Public Houses
There were seven Public houses in Bwlch at one time, now it is the only village with a shop and post office.

Retail outlets
 Village shops sold everything from bread and milk to wellington boots.

Trades
In the time before people had their personnal transport, most peoples daily requirements were sourced locally. The main industry in the area was farming that employed a large number of people and provided many essential needs. A water mill in Llangors made flour and bread was baked centrally once or twice a week. Blacksmiths not only shoed horses but made and repaired all sorts in iron. Carpenters also did building work with some even carrying out the duties of Undertaker. Llanfihangel Talyllyn had a cobbler who made and repaired boots and shoes, operating from an attic room of "Glantawel". A district nurse cycled around the area, administering to the sick, dressing wounds and would be on hand at a child's birth.

Several small haulage companies set up in the area, one even ran a Coach, petrol pumps were to be found in Llanfihangel Talyllyn, llangors and Bwlch. A large timber mill operated in Bwlch until the 1980s.