Small Business Voices Wales

Episode 6 – “Who Gets to Innovate? Rethinking the Language of Business”

In today’s conversation, Kim and Franck break down the myths around innovation and challenge the polished, corporate language that often makes business feel exclusive. From the history of the word “entrepreneur” to the way culture shapes creativity, this episode brings innovation back to its roots — community, identity, and lived experience.
Too many people doing incredible things don’t see themselves as innovators simply because the language doesn’t reflect them. This episode invites listeners to rethink what innovation looks like in Wales, who gets to be part of that story, and why community-led creativity is just as powerful as any tech start-up.
What we explore:• Why “entrepreneurship” feels intimidating or out of reach• The cultural roots of innovation in African, Caribbean, Asian and Welsh communities• The disconnect between business buzzwords and everyday enterprise• How language creates barriers — and how to break them down• The overlooked creativity happening in community kitchens, markets, and neighbourhood projects• Why Wales needs a broader, more inclusive definition of innovation
Mentioned in this episode:• The CAE — Supporting community business, cultural entrepreneurship, and local innovationWebsite: www.caentr.orgSocials: @cae.wales
Small Business Voices Wales celebrates the people, cultures, and creativity that keep the Welsh economy moving. If this episode resonates with you, follow the podcast, share it, and keep supporting local innovation.

Episode 5 — Money Matters: Breaking Barriers to Finance in Wales

Finance can be the difference between an idea that stays in your head and one that changes your life. Yet for many small business owners in Wales, getting access to finance still feels like climbing a mountain with no map.
In this episode, hosts Franck Banza and Kim Mamhemde dive deep into the financial challenges facing small businesses across Wales — from rising costs and limited access to loans, to confidence, trust, and representation in financial systems.
They explore what needs to change to make finance fairer and more inclusive — and reveal The CAE Investment Fund, designed to bridge the gap for underrepresented entrepreneurs.
💬 “Finance isn’t just about numbers — it’s about opportunity, fairness, and inclusion.”
 
In this episode:
Why access to finance still feels out of reach for many small businesses
The reality of cash flow, late payments, and cost pressures
Barriers faced by women, ethnic minority, and rural entrepreneurs
Alternative finance models that put people before paperwork
How The CAE Investment Fund is building a fairer future for entrepreneurs in Wales
 
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Purple Shoots – Community microfinance supporting Welsh entrepreneurs(purpleshoots.org)
Development Bank of Wales – Finance and investment support for Welsh businesses(developmentbank.wales)
The CAE Investment Fund – Coming soon: community-led finance for diverse entrepreneurswww.caentr.org
 
🎧 Listen now on Podbean, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.Follow us on social media: @cae.wales | #SmallBusinessVoicesWales | #MadeInWales

EPISODE 4 - Breaking the Mould with Bowla — Hannah Worth on Growth and Grit

In this episode of Small Business Voices Wales, hosts Franck Banza and Kim Mamhende sit down with Hannah Worth, founder of Bowla Ltd — the startup behind the bowler-hat-shaped loaf that’s bringing creativity and innovation to Welsh baking.
 
At just 25, Hannah has already built two bakeries, managed a growing team, launched pop-ups, and navigated the challenges of running a retail unit in Swansea Market. In this honest conversation, she opens up about:
 
💡 How the idea for the Bowla loaf was born
🏪 Lessons learned from opening — and later closing
💸 The realities of finance, staffing, and scaling a small food business
🔥 Why resilience, creativity, and community support are key to entrepreneurship in Wales
🌍 What’s next for Bowla
 
Franck and Kim also reflect on what Hannah’s story reveals about the future of small business in Wales — from innovation to sustainability, and the importance of supporting young founders.
 
Connect with Bowla Ltd
Instagram: @bowla_ltd
Facebook: Bowla – A Bowl With A Roll
Website: bowla.co.uk
 
🎧 Listen to more episodes:
🔗 https://smallbusinessvoiceswales.podbean.com
 
📍 Small Business Voices Wales celebrates the people building, creating, and reimagining business across Wales — one conversation at a time.

Small Business Voices Wales – Episode 3: Is the System Stacked Against Small Businesses?

 
In this episode, hosts Franck Banza and Kim Mamhende ask a big question: are the odds stacked against small businesses in Wales?
From spiralling costs and access to finance, to red tape and the controversial holiday let tax rules, this conversation dives into the everyday pressures business owners face. We explore how government policies can sometimes have unintended consequences—and what a fairer, more supportive system could look like.
This isn’t just about economics. It’s about people, communities, and the role small businesses play in keeping Wales thriving.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more.

Small Business Voices Wales – Episode 2: Brewing Up A Storm with Mari Arthur of Tetrim Tea

In this episode, co-hosts Franck and Kim Mamhende engage with Mari Arthur, founder of Tetrim Teas, a not-for-profit tea company based in Trimsaran, Carmarthenshire. Mari discusses how Tetrim Teas blends traditional Welsh ingredients with innovative approaches to create unique tea blends that include both caffeinated and non-caffeinated options.
The conversation explores Tetrim Teas' commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and local sourcing. Mari shares insights into the company's collaborations with local growers, efforts to reduce food miles, and initiatives aimed at revitalizing rural economies in Wales. The episode also delves into the challenges of running a small business, the importance of community support, and the role of Welsh identity in shaping the brand.
Listeners can learn more about Tetrim Teas and connect with them through their official website, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
 

Why do so many local businesses struggle to survive?

In this debut episode of The Small Business Voice, Franck takes a deep and honest look into the real reasons small local businesses in Wales — and beyond — often struggle to survive.Drawing from his own experiences as a business founder and community advocate, Franck unpacks the structural, cultural, and behavioural challenges that small traders, producers, and entrepreneurs face every day. From empty farmers’ markets to half-empty independent cafés while supermarket chains flourish — why is it so hard for small businesses to thrive, even when we claim to love them?This episode explores:How local attitudes and buying habits can unknowingly hurt small business growthThe dominance of big brands and how they squeeze out independent producersWhat it’s really like to try to start a business in Wales — including why people told Franck to “go to London or Manchester” insteadHow the culture of consumerism, celebrity entrepreneurship (think Dragons’ Den and The Apprentice), and instant success stories distort realityWhat communities and policymakers can do to create a better environment for local businesses to growThe role of local education, media, and public support in shaping a healthier business ecosystemWhy buying local isn’t just “nice to do” — it’s essential for resilience, identity, and economic stabilityPlus, Franck shares why he takes his children to farmers’ markets — not just to shop, but to instil a mindset that values small-scale, local entrepreneurship.This episode isn’t just about business. It’s about culture, values, and how we can all do our part to build a Wales where small business owners can thrive — not just survive.Tune in, reflect, and if it resonates, share this episode with someone who believes in backing local.Listen now, and let’s raise the voice of small businesses together.