Local entrepreneur develops tailored nutrition business with council grant support
A local health and wellbeing business owner is celebrating a boost to her work after securing £750 in grant funding from Test Valley Borough Council to support her next phase of growth.
Sweet Cicely Nutrition, founded by Cicely Blandford, supports people to take control of their health and wellbeing through tailored, one-to-one nutritional guidance designed to create lasting change. Working closely with her clients, she helps them build practical, sustainable habits that fit into everyday life.
She is now developing a new programme that combines personalised nutrition support with nervous system regulation designed for women experiencing ongoing or complex health concerns and is built around the principle that when the body remains in a prolonged stress response, it can become harder to consistently implement or benefit from health interventions. Her approach focuses on helping clients strengthen the foundations that support change, improving awareness of stress responses, building physiological resilience, and creating the conditions that allow nutrition and lifestyle strategies to be more effective and successful in the long term.
In recent months, demand for her services has grown, with more clients coming forward through word of mouth and referrals. She has already secured speaking opportunities in London through professional contacts and is continuing to build momentum.
The grant funding will help Cicely invest in more technical and payment software to support the smooth running of her business as it continues to grow.
Cicely said: “The grant will make a real difference, helping me put the right systems in place so I can focus on growing the business and reaching more people. I’m excited to launch my new programme which has had great success in its trial phase.”
Blackwater ward Councillor Gordon Bailey said: “Our grant schemes are designed to give local businesses extra support at the right time, helping them to grow, adapt and succeed. It’s fantastic to see how this funding will help Cicely expand the reach of her business.”
Test Valley Borough Council is committed to supporting local businesses through various initiatives and grants. The Business Incentive Grant is designed to help new businesses located in Test Valley achieve their goals and contribute to the local economy. You must apply for the grant within eight weeks of starting to trade, and the Council will award the money once you have been up and running for a minimum of six months.