Case Study
Petite Treats
I was made redundant unexpectedly and was always baking at home as a hobby so I asked myself "could I turn this into a business?"
Although I enjoyed what I was doing, I had no formal training or qualifications to start my own business and I needed something that would be flexible so that I could work around so that I could work around my young family which is where the Exploring Enterprise Programme came into play.
Why I came on the Programme
I came onto the Programme to learn about being self-employed and to find out what I didn't know and what it took to run a business. I needed to lean how to manage my business finances and wanted the opportunity to meet like-minded people in a similar situation to me.
How the Programme helped me
The Programme gave me confidence in myself and my ability to start my own business. It opened up a wealth of support and now I feel as though I am operating an actual business and not just baking cakes in my kitchen.
Key achievements from the Programme
I was able to start my business in April 2018 and made a small profit in my 1st year and year 2 is looking good already. I achieved a 5 star hygiene rating and am now running a successful business around my young family and I now see myself as an actual entrepreneur.
Where I am now
I am currently baking celebration and birthday cakes and have just made my first wedding cake, with others booked. On average I bake 5 cakes per week so this has super ceded my initial goal of 3. I am also collaborating with other local businesses to expand my clientele and develop new opportunities to allow my business to grow and further succeed.
How I found the support from Antrim Enterprise Agency
Excellent, the staff at Antrim Enterprise Agency are always friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable. I know that if I have a question, I could simply pick up the phone and someone would be there to help and point me in the right direction; their door is always open.
Antrim Enterprise Agency also provided lots of networking opportunities and I made a lot of new connections through them. They created an environment I felt comfortable to be a part of and continue to be part of.