Two West Midlands entrepreneurs named 2024 Start Up Loans Ambassadors
Two West Midlands entrepreneurs have been named 2024 Ambassadors for the Start Up Loans Programme.
Laura Suominen, founder of the Japanese-inspired homeware store Ikigai, and Blake Bentley, founder of Scran Man, an American street food takeaway, have been selected as this year’s ambassadors.
Based in Leamington Spa, Ikigai offers a range of eco-conscious homeware items, traditional Japanese yukata, and otaku products, including official Studio Ghibli merchandise.
In early 2024, Laura secured a £12,000 loan through Start Up Loans’ Business support partner, BizBritain.
It enabled her to invest in a company vehicle, enhance her website, and expand Ikigai’s inventory of Japanese imports.
Blake Bentley is the founder of Scran Man, an American street food takeaway based in Great Barr near Birmingham.
At just 18, he is being recognised for his entrepreneurial journey and is serving as an inspiration for young people looking to start or grow early-stage businesses.
Blake Bentley
Scran Man, is known for its authentic American street food, including Philly cheesesteaks, fried chicken, and signature burgers.
Starting with a portable van at his grandad’s house during lockdown, Bentley secured a £5,000 loan through The Prince’s Trust in 2021, which enabled him to establish a permanent location.
A second loan of £12,000 followed to further expand his operations.
The duo are two out of 14 small business owners across the UK recognised as an inspiring example of entrepreneurship through the government-backed Start Up Loans initiative.
Since its inception, the programme has provided over £1.1bn in funding to more than 115,000 businesses.
The annual Start Up Loans Ambassadors programme, now in its ninth year, highlights entrepreneurs who have launched successful businesses using support from the scheme.
Suominen, founder of Ikigai, said: “The finance from the Start Up Loans programme has been a huge help in growing our business and supporting our ambition to bring Japanese culture and homeware to Leamington Spa. I run the business alongside my partner, James, and we’re proud to have been able to grow the business to a level which supports us both financially so we can work together on our shared passion.
“This wouldn’t have been possible without the support from Start Up Loans, so I am honoured to be chosen as the next West Midlands Ambassador.I hope we can continue to showcase the great work that can be achieved from a business idea and the support available to make it a reality.”
Bentley, founder of Scran Man, said: “The support my business has seen since the idea started back in 2021 during lockdown has been immense. Now to be chosen as the Ambassador for young entrepreneurs is a great honour and hopefully can provide a showcase for the great work we have achieved so far and we are only just getting started.
“I also hope my story and the countless other young entrepreneur stories out there can act as inspiration for anyone to start a business as long as they have a good idea and a passion to achieve, regardless of their age.”
