A West Lothian business received funding support from the local authority that helped it move to cool new premises in Winchburgh.
Villaggio Gelato makes artisan, authentic Italian gelato, using the finest ingredients and traditional machinery.
The company experienced impressive growth in its first year of trading, and its owner, Director, Marguerite Spina, was keen to keep that momentum going.
There were two-time sensitive growth goals for the business: to move into new premises and to update its Villaggio Gelato website.
Working on these goals in tandem meant that costs were high and affordability was an issue.
To help with this, West Lothian Council provided funding through the Digital Development Grant, which is part funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is aimed at enhancing the digital capabilities of businesses.
West Lothian Council’s Economic Development service administer the funding locally.
The funding was used to give the Villaggio Gelato website an exciting update. This ensured customers could browse products and place orders easily, resulting in a more enjoyable online shopping experience.
In addition, Villaggio Gelato wanted to reach a wider audience to draw more customers to West Lothian, and in particular focussed on the SEO (search engine optimisation) capabilities of the website.
At the same time, the business secured its new premises and opened the Villaggio Gelato Beach Hut in Winchburgh.
Another key goal of the business was to attend more events, which would help build Villaggio Gelato’s profile and introduce the products to more clients. To support this, funding was provided through the Trade Development Grant which can be used towards eligible costs associated with attending exhibitions, such as renting, setting up and running an exhibition space, stand, electricity, and marketing costs.
As well as the funding support, business owner Marguerite also benefited from training and upskilling support. She participated in Invest in West Lothian’s first Women in Entrepreneurship Programme, a four-part course created to help local business women take their businesses to the next level.
During the sessions, participants re-evaluated the current positions of their businesses, identified achievable goals, and created a clear plan to follow. This was possible through the Expert Help Programme, which is part-funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. By the end of the programme, Marguerite had gained clarity into the next stages of growing her business.
Marguerite said, “Business Gateway West Lothian was more than a tick box exercise…I felt that as soon as I got in touch with them, they were interested in my business and genuinely wanted me to succeed. With access to resources, training courses and funding, the support I was offered was invaluable.
“I urge any business in West Lothian to make that first phone call to the team, and couldn’t recommend them highly enough.”
Further information about the Digital Development Grant and the Trade Development Grant can be found at: www.investinwestlothian.com/business-support/business-funding/
To register interest and find out more please email: [email protected]