Freelancer or Founder? Cardiff’s Best Resources for Going Solo

So, you’ve made the leap - whether it’s leaving your 9-to-5 to go freelance, or launching your first business venture from scratch, going solo is no small feat. The good news? Cardiff is one of the best places in the UK to do it. With its growing network of support hubs, funding opportunities, and welcoming business community, the city is packed with resources to help you succeed as a freelancer or founder.

Here’s your go-to guide to Cardiff’s best resources for starting out on your own—plus how to make the most of them.

1. Business Wales

If you’re just starting out, Business Wales should be your first port of call. It offers a huge range of free support and advice for freelancers, sole traders, and limited company directors—whether you're figuring out how to register your business, build a business plan, or apply for funding.

✅ Free one-to-one business advice

✅ Online webinars and workshops

✅ Guidance on tax, legal, and insurance essentials

✅ Access to start-up grants and loans

Start here: www.businesswales.gov.wales

2. Cardiff Start

Looking to meet like-minded entrepreneurs? Cardiff Start is an active community of local founders and creatives, designed to help you build connections, learn from others, and grow your business. Their online network and regular events are especially useful for early-stage business owners and freelancers looking to avoid the isolation that can come with going solo.

✅ Free online community via Slack

✅ Regular meetups and social events

✅ Founder stories, tips, and resources

✅ Great for tech, creative and service-based startups

Explore: www.cardiffstart.com

3. The Development Bank of Wales

Worried about funding your next step? Whether you need £1,000 to get going or £50,000 to scale, the Development Bank of Wales offers funding solutions for startups and small businesses. You don’t need a long track record to apply—they’re known for backing new founders across Wales.

✅ Loans, equity finance and seed funding

✅ Specific funding for female founders and underrepresented groups

✅ Clear application process and support

More info: www.developmentbank.wales

4. Space2B at the Maltings

Looking for a professional environment that feels like more than just a desk? Space2B is a modern, flexible workspace in the heart of Cardiff offering private offices, co-working, meeting rooms and event space. But more than that, it's a place where entrepreneurs and freelancers feel part of a business community that supports growth, creativity and connection.

✅ Flexible office space for every stage of business

✅ Co-working memberships with breakout areas and café on-site

✅ Perfect for beauty, wellness, and service-led startups

✅ Event space and meeting rooms for workshops, client pitches or pop-ups

✅ A supportive atmosphere that helps solo founders stay motivated and focused

Discover more: www.space2b.wales

5. FOR Cardiff

FOR Cardiff is the city’s Business Improvement District (BID), supporting local businesses with training, promotion, and funding. They often run free workshops on things like social media, PR, and business resilience—great for solo founders managing everything themselves.

✅ Small business workshops

✅ Networking opportunities

✅ Access to funding and promotion schemes

Learn more: www.forcardiff.com

Final Thoughts

Going solo doesn’t mean going it alone. Cardiff is full of people, places and programmes designed to support freelancers, founders and small business owners. Whether you need funding, a place to work, someone to bounce ideas off, or simply a community that gets what you’re building—this city has it.

And if you’re ready to take your next step somewhere that supports ambition, creativity and flexibility? Come and see what’s happening at Space2B. Get in touch to book a viewing today!

Let’s build something brilliant—on your terms.