A Cornish outdoor activity provider has secured a £26,000 funding boost via Swig Finance to scale up and meet increasing demand.
Big Green Adventures, based in Crantock near Newquay, offers a range of ocean-based activities such as surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, body boarding and kayaking.
The money, delivered through British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund, will enable the company to increase its stocks of eco-friendly equipment – including kayaks made from recycled fishing nets and wetsuits from natural materials – in keeping with its strong environmental ethos.
Company owner Dale Unnuk started the venture in 2011, having worked across the globe as a surfing coach. He now employs five permanent members of staff and further freelance contractors during peak season.
Big Green Adventures plans to expand its offering for corporate teambuilding days and is working with local landowners to source locations to create pop-up glamping and camping.
SWIG Finance manages the small loans part of the South West Investment Fund across the region. Dale was referred to them by Gregg Harding at Access to Finance, which helps businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly looking to raise investment.
Dale said: “The process was really easy and the support from SWIG Finance and the South West Investment Fund means we can grow to meet demand.”
Speaking about the application process, Dale added: “You feel like you’re treated as a person, not just another bunch of numbers popped into a system. The personal support from my business manager, Nicki, was fantastic – she really cuts through the usual financial jargon, and it was great to talk to a lender who understands the nuances of seasonal businesses.”
SWIG business manager Nicki Kimberley said: “It’s a pleasure to be able to support Big Green Adventures. From the outset, Dale’s passion for his business and knowledge of his sector was clear. While a mainly seasonal business, it is embedded within the local area, working closely with other organisations to encourage beach safety and proper care of the natural environment it operates in.”
David Tindall, Senior Investment Manager at British Business Bank, said: “We’re pleased to see the South West Investment Fund supporting Big Green Adventures as it scales up to meet growing demand. This funding will help the business expand while staying true to its strong environmental values. By improving access to finance, we’re enabling more small businesses throughout the South West to grow, innovate, and create jobs.”
The purpose of the South West Investment Fund is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the South West. It provides loans from £25k to £2m and equity investment up to £5m to help small and medium sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead.
The South West Investment Fund is increasing the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for South West smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and helping to break down barriers in access to finance.
Find out more: www.southwestinvestmentfund.co.uk
