FOR traders looking to make the leap to a high street location, knowing where to start can be the biggest obstacle of all.

For Torfaen Effect (TE), which has been running over two years, the focus is on creating a community of entrepreneurs that can support and champion new business owners, helping them in those difficult first stages.

The scheme is based on ‘Enterprise Facilitation’ — a model of community development devised by Professor Ernesto Sirolli, of the Sacramento-based Sirolli institute.

Following the success of ‘enterprise facilitator’ model in Blaenau Gwent, Welsh Government and local authorities expanded the programme to Torfaen, Merthyr Tydfil and Bridgend in August 2014.

Torfaen’s branch is made up of representatives from local businesses, Torfaen council, Business Wales and Communities First, providing free advice and support for businesses.

For the cost of one ‘enterprise facilitator’ salary in Torfaen, the scheme has been able to support over 250 individuals and start over 60 businesses since its inception. For Torfaen’s ‘enterprise facilitator’, Jayne Skyrme, “every person has potential”.

Entrepreneurs looking to start-up meet with Jayne, who helps introduce them to a wider network of support, team building and monthly progress meetings and networking opportunities.

While making the move to a high street location or setting up shop online may be daunting for some, Torfaen Effect aims to help every step of the way.

Businesses that have received TE help include Pauline Matthews, of Pontypool, who set up weight loss business ‘New Me’ in 2015 and ‘Quirkey HQ’, which opened on Blaenavon High Street this year.

The initiative currently also has around 100 volunteers, made up of business owners and community figures and works with partners Torfaen Voluntary Alliance and Business Wales. Since April this year, the group has helped proprietors start 18 businesses — 12 of which were previously unemployed.

Ms Skyrme added: “You never know who can introduce you to whom and where the next client will be found.

“Entrepreneurship is alive and well in the Welsh Valleys and I don’t see my case load slowing any time soon.”

For more information, visit www.torfaeneffect.com or search ‘Torfaen Effect’ on Facebook.

Our Campaign ‘Your High Street: Use It or Lose It’, aims to raise awareness of independent business in Torfaen, putting a spotlight on the traders, characters challenges for our modern high streets.

Do you have something you want to shout about? We want high street businesses across Torfaen to get in touch and tell us your story.

Call Chris Binding 01633 777251 or email cbi@southwalesargus.co.uk