Cash boost for Kintyre business
by CLAIRE THOMSON editor@campbeltowncourier.co.uk
A WEE TOON business has been handed a cash injection to kickstart the New Year.
Start-up Keeping It Local (KIL), the brainchild of Campbeltonian Jason McCallum, was awarded £3,800 from UnLtd Scotland, an organisation dedicated to supporting social entrepreneurs in Scotland.
Jason came up with the idea of a hub for local consumers and businesses when he returned to Kintyre after living away.
Products
He told The Courier ‘I make products such as fireplace covers and trade as West Coast Covers.
‘When I began to trade at MACC Group in Machrihanish, I found it difficult to find somewhere to place my products, I just couldn’t find anything.
‘Renting premises was also very expensive. I thought, if I’m having difficulties with this, so are others.’
KIL will be a space for local traders to test their businesses and discover market demand. Local people will also be able to drop by to find contacts for local trades people.
Jason explained: ‘We want to give young, small businesses confidence and assurances.
‘We hope to offer digital advertising and promotion within our premises, on our website and Facebook page to enhancing their profile.
‘We aim to be the first point of contact for everyone that requires a business or a service.
‘Businesses working with KIL pay a weekly flat fee that is inclusive of services, promotion and assistance. They pay one month up front with only one month’s notice to stop.
‘If things aren’t working they may leave the project without worrying about any bills or long-term leases.
‘We’d like to help to keep the youth in Campbeltown. We hope to give them something to stay for.’
Jason is a participant in the Vital Spark programme, an initiative which supports social entrepreneurs in Argyll with a hub in Campbeltown.
Andy MacLeod, Campbeltown’s Vital Spark Coordinator said: ‘It will boost his business and in turn boost the benefits for the Campbeltown community.’