Nearly 200 Welsh entrepreneurs came together in Cardiff last week (Thursday 2 March) to hear from experts at eBay, Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, and Small Business Britain as part of an event designed to help them start and scale their businesses online.

Hosted at the Sophia Gardens Cricket Ground, the event, which was organised and hosted by eBay, was the latest in its series of Business Roadshows. Each one aims to bring small business leaders together with seasoned experts and innovators to help them start, scale and navigate their way through the challenges and opportunities presented by the current trading environment.

The event also provided an opportunity for entrepreneurs to apply for cash grants and support packages to boost their business.

The Roadshow in Cardiff was kicked off by Paul Butterworth, Interim CEO of Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, and Michelle Ovens CBE from Small Business Britain, who discussed the challenges of running a small business, the importance of building networks and the long-term success many firms have seen from diversification during Covid-19.

Murray Lambell, General Manager at eBay UK, said: “There’s huge opportunity in the Welsh ecommerce economy – and a thriving entrepreneurial spirit in this country. We need to harness that to drive growth and ensure opportunity for start-up and small firms wherever they’re based.

“That’s why it’s so important that we run these roadshow events – to give entrepreneurs access to the mentoring, guidance and support packages they need to unlock future success.”

Paul Butterworth, Interim CEO at Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: “It was my pleasure to attend the eBay Small Business Roadshow in Cardiff and have the opportunity to hear from local entrepreneurs about their individual journeys. The energy in the room was fantastic, something that’s testament to the passion of our small business community here in Wales.

“Chambers Wales aims to provide the support small businesses need, connect businesses with opportunities and promote growth nationally and internationally. As the Chamber of Commerce for South East, South West and Mid Wales, it was great to hear first-hand of the different successes and challenges our small businesses face, and to understand the type of support they’re looking for.”

Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain, added: “Small businesses across the UK are facing really challenging times at the moment, so it’s more important than ever to make sure they receive the right support to unlock their potential. Small firms have a huge role to play in supporting the prosperity of local communities and driving growth and recovery across Britain as a whole. There’s a lot of opportunity for the government, private sector and large businesses to work together to empower small businesses to succeed.”

Other sessions held at the event included how to increase business reach online, how to start-up on eBay, and how to develop a sustainable company.