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Small Business Grant Winners
After a wave of enquiries and over 150 applications, the Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire team shortlisted 34 aspiring entrepreneurs, who were invited to give a presentation on their new start-up to a panel of judges in a Dragon’s Den style elevator pitch.
The Small Business Grants panel consisted of the BIPC Northamptonshire team and representatives from Building Business Consultancy and Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce. After several days of presentations, the shortlist was narrowed down to 19 winners of the Reset. Restart Small Business Grant.
Click on profile images below to learn more about our winners.
Attain Coaching, Cate Gregory
Attain Coaching helps talented individuals and teams reach their full potential. After witnessing first-hand, the transformative effects of coaching, Attain’s founder Cate decided to explore coaching further and trained as a coach and mentor.
Cate combines her training, many years of commercial and senior leadership experience and an entire lifetime of research into psychology and human behaviour. She provides a range of coaching and development programmes for individuals, corporations and entrepreneurs.
One area Cate is particularly passionate about is developing women. Her Flourishing Females programme helps women to gain the self-confidence, skills and knowledge to rise to the top.
Cate combines her training, many years of commercial and senior leadership experience and an entire lifetime of research into psychology and human behaviour. She provides a range of coaching and development programmes for individuals, corporations and entrepreneurs.
One area Cate is particularly passionate about is developing women. Her Flourishing Females programme helps women to gain the self-confidence, skills and knowledge to rise to the top.
Career Catapult, Esther Greenwood & James Gage
Career Catapult was born during the pandemic of 2020 when Esther and James became acutely aware of the mental strain that searching for work puts on the individual.
They developed an online training platform that’s been specifically designed to prepare individuals for the job market in competitive times; it not only focusses on the skills they need to apply and be offered a role, but it also heavily focusses on the impact that unemployment has on their mental health with courses on emotional well-being, mindfulness, gaining more sleep, handling relationship pressures and financial stresses.
With over a 100 pieces of learning so far, the co-founders are committed to continually adding valuable material that not only helps people secure work but also supports them when they are in work to develop their career further.
They developed an online training platform that’s been specifically designed to prepare individuals for the job market in competitive times; it not only focusses on the skills they need to apply and be offered a role, but it also heavily focusses on the impact that unemployment has on their mental health with courses on emotional well-being, mindfulness, gaining more sleep, handling relationship pressures and financial stresses.
With over a 100 pieces of learning so far, the co-founders are committed to continually adding valuable material that not only helps people secure work but also supports them when they are in work to develop their career further.
Form Five, Matthew Abraham & Matthew Kemshed
FormFive is able to fulfil complete construction services from viability studies to build completion. FormFive operates a five-tier system that can be adapted to any construction requirement of its clients.
Founded by Matthew Abraham and Matthew Kemshed, FormFive has a clear and ambitious vision; to be an industry leader in construction that transforms the traditional delivery of a construction project into a collaborative, modern and inclusive process for its clients.
As a main contractor, FormFive will maintain first class services and defragment the cycle of the project so that the client has the ability to collaborate directly with the design and development from day one.
The unique ability to take construction from viability study to build completion will reduce costs and simplify the overall project.
Founded by Matthew Abraham and Matthew Kemshed, FormFive has a clear and ambitious vision; to be an industry leader in construction that transforms the traditional delivery of a construction project into a collaborative, modern and inclusive process for its clients.
As a main contractor, FormFive will maintain first class services and defragment the cycle of the project so that the client has the ability to collaborate directly with the design and development from day one.
The unique ability to take construction from viability study to build completion will reduce costs and simplify the overall project.
Goldings Communications, Kim Hughes
Goldings Communications delivers results-driven storytelling and multi-channel content creation with a strategic purpose – PR and reputation management, targeted media relations, stakeholder and employee communications, and much more.
We act as brand journalists, helping to uncover the stories and key messages that truly engage and resonate with audiences – always thinking about how to best communicate them in a way that is aligned with our clients’ objectives.
As highly-skilled, accredited communications professionals, the organisations we work with are confident in our ability to achieve measurable outcomes through consistent, credible and captivating brand messages.
We act as brand journalists, helping to uncover the stories and key messages that truly engage and resonate with audiences – always thinking about how to best communicate them in a way that is aligned with our clients’ objectives.
