Arfor
ARFOR
ARFOR is a joint venture by Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Gwynedd and Anglesey Councils which seeks to use entrepreneurship and economic development to support the heartlands of the Welsh language and, thus, maintain the language.
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.
How to apply?
We are encouraging potential applicants to read the fund guidance notes. Please contact Arfor@carmarthenshire.gov.uk to discuss your project in more detail prior to submitting an application.
Applications must be considered no later than 30 October 2023.
ARFOR
ARFOR is a joint venture by Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Gwynedd and Anglesey Councils which seeks to use entrepreneurship and economic development to support the heartlands of the Welsh language and, thus, maintain the language.
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.
How to apply?
We are encouraging potential applicants to read the fund guidance notes. Please contact Arfor@carmarthenshire.gov.uk to discuss your project in more detail prior to submitting an application.
Applications must be considered no later than 30 October 2023.
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
Llwyddo’n Lleol 2050
Llwyddo’n Lleol 2050 has an exciting opportunity for 12 individuals to join a 10 week business support programme. As part of the programme, successful applicants will receive weekly sessions from business experts focussing on key themes such as marketing, financial management and attracting customers. As well as specialist support, participants will receive financial support up to £1000 to develop their business.
Are you......
- Between 18-35 years old
- Live in Carmarthenshire or from originally from the area and looking to return
- Can speak Welsh or can demonstrate that you have already committed to learn and use the language
- Have a business idea and need support to develop further OR
- Have started a new business in the last 2 years and are looking to grow
If so, Llwyddo’n Lleol 2050 could support you with your venture.
Applications must be received before 23:59pm on 1 October
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
Llwyddo’n Lleol 2050
Llwyddo’n Lleol 2050 has an exciting opportunity for 12 individuals to join a 10 week business support programme. As part of the programme, successful applicants will receive weekly sessions from business experts focussing on key themes such as marketing, financial management and attracting customers. As well as specialist support, participants will receive financial support up to £1000 to develop their business.
Are you......
- Between 18-35 years old
- Live in Carmarthenshire or from originally from the area and looking to return
- Can speak Welsh or can demonstrate that you have already committed to learn and use the language
- Have a business idea and need support to develop further OR
- Have started a new business in the last 2 years and are looking to grow
If so, Llwyddo’n Lleol 2050 could support you with your venture.
Applications must be received before 23:59pm on 1 October
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.
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.
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
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
