Homemade garlic confit shop secures funding
Shropshire-based homemade garlic confit provider Bella’s Garlic has secured £7,500 in funding from First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans under the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme to kickstart the business.
Bella’s Garlic, which claims to be the first business to produce garlic confit in England, offers hand-crafted confectioned garlic that can be used to add flavour to a variety of dishes such as meat, pasta or salads.
It serves as a practical substitute for fresh garlic, without the need for peeling or dealing with garlic smell on the fingers.
Mary Ann Republica, founder of Bella’s Garlic, has a decade of experience in the food and hospitality industry. After escaping domestic violence with her daughter, she is motivated to use her skills and business degree to establish her own start up, with an aim to become financially independent. Mary Ann recently completed an online course on Food Safety and Hygiene for Manufacturing and Food Labelling Regulations, furthering her knowledge in the field.
The funding from First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans will be used for purchasing equipment such as cookers, sterilisers, acquiring ingredients to produce garlic confit, and investing in marketing collaterals such as labels, banners and stands.
Mary Ann Republica said: “The approved loan provides my business with the necessary resources to kick off and enhance its online presence. I expect to see wider distribution of my product across stores in the UK. I am grateful for the invaluable guidance and transparent support provided by my business adviser from First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans throughout the application process.”
Forbes Lucas, business adviser at First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans, comments: “Working to help Mary Ann through the application process was a real pleasure for me as she was so polite, kind, and professional. Mary Ann is a credit to First Enterprise and our ability to support new businesses. I can’t wait to see how Bella’s Garlic develops and grows, as Mary Ann deserves every success.”