As highly-skilled, accredited communications professionals, the organisations we work with are confident in our ability to achieve measurable outcomes through consistent, credible and captivating brand messages.
Jolibi, Agi Brodzinski
We are all washing our hands a lot more these days, so why not think about switching to skin-loving Jolibi soaps inspired by people and nature. We make our soaps by hand in small batches using sustainable vegan ingredients and better still they generate zero waste and use compostable packaging. Our soaps embody the very essence of nature itself by using natural ingredients like pure plant-based oils and natural clays. So, if you’d like a touch of nature on your skin the next time you wash your hands then think and use Jolibi.
Think nature, think Jolibi
Think nature, think Jolibi
Kirsch Home, Rebecca Kirsch
Kirsch Home is a biophilic homeware brand and consultancy with a mission to transform living spaces into more natural human habitats.
Creating spaces that are full of plant-life and natural elements brings enormous mental and physical benefits, energizing your home and office.
Kirsch Home makes it easy to integrate nature into every part of your life, offering inventive products designed to take the guesswork out of growing, cultivating and maintaining greener interiors.
Alongside our collection of plant-ware and décor we offer a bespoke bio-design service, visioning impressive plant schemes that will bring life and creativity into your office or home.
Creating spaces that are full of plant-life and natural elements brings enormous mental and physical benefits, energizing your home and office.
Kirsch Home makes it easy to integrate nature into every part of your life, offering inventive products designed to take the guesswork out of growing, cultivating and maintaining greener interiors.
Alongside our collection of plant-ware and décor we offer a bespoke bio-design service, visioning impressive plant schemes that will bring life and creativity into your office or home.
Knight Shift Virtual Assistant Services, Laurie Knight
Knight Shift Virtual Assistant Services offers bespoke business support specifically to 'Purpose-led' businesses, entrepreneurs and sole traders.
We work with enterprises with an underlying social or environmental focus. to implement strategy and processes, promoting sustainability and growth.
Purpose-led ventures are known to grow twice as fast as traditional businesses and retain customer loyalty and employee engagement.
From virtual reception and customer service, to social media presence and project initiation - 'Purpose-driven Practicalities'.
We work with enterprises with an underlying social or environmental focus. to implement strategy and processes, promoting sustainability and growth.
Purpose-led ventures are known to grow twice as fast as traditional businesses and retain customer loyalty and employee engagement.
From virtual reception and customer service, to social media presence and project initiation - 'Purpose-driven Practicalities'.
Lacerta Design, Rhiannon Griffiths
Lacerta Design is an independent graphic design business, working on both digital and print design, with a focus on sustainable design and working with local businesses. The design services I offer include logo design, various aspects of advertising, packaging, social media and website assets, as well as layout design and website layouts. However, I have experience in other areas and I am happy to work on new projects and learn about new sectors. Advice and help with graphic design projects that have already started, or ideas on how to get started on a design project, are also available.
Made for Belle & Friends, Lorna Chamberlain
Made for Belle & Friends is a UK based business that sells made to order, handmade children’s clothes. In sizes 0-3 months to 5 years in a range of custom fabrics to suit boys, girls and unisex options.
Each garment is handmade to order. From the creation of fabrics, cutting, sewing and packing the order off to its new home. Offering a personal and friendly service for parents, family and friends.
Made for Belle & Friends is for anyone that needs practical clothing for the growing children in their lives with fabrics to suit their little one’s personalities.
Each garment is handmade to order. From the creation of fabrics, cutting, sewing and packing the order off to its new home. Offering a personal and friendly service for parents, family and friends.
Made for Belle & Friends is for anyone that needs practical clothing for the growing children in their lives with fabrics to suit their little one’s personalities.
Personal Strengths Coaching, Nicola Jackson
Personal Strengths Coaching helps individuals understand their strengths (the things that give them energy) to help individuals with confidence and organisations with team productivity and morale.
I have a partnership with Strengthscope, whose online strengths tool is registered with the British Psychological Society. Employees working with strengths is proven to support Wellbeing, Problem Solving, Confidence building, Team working, Motivation and Productivity.
I run a coaching programme for Individuals supporting them in using their strengths to achieve their business goals.
I complete a Teams programme, helping you better understand what makes your team truly unique and how to drive up positive team behaviours.
