to make the business more sustainable for the future."

Ms Woodall added: "It’s been a rollercoaster ride, but we have a clear vision for the future, especially in the projects we have with education, feeding into the Welsh curriculum and adding a lot of value – it’s an exciting time."

Keridwen Garden Design in Crickhowell, founded by Kathleen Robinson, also benefited from Antur Cymru's support.

She called on their assistance to write a business plan and received a grant to buy equipment including a polytunnel, laptop, and design software.

Ms Robinson said: "Helping to build their confidence is another aspect to this, and my confidence as I had no prior experience of running a business.

"The support of Antur Cymru was invaluable, they were helpful in guiding me to write a business plan and look at financial forecasts, which was all new to me.

"That really restructured my thinking and helped me take this from a hobby to a livelihood."

Seren Handmade, owned by Lauren Garbutt, has also experienced significant growth in 2024.

The clothing and embroidery business in Newtown's growth led to the mum-of-three buying new equipment, being nominated for the Sole Trader title at the Powys Business Awards, and moving to the Antur Cymru Trading Space at Bear Lanes Shopping Centre.

She said: "I was contacted by business advisor Emma Jehu to discuss my venture and have received so much support ever since, from information regarding grants and advice to marketing techniques.

"I would love for the business to keep growing, eventually allowing me to expand my workspace and also employ a member of staff while I am on the road, so I can visit events and shows even further afield and spread the word about Seren Handmade."

Emma Jehu, business advisor at Antur Cymru, congratulated all the companies for their dedication and commitment and urged other small business owners and start-ups to contact the organisation.

She said: "We are so happy to hear these stories, this is why we do what we do.

"Helping people take an idea or concept to reality and help them achieve their dreams is so heartening and has a knock-on effect for the economy in mid Wales.

"Antur Cymru is here for anyone in the region who wants advice and guidance on how to take their business to the next level, so get in touch to see how we can help."

For more on Antur Cymru, visit the website.