Businesses and organisations across South West Wales are being encouraged to put forward ambitious investment proposals worth more than £500,000 as part of a new initiative aimed at accelerating regional economic growth.
The South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee (SWWCJC) has opened an expressions of interest process for major capital projects that could strengthen the region’s economy, create employment opportunities and support long-term business development.
The opportunity, supported through the Welsh Government’s Local Growth Fund, is intended to identify projects capable of delivering measurable economic benefits across Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Pembrokeshire.
Proposals are expected to focus on areas that could make a lasting contribution to the region’s economic performance, including business expansion, innovation, workforce development and improvements to infrastructure.
Projects will typically need to have a value exceeding £500,000, with applicants required to demonstrate how their proposals could contribute to sustainable growth and deliver benefits beyond their immediate location.
The initiative provides an opportunity for businesses, public sector organisations and other regional partners to bring forward investment proposals that could help address barriers to growth, improve productivity and strengthen the competitiveness of South West Wales.
Particular emphasis will be placed on projects that align with the South West Wales Regional Economic Delivery Plan and the Welsh Government’s Local Growth Fund priorities.
Applicants will also need to demonstrate that their proposals are financially viable, achievable within the required timeframe and capable of creating a lasting economic legacy.
Environmental sustainability will form part of the assessment, reflecting the region’s wider ambitions to balance economic development with long-term environmental responsibilities.
Councillor Rob Stewart, Chair of the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee, said:
“This is an exciting opportunity to unlock investment in ambitious projects that can make a real difference to our regional economy.
“We want to hear from innovative organisations, businesses and partners with ideas that can boost productivity, support jobs and skills, strengthen infrastructure and help create long-term sustainable growth across South West Wales.
“The region has enormous strengths and potential. This funding can help bring forward projects that will support our communities, create opportunities and contribute to a stronger and more prosperous future.”
The call comes as South West Wales continues to pursue opportunities to attract investment, develop new industries and strengthen connections between businesses, education providers and regional infrastructure.
The expressions of interest process is designed to identify projects with the potential to contribute to these ambitions, rather than acting as an immediate offer of funding.
Organisations whose proposals demonstrate strong economic potential may subsequently be invited to submit a full funding application and undergo further due diligence.
Any projects seeking support must be capable of completion by December 2028, placing an emphasis on proposals that are sufficiently developed to progress within the available delivery period.
The SWWCJC brings together the local authorities of Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Pembrokeshire, working alongside Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority on strategic regional priorities.
Expressions of interest must be submitted by 31 October 2026.
Further information, eligibility details and the expression of interest form are available on the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee website.
