AN Isle of Lewis pizza takeaway has successfully launched after accessing more than £3000 of funding through Business Gateway.
Crust Like That, founded by Gerald Sherman-Earp, serves fresh and authentic Neapolitan-style pizza from a converted shipping container. It is the first of its kind in the region.
Business Gateway worked with Sherman-Earp on his business plan to ensure it was robust enough to secure funding. Following this initial support, he successfully secured a grant of £2500 through the Outer Hebrides Young Entrepreneurs Start-Up Scheme (OHYESS) and accessed a £1000 loan from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Revolving Loan Fund.
This allowed Sherman-Earp to invest in a full-size commercial wood-burning pizza oven. He was also able to create two part-time positions and has since launched an online ordering service.
Sherman-Earp anticipates that he will be able to take on two more staff members on a part-time basis to cope with seasonal demand across the spring and summer months.
He said: “Starting a business in 2020 was definitely a risk.
"However, Business Gateway ensured I was able to successfully launch my business, providing vital support that helped me secure the necessary funding.
“They helped me expand my wider business network and gave me advice about funding, premises and regulations which was all vital as I got my business off the ground.
“Looking forward to spring, I’m excited to welcome more local residents and future tourists, while making the most of the Business Gateway resources on offer.”
In addition to crucial funding, the business also received start-up support to assist with the launch phase, which included one-to-one advisory support and access to online resources via the Business Gateway website.
Fiona Chisholm, an adviser at Business Gateway, said: “The first months of setting up a business are always the most important and, by supporting Gerald with his initial business plan and introducing him to our local business networks, we were able to provide him with the confidence he needed to launch and grow his business.
She added: “With the aim to hire two more part-time employees, the business is set for a positive future, and we look forward to supporting Gerald as he continues to grow.”
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