Arfor

ARFOR 2 

The main objective of Arfor 2 is to support the communities that are strongholds of the Welsh language to flourish through economic interventions which will also contribute to increasing opportunities to see and use the Welsh language on a daily basis.

As part of the programme, targeted work streams have been developed providing opportunities for businesses, community organisations and public sector to address the challenges that face the Arfor region.

Enterprising communities 

One of the programme's interventions is the Enterprising Communities fund which aims to develop Welsh Language Spaces that offer a natural environment for people to work and socialise through the medium of Welsh.

Operating as a third party grant opportunity for businesses and community organisations based in Carmarthenshire, the fund aims to provide support to develop projects that align with the programme's strategic aims and provide solutions to the challenges identified across the region. 

What is the offer? 

• Financial support to fund up to 70% of project costs (capital and revenue) 
• Support packages of between £5,000 and £30,000 are available.
• Projects must be completed by December 2024.

Applicants will need to:

• Commit to the principles of ARFOR, by signing an agreement of joint principles.
• Complete a linguistic assessment via the Welsh Language Commissioner’s Cynnig Cymraeg (Welsh Offer) scheme.
• Commit to attending specific webinars e.g., Net Zero; Bilingualism
• Commit to reviewing and increasing the use of the Welsh Language.
• Commit to offering the Living Wage rates of the Living Wage Foundation.

This fund is currently closed

GUIDANCE NOTES 

What is Cynnig Cymraeg

Principle agreement

participant form

Subsidy control

Challenge Fund

The ARFOR Challenge Fund will be open to collaborative applications between any individuals, organisations, community groups or businesses who are prepared to demonstrate an innovative solution to a challenge that exists in their local community.

The ambition of the ARFOR programme's Challenge Fund will be to explore solutions that strengthen the relationship between Welsh language and economy, and we are looking for schemes that offer to test the following;

• The Welsh language boosts the economy
• The Welsh language provides new employment opportunities for employers and staff
• Using the Welsh language can help create a brand and an attraction for businesses
• Using the Welsh language can ignite a sense of pride, including feeling a sense of belonging to a community

Menter a Busnes are administering this opportunity on behalf of the Arfor programme. 

Complete this short form to register your interest.

Register interest 

Llwyddo’n Lleol 2050 

Llwyddo’n Lleol 2050 has an exciting opportunity for 12 individuals to join a 6-week programme who are interested in a career in journalism.  As part of the programme, successful applicants will receive weekly sessions from experts in the sector and how to succeed in the industry. 

This offer is being delivered by Menter a Busnes. Interested? Apply before 23 October 2023.

Apply for a place 

Llwyddo'n Lleol 2050 Careers

Carmarthenshire based businesses are invited to be a part of an exciting new initiative that could provide financial support to your business for hosting a young person.

We are especially interested to hear from businesses in the following sectors;

• Creative industries
• Technology
• Green/renewable sector
• Agri tech
• Digital technology
• Digital Marketing

Register your interest by completing the form before 12^th November 2023. A project officer will then contact you to discuss how your business can benefit from this offer whilst also providing work opportunities for young people.

Snap Surveys (welcomesyourfeedback.net)

Wish to chat more? Contact Ceri Jenkins ceri.jenkins@menterabusnes.co.uk

What are the benefits of using Welsh?

It attracts customers
82% of customers in recent research said that they were more likely to choose a company that
provides a good Welsh language service.

It strengthens a brand
82% of businesses agree or strongly agree that using the Welsh language adds value to a product or
service.

It strengthens customer loyalty
Language is an important part of each person's identity. You will build up a quick relationship with
Welsh-speaking customers and will then be sure to use your business again if they see you as a
bilingual business.

It demonstrates fairness and equality
The use of the two official languages of Wales demonstrates respect for the culture of the country and
its people.

It can raise the profile of your business
Bilingual businesses can benefit from attention from Welsh-language as well as the English media
streams.

It can contribute to the conservation of the county's indigenous language and culture
You will be giving the county's residents the opportunity to use their Welsh. The percentage of Welsh speakers in the county fell by 6% in the last census. Increasing the visibility of Welsh in your business will help prevent the Welsh language from further decline.

We’ve developed a Welsh in Business information sheet that provides useful tips on how you can increase the use of the Welsh Language in your business.

The Welsh Language in Business

Want to learn?

What better way to start your learning Welsh journey than with likeminded staff from other organisations and businesses.

Through the Work Welsh programme with the National Centre for Learning Welsh, we are supporting free classes for businesses based in Carmarthenshire.
The course will start in November 2023 and last for 32 weeks.

To secure your place, please complete this short form