New home nursery in Andover receives Business Incentive Grant support
A new childcare business in Andover has been supported by a £750 Business Incentive Grant from Test Valley Borough Council, helping to provide flexible, home-based childcare for local families.
Copper Box Cubs Tiney Home Nursery, run by Marie Dyer, has recently started welcoming children and is already building a small, nurturing setting focused on personalised care. The grant will support the early growth of the business, including improvements to facilities and marketing.
Marie, who previously worked in a school, decided to start her own childcare business after leaving her role to care for her young son. Drawing on her experience in education, she has created a calm, home-from-home environment and aims to offer high-quality childcare tailored to each child.
Her nursery operates in partnership with Tiney.co, which provides training, support, and helps ensure compliance with Ofsted requirements. Marie is now an approved provider with Hampshire County Council and can care for up to five children under the age of eight.
Marie said: “I was delighted to be awarded the new business start-up grant for Copper Box Cubs Tiney Home Nursery. The financial boost is very welcome as it is expensive to set up as a childminder, and I want to provide the best care and create the most enriching environment possible for any little cubs that I care for.
“I plan on using the grant to enhance my outdoor provision, upgrade my sleep setting to adhere to the recent change to the safe sleeping guidelines published by the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework and also for marketing, so I am able to grow my business and help local families by providing quality and affordable childcare in a home from home setting.”
Marie is currently offering childcare four days a week and plans to grow the business steadily, focusing on maintaining a high level of individual attention for each child. She is particularly passionate about creating a rich learning environment, supported by her training in areas such as child development and psychology.
Andover Romans ward Councillor Jason Sangster said: “We are pleased to support new businesses like Copper Box Cubs Tiney Home Nursery through our Business Incentive Grant scheme. Small, local childcare providers play an important role in supporting families and helping our communities to thrive, while also contributing to the local economy.”
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.