Winner of Mentro element, Llwyddo’n Lleol launches his business

ARFOR – Llwyddo’n Lleol 2050

‘Mentro’ Initiative – Pen Wiwar Company Launch

After receiving financial support of £2000 and attending 10 weeks of business training sessions through the Llwyddo’n Lleol project, Daniel Grant is launching his sustainable clothing company, Pen Wiwar.

Daniel Grant from Felinheli applied for support through the Mentro initiative, Llwyddo’n Lleol programme with the aim of developing his business world skills and getting help to establish a sustainable clothing company in Gwynedd.

Daniel’s work is inspired by nature and the outdoors in North Wales and that is reflected in the company’s name, Pen Wiwar.

Through the support of Llwyddo’n Lleol’s Mentro initiative, Daniel had the opportunity to attend 10 weekly sessions with business experts and an opportunity to gain financial support to move Pen Wiwar from being an idea to a business.

After 10 weeks of listening, discussing and learning, a ‘Pitch Perfect’ evening was held, where the 12 individuals from North West Wales, who were part of the scheme, had the opportunity to present their innovative business ideas to a panel of critics.

Daniel came out on top and took the prize that night receiving an extra £1000 to develop his business.

Daniel said: “I was lucky enough to win the extra £1000 after being on the ten week programme where we learned something different every week.

“Winning the award meant a lot to me, and meant that I could go ahead and start the business a lot sooner than we would have otherwise.

“Working with local artists to create cool and unique clothes is a dream of mine, and Llwyddo’n Lleol has helped me make that dream come true.”

Daniel added: “Being part of the Llwyddo’n Lleol’s Mentro initiative, gave me goals and targets on a weekly basis to start the business. Immediately there was a great feeling of accountability and this helped me to make sure that the idea turned into a business.

“Learning from experienced people and experts in the field is a very unique opportunity which is an invaluable experience for a young person starting out in the business world.”

Daniel is now ready to put what he has learned into practice, and take the big step of officially launching his business, Pen Wiwar.

Aled Pritchard, Llwyddo’n Lleol Project Officer, said: “It’s great to see that Daniel has benefited from the experience of being part of the programme, putting what he has learned into practice.

“We are very pleased to see that the project succeeds in meeting its objectives, putting young ARFOR individuals on the road to starting innovative businesses in ARFOR.”

To get a glimpse of Pen Wiwar’s unique designs, head over to the company’s brand new website at 7pm Tonight: penwiwar.com

There will also be an opportunity for you to buy Pen Wiwar clothes on their stand at the Caernarfon Food Festival in May.

To learn more about the opportunities available through the Llwyddo’n Lleol project, go to: https://llwyddonlleol2050.cymru/