Bristol-based dog walking business, Clifton Dog Squad, has received funding to boost their credentials.
The £10,000 Start Up Loan, accessed via SWIG Finance, will enable business owners Christy Greaves and Sam Dray to better understand their furry customers by attaining formal accreditations in Canine Behaviour.
As well as dog walking, Clifton Dog Squad also offers puppy drop-in’s and care visits for smaller animals such as cats and rabbits, to customers within their local area.
Partners in both life and business, Christy and Sam have a young child and the business was initially developed to provide Christy with income whilst working around childcare.
Since then, the business has grown and Christy has brought in her partner, Sam, to help meet growing demands. They are now able to offer multiple pick up and drop off’s within their local area.
Of the funding, Christy said “The funding we received has enabled us to think more strategically about where we want the business to go. We are absolutely delighted that we can now develop the business further and continue doing what we love every day. We’d like our thank our business manager, Mark Thayre, who provided support and guidance throughout the process”.
SWIG’s Business Manager, Mark Thayre commented “It is unusual in this day and age to see a small business thrive purely from word-of-mouth referrals. I think this goes a long way in showing that Christy and Sam genuinely enjoy doing what they do and want to provide their clients with the best possible service”.
Richard Bearman, Managing Director at Start Up Loans, said: “Start Up Loans is a government-funded programme that provides fixed-interest loans and mentoring support to aspiring business owners from across the UK who might be struggling to access other forms of finance. By supporting small businesses, we help create new jobs and boost economic growth across the UK. Since we were established in 2012, Start Up Loans has delivered more than 67,000 loans, providing more than £542M in funding.”
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 Startups 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 startup loans from £500 – £25,000. For more information visit https://www.swigfinance.co.uk/start-up-loans/
We also have loans from £10,000 to £250,000 available to South West SMEs who cannot access sufficient funding from their bank https://www.swigfinance.co.uk/funds-available/
For 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 227 932.