Test Trading

In 2008, Rhyl City Strategy set up a successful Test Trading scheme in partnership with Denbighshire Enterprise Agency and Jobcentre Plus. People interested in running their own business can come along to an initial session to explore their ideas.  For those who decide to take the plunge, the scheme offers Jobseekers Allowance claimants an opportunity to try out their business idea while remaining in receipt of benefits for 13-26 weeks.  During this test trading period, a mentor from DEA provides participants with mentoring support, marketing assistance, support with book keeping, day-to-day advice and guidance, and support with progression opportunities.  The mentor helps participants to set up a joint bank account with jobcentre plus, which allows them to start trading and to save any money that is not spent on the business. Participants are also entitled to a start-up grant of £250.

The scheme has been a great success to date, and has supported many local people into business in a range of occupations, including photography, building repairs, cleaning, and PR.

For more information please contact Denbighshire  Enterprise Agency on 01824 705782 or 01745 330777