Female entrepreneur trio land funding
Three Nottingham-based have entrepreneurs received a cash-boost for their businesses, as they secured grants totalling £8,000 at the Dragon’s Den style event, organised by Nottinghamshire Community Foundation.
The cheque presentation at The Nottingham’s headquarters in Fulforth Street was the follow-up to the pitching event that was held at Nottingham Business School in April and saw eight shortlisted entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to a distinguished panel of judges. The panel was made up of leading business leaders including David Marlow (The Nottingham Building Society), Martin Collins(White Label Resources), Melanie Currie (Nottingham Business School), Beverley Parr (B&J Parr) and Kevin Shakesheff (University of Nottingham).
Marlow said: “Employability is a topic we’re really passionate about at the Nottingham so it was a pleasure to be involved and inspired by such a strong selection of local entrepreneurs. The winners demonstrated not only a great idea they have grown into a business, but they were able to articulate plans for the funds that would lead to sustainable growth. As well as the grant, it’s great to chat to our winners and offer advice and support them on their journey, I wish them all the best.”
The successful trio visited The Nottingham’s headquarters where they were presented with cheques.
Jordana Chin is director of Nutri2Go, a healthy bicycle food delivery service based in Nottingham providing balanced and nutritious ready-to-eat meals delivered in an eco-friendly and sustainable way. She plans to use the £3,000 funding to staff new premises she opened on Triumph Road in April 2018. “I’m really honoured to secure the funding and it was fantastic to get recognition from the ‘dragons’ and know they can see potential in my business. As a one-man band, it’s difficult to grow when you’re working 18 hour days and doing so much of the day-to-day. The funds will enable me to open a shop/café and create jobs.”
Olivia Swift started Lotus Maternity by designing a range of nursing tops which allow women to feel at ease whilst breastfeeding in public. She said “I’m really proud to have won the funding, it will help me grow my business for sure. My background is in midwifery so I will use the grant to seek professional advice and the digital expertise required to increase awareness in the marketplace, exploring ad campaigns, brand ambassadors and influencer collaborations. I recently added a new, exciting product to the Lotus portfolio so I will be able to use the advice to launch and promote that also.”
For nutrition student Aleksandra Czerwiakowska, the funding means she will be able to focus on her business idea full-time. Muesli Master is her online food store that provides tailored blends of cereal that the customers choose themselves. She said: “Now I have passed my exams, I’m really excited the grant will allow me to focus on my business full time and also open our own space where we can not only prepare food but also provide health assessments and tailored advice for customers. My advice to anyone thinking of starting their own business is the first step is the hardest, don’t worry what other people might think and just do it, especially if it’s something you’re passionate about.”
Martin Collins, managing director of White Label Resources, said: “It was great to be invited on the judging panel. My experience lies in growing businesses so I understand the trials, tribulations and importantly the amazingly rewarding thrill and enjoyment of running businesses in the SME sector. I wish the winners the best of luck with their next steps and look forward to hearing more about them in the future.”
Nina Dauban, chief executive of the Nottinghamshire Community Foundation charity that organises the event said: “This is our 11th Dragon’s Den and it was great to see such a high calibre of entrepreneurs present their ideas. The winners are a real asset to the Nottingham business landscape and a great demonstration of female entrepreneurship.”
