GrowBiz Clients Shortlisted for the WES Awards

Huge congratulations to our GrowBiz clients who’ve been shortlisted for this year’s Women’s Enterprise Scotland Awards! Here’s a little bit about them and their businesses:

Sophie

Sophie Downes is one of the enterprising young people in our SEED (Self Employment and Entrepreneurial Development) Programme. A print designer, she’s made fantastic progress in her business, achieving several milestones, including receiving her very first wholesale order, developing her own stationary collection with her SEED funding, and attending New Designers 2022 in London to showcase her work.

She says, “No question was a silly questions with SEED and I felt supported throughout my business journey.”

Sophie is a finalist in the Start up Business of the Year category.

Kirsteen

Another shortlisted client is Kirsteen Stewart, a sustainable clothing and homeware design business based in Orkney.

A finalist in the Collaborative Champion of the Year category, she says, “The support from GrowBiz and my accountant Calvin at CRC accountancy has been so crucial over the last few years. It’s been tough and to be honest a bit of a rollercoaster. And there has been some rebuilding to do after major losses.  

“We’ve turned a corner by adding in a styling service and having 3 amazing collaborations. And I’m very grateful for those opportunities and what I’ve learned from them.”

Kirsty and Ros

Long-time clients Ros Marshall and Kirsty Lunn of inclusive underwear, clothing items and accessories brand Molke are shortlisted on the Purpose Led Business of the Year category — and for good reason! This month they became a member of the Endometriosis UK Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme.

Kirsty says “On top of that this month we have put menstrual products in all our toilets for our staff to take free of charge as they need. Staff wages are also going up to reflect the cost of living increase as we are Real Living Wage employers of course. Earlier this year we sponsored Perthshire Pride, and with our Pride range we are donating money from each sale to Scottish LGBTQ+ charity Pink Saltire.”

Kirsty adds “None of it would have happened without Jackie and GrowBiz.”

GrowBiz is pleased and proud to have been able to support such fantastic businesses in their journey so far. We wish these amazing and inspiration women, as well as the other finalists, all the best in the competition.