Support project is just the business
Entrepreneurs praise development programme
Up and coming Renfrewshire entrepreneurs have their designs on success – thanks to a bold business programme.
A string of talented people have been selected for the innovative support and employability project InCube which is based at Paisley’s High Street.
And the new talent on show at the store includes cutting edge work by fabric artist Chloe Wright, bookbinder and designer Gillian Stewart, textile designer Johanna Mechelina, bespoke jeweller Jennifer Tsang and menswear fashion designer Josef McFadden.
The young designers are hailing Invest in Renfrewshire’s business programme for helping to launch and grow creative retail businesses through practical support and training from industry experts.
The programme provides young businesses a stress-free environment in which they can concentrate on developing their products, services and markets.
Chloe Wright, of Loopy Lally, said: “InCube has given me the opportunity to meet like minded creative people that are all so enthusiastic about their business and helping each other.
“The mentoring and advice I have received since starting the programme has been invaluable.”
Gillian Stewart, of Juju Books, said: “InCube has helped me to recognise the progress that I’ve made, push me in the right direction and encourage me to work on the areas of my business that intimidate me.
“Although I’m confident in my design skills, I’m not a natural seller, and InCube has helped me to think like a businesswoman.”
While Johanna Mechelina, of Mechelina, said: “It is great to be part of a creative community and in InCube, I learn lots of new skills.
“The one-to-one support is great and there are good workshops too. It helps me focus and question the way I run my business.”
Jeweller Jennifer Tsang added: “My main challenge as a start up is to raise awareness of my brand and to establish retail outlets for my products. I’ve found the InCube workshops and one-to-one coaching extremely helpful in preparing me for entering the wholesale sector.”
And menswear designer Josef McFadden said: “I’m a typical creative – I love designing but when it comes to financial forecasting, sales channels, buying seasons, courier contracts it’s been difficult.
“Having the support from InCube has been great – it’s really helped me focus and the new skills and knowledge I’m gaining will help to make my business grow and become fully sustainable.”
Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson said: “As a council, we are committed to providing support for young businesses as we look to nurture a community of entrepreneurs and innovators whose future success will contribute to Renfrewshire’s economic growth.
“The programme provides gifted designers with the means and the confidence to showcase their products, as well as the support and guidance to advance their business to the next level.
“I would encourage everyone to take a look at the products being made, visit the InCube shop and support local designers from Renfrewshire who are producing exceptional products and outlining the talent we have within our communities.”
As many as 20 businesses are selected for the programme every year and receive a package of support worth more than £11,000.
For more information, visit www. incube.ren