Cornish refill shop, Let’s Get Naked, has received a £25,000 Start Up Loan via SWIG Finance.
The funding has been used to fit and stock the shop in the White Hart Shopping Arcade, Launceston. The shop is open six days a week with a late-night opening on Thursdays.
Leading the business is entrepreneur Jade Harvey, who was inspired to start her own plastic-free journey while she was living in Australia. Having been impressed by how clean and plastic free the beaches were, Jade noticed a stark difference when visiting Asia, where many of the rivers were blocked up with plastic debris.
Back in the UK, Jade wanted to minimise the plastics she was using, but the nearest refill shop was still 20 miles away and so she decided to start her own refill shop.
Since opening the shop just three weeks ago, Jade has seen a good level of footfall and is encouraged that her message is being well-received by her local community.
When Jade decided to take the leap to be her own boss, she enlisted the help of Access to Finance who helped her put together a business plan and introduced her to SWIG Finance.
Of the application process Jade commented “From start to finish, the process was very efficient. My business manager Nicki made me feel at ease and was very encouraging. I was surprised how quickly the funds were released and found this a very positive experience all round”.
Start Up Loans Business Manager, Nicki Kimberley, said “I was inspired reading Jade’s business plan because it is very clear from the outset that she has a genuine passion for creating a more sustainable society. Even the smallest lifestyle changes could help contribute to positive climate action, and Let’s Get Naked is helping many like-minded people begin their plastic-free journey”.
Richard Bearman, Managing Director at Start Up Loans, said: “Despite the challenges the pandemic has brought to business owners, entrepreneurial spirit has not dwindled, and we look forward to continuing to support the small business community to recover by providing further investment and mentoring support. We are proud to see Jade Harvey taking their first steps into business through Let’s Get Naked. and we wish them every success in their new venture.”
About SWIG Finance
SWIG Finance is the South West’s leading Community Development Financial Institution. We are passionate about bringing social and economic benefits to people and places in the South West.
We do this by providing support and finance to Start Ups and growing SMEs that can create and secure employment opportunities.
As the South West’s leading delivery partner for Start Up Loans UK, we can provide Start Up Loans from £500 – £25,000. For more information visit https://www.swigfinance.co.uk/start-up-loans/
We also have business loans from £25,001 to £250,000 available to South West SMEs who cannot access sufficient funding from their bank https://www.swigfinance.co.uk/business-loans/
If you would like to have an informal discussion about your funding requirements, get in touch with our friendly and professional team to find out how we can help: info@swigfinance.co.uk / 01872 227 930.