I have a partnership with Strengthscope, whose online strengths tool is registered with the British Psychological Society. Employees working with strengths is proven to support Wellbeing, Problem Solving, Confidence building, Team working, Motivation and Productivity.
I run a coaching programme for Individuals supporting them in using their strengths to achieve their business goals.
I complete a Teams programme, helping you better understand what makes your team truly unique and how to drive up positive team behaviours.
Pieces Academy, Kiran Tehara
Pieces Academy is a holistic learning experience for the future of work and societies. We seek to explore our emotional, social and intellectual needs through self-guided learning formats which are accessible to all. It's a safe place to learn and unlearn habits to transform ourselves into more whole beings.
Our content authentically conveys a point of view that reflects the raw reality of our world. We seek to discover what it means to be human in the age of technology. With a focus on holistic skills - shaping us to become adaptable and empowered - during this time of industrial revolution and human evolution.
Our content authentically conveys a point of view that reflects the raw reality of our world. We seek to discover what it means to be human in the age of technology. With a focus on holistic skills - shaping us to become adaptable and empowered - during this time of industrial revolution and human evolution.
Saints Coffee, Ben Francoise
Saints Coffee is a social enterprise offering specialty and ethical coffee, casual dining, cocktails and a pop-up space in the heart of Northampton and coffee and chocolate online.
25% of their profits fund community projects to help tackle mental health issues, as well as promote social justice and social mobility.
These projects help:
• School children overcoming barriers such as discrimination and aspiring to achieve more
• Individuals struggling with mental health issues related to social isolation
• People furthest from the labour market back into employment.
Business intro (if can't use bullet points):
Saints Coffee is a social enterprise offering specialty and ethical coffee, casual dining, cocktails and a pop-up space in the heart of Northampton and coffee and chocolate online.
25% of their profits fund community projects to help tackle mental health issues, as well as promote social justice and social mobility.
These projects help school children overcoming barriers such as discrimination and aspiring to achieve more; individuals struggling with mental health issues related to social isolation; and people furthest from the labour market back into employment.
25% of their profits fund community projects to help tackle mental health issues, as well as promote social justice and social mobility.
These projects help:
• School children overcoming barriers such as discrimination and aspiring to achieve more
• Individuals struggling with mental health issues related to social isolation
• People furthest from the labour market back into employment.
Business intro (if can't use bullet points):
Saints Coffee is a social enterprise offering specialty and ethical coffee, casual dining, cocktails and a pop-up space in the heart of Northampton and coffee and chocolate online.
25% of their profits fund community projects to help tackle mental health issues, as well as promote social justice and social mobility.
These projects help school children overcoming barriers such as discrimination and aspiring to achieve more; individuals struggling with mental health issues related to social isolation; and people furthest from the labour market back into employment.
Serengeti Spirits, Alex Wright
Serengeti spirits are a brand of craft produced alcoholic spirits based on animals of the Serengeti, with flavour profiles, linked to the tropical fruits of Tanzania and the paradise island of Zanzibar. Our signature range will cover the big animals of the Serengeti, produced from many spirit categories, such as Gin, rum and tequila. Our Hakuna matata gin offerings and Kilimanjaro flavoured rum products, will also complement our extensive selection. Our products will enable you to unwind and picture yourself on a safari across the savanna or on the ice-cold top of Kilimanjaro, known as the mountain of greatness.
Simply Ngo, Ngozi Kemjika
Simply Ngo Ltd is founded by Ngozi Kemjika. It has 3 prongs which are:
• Writing services
• Speaking services
• Life Coaching services
Simply Ngo combines words, poetry, storytelling, content and experiences such as workshops, events, and life coaching to help individuals redefine the relationship they have with themselves and others; develop tools for self-development and healthier wellbeing.
• Writing services
• Speaking services
• Life Coaching services
Simply Ngo combines words, poetry, storytelling, content and experiences such as workshops, events, and life coaching to help individuals redefine the relationship they have with themselves and others; develop tools for self-development and healthier wellbeing.
The Boxed Bakery, Laura Conroy
The Boxed Bakery is a Small Home Bakery based in a South Northants Village. I set up as a business after discovering a niche when supporting my daughters bake sale fundraisers and afternoon teas. I registered my kitchen with the local environmental health inspector and started my business in October 2020
I provide my customers with bespoke buttercream cakes and postal bakes when they are looking for something a little bit extra special, either as a treat for someone else or as an indulgent treat for themselves.
