Stornoway-based Hebridean Charcuterie has successfully launched following support from Business Gateway, including specialist advice about funding, which helped the business access grants worth over £3,000.
The business, launched by Brian and Melinda Whitington, started selling their first product – Wild & Free Salami – in March 2022.
Business Gateway helped the couple develop their business plan through a dedicated adviser, who offered guidance on funding options and aided them in their application to access grant funding.
This resulted in £1,250 of support through the Outer Hebrides Young Entrepreneurs Fund (OHYESS), fully funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and delivered by Business Gateway.
The funding was used to invest in a mincer, slicer, sausage stuffer and fridges enabling the business to meet professional requirements.
Brian Whitington, Co-Founder, Hebridean Charcuterie said: “Business Gateway has been vital throughout this process and its help meant that we were able to invest in equipment and cover a lot of the initial costs associated with launching the business.”
Additionally, the couple was also awarded a further grant of £2,331 through the Comhairle’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Grant Scheme (CERGS), allowing them to buy an additional fridge and cool boxes to transport meat for production.
Derek Maclean, Business Gateway, added: “Brian and Melinda identified an opportunity to launch not only the first charcuterie in the Outer Hebrides but a company that is mindful about its impact on the environment.
“Ultimately, starting up a business is an investment and initial set-up costs can be expensive. However, by working closely with Business Gateway, Brian and Melinda were able to develop their business idea and secure funding to purchase equipment.”
