Andover flower business blooms with support from Business Incentive Grant
An Andover entrepreneur who is growing her business from the ground up has received support from a £750 Business Incentive Grant from the Test Valley Borough Council.
Edith Robert, founder of Edith Robert Botanical, is cultivating flowers and plants, many from seed or bulb, growing a range of plants and fresh flowers for sale as well as producing dried and pressed flowers for local customers.
Edith regularly sells cut flowers and plants at local markets, including Second Sundays, and has become a familiar face at the Hawk Conservancy Trust.
The grant has helped Edith develop her business and build firm foundations for future growth. Looking ahead, she is preparing for the winter season and plans to attend the Hawk Conservancy Trust Christmas Market, where she will be selling herbs, bulbs, festive evergreens and dried flower arrangements.
Edith also has plans to create ornaments and jewellery using resin and dried flowers to expand her product range further.
Edith said: "I have wanted to start my own business growing and selling my own flowers for some time. I'm grateful for both the Test Valley Borough Council small business support service and the grant which has enabled me to have the funds to invest in the supplies I needed to continue for the next season and into the future."
Councillor Maureen Flood said: "It's fantastic to see local entrepreneurs like Edith turning their passion into successful businesses. I am pleased that our Business Incentive Grant and our wider business support services have been able to help Edith grow her business, and we wish her every success in the future."
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.
For more information about business support available from Test Valley Borough Council, visit www.testvalley.gov.uk.