From Dream to Reality – A Hair Salon in Tynewydd
JULY 29th 2025
A Grant with Impact: Supporting Local Women into Business
Last year, Pen-Y-Cymoedd was proud to award a £6,500 Micro Fund grant to a determined local woman with a long-standing career in hairdressing but no salon of her own. Her goal was simple but powerful: open her own business in the heart of Tynewydd, providing a vital service to her community while building a sustainable future for herself.
Making It Happen
Though she had never heard of a cash flow forecast before, she threw herself into learning the financial side of the business, working carefully with our template to plan income and expenses. She brought with her a loyal client base and a passion for her work—now, she’s welcoming around 55 regular customers each week.
With Pen-Y-Cymoedd funding, she was able to purchase essential salon equipment—chairs, mirrors, basins, dryers—all the foundations of a professional salon space. She funded the remaining costs herself, showing real commitment and entrepreneurial spirit.
Her Words:
“This grant allowed me to achieve my dream of opening my own salon. The first year has been an amazing success. It’s been a steep learning curve, being responsible for everything—from ordering stock to cleaning—but I’m full of gratitude to be on this journey.”
“Pen-Y-Cymoedd gave me a chance when I wasn’t sure I could do it. Now I’m looking to employ someone locally and give back to the community.”
A Ripple Effect in Tynewydd
Her salon is not just a business—it’s a sign of regeneration. With only five shops remaining open in Tynewydd, her success is bringing life back to the high street. The only other hairdresser nearby recently closed after 20 years, making her new salon a vital addition to the area.
Looking ahead, she hopes to employ more local people, train apprentices, and support others in the community—linking with Generation Rhondda and sharing her journey.
“I now proudly display the Pen-Y-Cymoedd flyer in my shop window and promoted them during my one-year anniversary event. I’m always happy to give feedback—PYC made this happen.”
Impact Summary:
- 1 full-time job created (with more planned)
- Increased footfall to Tynewydd High Street
- Supported a local woman into entrepreneurship
- Revitalised a vacant property
The Fund was established by energy company Vattenfall to benefit the communities hosting the Pen y Cymoedd wind farm across the upper Neath, Afan, Rhondda and Cynon Valleys. It exists to support local people, groups and organisations to invest in themselves, their ideas and their communities.
The Community Fund has a substantial annual budget that is index-linked, meaning it increases in line with inflation. As an example, this equated to around £2.5 million in 2025. The Fund will continue to support communities until 2043, creating long-term opportunities for growth, resilience and positive change.
The Fund is managed by an independent, locally based not-for-profit Community Interest Company. It is overseen by a Board of Directors with strong local connections and delivered by a small but dedicated staff team with extensive community engagement experience. We are here to help ensure the Fund delivers on the vision and priorities of local communities.
Over the next 10 years, the Fund is focusing on investment in people, places and businesses — helping the Valleys to thrive, driving bold ideas, supporting transformation and creating lasting impact for current and future generations.