Admiral and Welsh ICE Launch Fully-Funded Entrepreneurship Programme

Admiral and Welsh ICE have launched Admiral Launchpad, a fully funded eight-week evening business course designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs.

The programme runs from 11 September to 30 October at Tŷ Admiral in Cardiff and is open to anyone aged 18 and over, regardless of whether they have a fully formed business idea.

With a strong emphasis on inclusion and accessibility, the programme combines expert-led workshops, weekly one-to-one mentoring, and blended learning options in-person or online to help participants gain practical tools, build confidence, and establish valuable connections.

As part of the experience, Admiral will also lead selected workshops, sharing their expertise and real-world business insights to inspire and support the next generation of entrepreneurs.

“At Admiral, we believe in the power of ideas and in the people brave enough to pursue them. That’s why we’re proud to continue to support aspiring entrepreneurs through our fully funded Admiral Launchpad in partnership with Welsh ICE, helping more people look after their future.

This programme opens doors for aspiring entrepreneurs who are balancing big dreams with the barriers that life can bring. By backing this initiative, we’re investing in people and helping to build a more resilient, creative economy in Wales. We’re excited to see what this year’s cohort will achieve.”

— Michelle Leavesley, Group Chief Sustainability Officer, Admiral Group

Organisers are encouraging applications from people of all backgrounds, especially those who may be underrepresented due to gender, race, sexuality, cultural heritage, disability, or social mobility.

Participants will also benefit from three months of funded access to the ICE community, offering ongoing access to coworking, events, mentoring, and networking opportunities. Dedicated WhatsApp and Facebook groups will help the cohort stay connected and supported throughout and beyond the course.

Alumni Perspective

Sarah Stephenson-Rix, founder of Pitter Patter Play, took part in the Welsh ICE & Admiral course in 2023. Since graduating, her business has gone from strength to strength. She said:

“The collaborative course from Welsh ICE & Admiral in 2023 was such an amazing experience. I would recommend anyone with a business idea to get in touch with Welsh ICE for this course. It has a set topic and a guest speaker/industry insider each week as well as highly knowledgeable course leaders and a partnership with a business coach.

From business idea to pitching to investors, this course has it all. Within a month of completing the course, I’d secured my first contract for a childcare setting. Two years on, I’ve just signed up for a fourth.

I really can’t thank Admiral/ICE enough for their part in my success. Diolch I chi.”

— Sarah Stephenson-Rix, Founder, Pitter Patter Play

Applications for Admiral Launchpad are now open. For more information and to apply, visit the official programme page.

New Admiral and Welsh ICE Programme to Support Entrepreneurs Launches This September

Alumni Perspective