A Co Derry woman has revealed how she managed to take her local business to new heights after receiving what she described as "invaluable support".
Colleen Hamilton, who owns Graze2U in Newbuildings, used the Business, Innovation and Growth (BIG) programme through Derry City and Strabane District Council which allows small businesses to receive expert advice and guidance on driving innovation and productivity.
Using fresh and locally sourced produce, Graze2U caters for weddings, parties and other events as well as providing smaller boxes and individual items like cheese, meat and cakes.
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The BIG programme offers business owners the chance to receive one-to-one mentoring support covering topic areas such as general business planning, finance, sales, communications, digital marketing, cyber security and e-commerce.
Ms Hamiliton said that the programme taught her how to bring Graze2U to a wider audience. She said: "Social media is a huge way in which I promote what Graze2U has to offer, and through the BIG programme it was great to hear more about how I can utilise that in the best way to bring our service to a wider audience.
"A big theme of the business is celebrating the expansive, high-quality local produce that we have right here on our doorstep and in turn, I've been delighted to see so many people supporting Graze2U and shopping local by calling into our store in Newbuildings or ordering online.
"In business, you are always learning and growing, and I would credit the mentoring team at the BIG programme for helping me to do that."
Meanwhile, Kevin O'Connor, Head of Business with Derry City and Strabane District Council, added: "Graze2U is just an example of the great success we have had to date with the BIG programme.
"Following the pandemic we are now moving into a period of recovery and growth for our business sector and we want to offer as much support as we can for small, local businesses who are seeking to expand and reach new audiences.
"Running your own business is certainly not easy, but through the BIG programme, there are mentors on hand to offer tangible and productive advice that these businesses can carry forward.
"It's vitally important that we shop local and support local and through the BIG programme, we are driving innovation and growth and supporting job creation. I would strongly encourage any businesses interested in being involved in the programme to get in touch!"
For more information and eligibility criteria for the Business, Innovation and Growth programme, visit https://www.derrystrabane.com/BIG or call Council's Business team on 02871253253.
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