Welsh ICE is thrilled to announce the Newport GROW 5‑9 Club, an intensive, eight‑week evening course empowering Newport residents to take their businesses or careers to the next level. Funded by Newport City Council, the programme runs every Thursday from 5 pm – 9 pm, starting 5 June, at Bethel Community Church.
Designed for ambitious founders, side‑hustlers, and career‑changers, the GROW 5‑9 Club blends practical training with expert mentoring. Each week covers a different growth essential, giving participants the knowledge, network, and confidence to accelerate their goals.
- What the Newport GROW 5‑9 Club covers
- Developing a Vision, Mission & Culture
- Goal Setting & Measuring Success
- Business & Innovation Model Canvas
- Marketing Strategy & Public Relations
- Cashflow, Budgets & Sales Targets
- Productivity, Efficiency & Automation
- Digital Adoption
- From Entrepreneur to Manager
- Renewable Energy & Carbon Reduction
- Getting Investor Ready & Pitching
ICE Academy Manager, Hope Eckley said:
“It’s genuinely inspiring to watch Newport’s entrepreneurs back themselves, refine their ideas, and grow in confidence week by week. The GROW 5‑9 Club creates a supportive space where people can test, iterate, and celebrate their progress together. We can’t wait to see the next cohort shine.”
Real impact for real businesses
Alex Kegie, Founder at Nurologik who attended a previous course said:
“The Newport GROW course came at just the right time for me. It really helped me step back and look at my business with fresh eyes — especially when it came to things like pricing properly, understanding cashflow, and building a more sustainable model… If you're thinking about doing it — do! It’s not just about learning, it’s about being part of something that encourages you to grow in a way that fits who you are and what your business stands for.”
Councillor James Clarke, Newport City Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and business growth, said:
“This is a great opportunity for those who want to start a new business to get the tools they need to make their ventures a success. We know there are residents out there with fantastic ideas and this course will help them realise their potential to become part of the city’s amazing business network.”
Course snapshot
- Eligibility: Open to anyone aged 18+ who lives, works, or studies in Newport
- Schedule: Thursdays, 5 pm – 9 pm (5 June – 25 July)
- Location: Bethel Community Church, Newport (refreshments provided)
- Finish strong: End with a friendly pitch showcase to celebrate achievements and gather feedback
Proven track record
Over the past year, Welsh ICE—working with Newport City Council and partners, and funded through the council’s allocation from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund—has:
- Supported 134 unique start‑ups
- Created or safeguarded 95 jobs
- Improved productivity for 52 enterprises
Alongside the GROW 5‑9 Club, Welsh ICE delivers monthly support fairs, networking events, expert‑led workshops, and weekly mentoring, collaborating with stakeholders including University of South Wales, Dragons RFC, Newport Market, Pobl Group, The Place, and Kingsway Shopping Centre.
To find out more about how the programme could help your business or start-up, visit www.newportbusinesssupport.co.uk or sign up for the Grow Course here.