I provide my customers with bespoke buttercream cakes and postal bakes when they are looking for something a little bit extra special, either as a treat for someone else or as an indulgent treat for themselves.
Topstitch, Jo Griffiths
Topstitch - Quality Leisure Upholstery and Soft Furnishings. At Topstitch I create upholstery and soft furnishings for motorhomes, campervans, caravans and boats. This includes box cushions for sofa beds and bench seats, and recovering front drivers and passenger seats as well as creating curtains and other soft furnishing accessories.
All the work I do is bespoke, made to measure for each vehicle. I have a wide range of fabrics, vinyls and leathers to choose from and work closely with each customer to understand their requirements.
I also do other upholstery work including home and garden soft furnishings.
All the work I do is bespoke, made to measure for each vehicle. I have a wide range of fabrics, vinyls and leathers to choose from and work closely with each customer to understand their requirements.
I also do other upholstery work including home and garden soft furnishings.
Wildflowers, Ali Mitchell
Welcome to Wildflowers. I offer complimentary, natural, therapy and products which treat the person as a whole, treat the cause not the symptoms. By doing this I can ensure sustained, deep routed healing.
My practice uses many different holistic services such as Reiki, Reflexology, Colour Therapy, crystal therapy, Well-being coaching, Herbology and Aromatherapy to support a person through the hard times in life. Whether it’s severe pain, long term illness, mental health or spiritual growth, Wildflowers is here to bring healing, happiness and health.
All products sold are completely natural, vegan and organic and aimed at bringing the body into alignment so we are more readily available to heal and not reach burnout point.
My practice uses many different holistic services such as Reiki, Reflexology, Colour Therapy, crystal therapy, Well-being coaching, Herbology and Aromatherapy to support a person through the hard times in life. Whether it’s severe pain, long term illness, mental health or spiritual growth, Wildflowers is here to bring healing, happiness and health.
All products sold are completely natural, vegan and organic and aimed at bringing the body into alignment so we are more readily available to heal and not reach burnout point.
Word Window, Kate McKenzie
Word Window is a new and innovative product that has been designed to aid children developing literacy skills. Word Window helps parents and teachers to break down the phonetic sounds within words when children are learning to read.
When it comes to reading it can be difficult for children to isolate the sounds and so Word Window is a handheld device that opens and closes around the letters and sounds.
Word Window is an ethical company ensuring sustainability; made from recycled plastic and recyclable. 30p from every Word Window purchased goes towards helping raise literacy levels in the UK.
When it comes to reading it can be difficult for children to isolate the sounds and so Word Window is a handheld device that opens and closes around the letters and sounds.
Word Window is an ethical company ensuring sustainability; made from recycled plastic and recyclable. 30p from every Word Window purchased goes towards helping raise literacy levels in the UK.
YooKanToo Therapy, Kellie Ceccarelli
Kellie Ceccarelli, Psychotherapist and Founder of YooKanToo Therapy offers simple and transformative therapy for people seeking freedom and real ease from unwanted behaviours and habits.
Focusing on healing past traumas Kellie says,
‘All humans have to deal with mental health, no one is immune from it because we all experience negativity, heartache and trauma, it’s part of the human experience. But in today’s world, poor mental health and well-being are under such constant strain it’s difficult for people to know how to begin healing’
Kellie believes that everything starts with a thought and there is no need for anybody to suffer. Whether it be an anxiety disorder, a phobia or an eating disorder, they are all learned coping mechanisms and therefore can be unlearned.
By compassionately and swiftly addressing root causes, Kellie guides her clients to help them heal and transform themselves so they can enjoy the happy life they were intended for.
Focusing on healing past traumas Kellie says,
‘All humans have to deal with mental health, no one is immune from it because we all experience negativity, heartache and trauma, it’s part of the human experience. But in today’s world, poor mental health and well-being are under such constant strain it’s difficult for people to know how to begin healing’
Kellie believes that everything starts with a thought and there is no need for anybody to suffer. Whether it be an anxiety disorder, a phobia or an eating disorder, they are all learned coping mechanisms and therefore can be unlearned.
By compassionately and swiftly addressing root causes, Kellie guides her clients to help them heal and transform themselves so they can enjoy the happy life they were intended for.
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