Hannah, a 26-year-old entrepreneur from Hythe, New Forest, has turned her passion for coffee into a thriving mobile business.
In 2023, she received a start-up grant from the Business Bank Enterprise Fund, facilitated through links with The Prince’s Trust. She used this funding, alongside her own savings, to purchase and convert a horse box into a mobile café. Since launching in October 2023, Hannah has built a loyal customer base at her permanent pitch by Hythe Ferry and has expanded into event catering, including weddings.
While Hannah’s business has been steadily growing, she faced significant challenges with energy supply at events. She rented generators to power her horse box, but the cost was proving prohibitive and they weren’t always readily available to hire locally.
With a grant of £1,120 from SWEF, Hannah was able to purchase her own generator and a leisure battery. This essential equipment allows her to operate independently at events, reducing reliance on expensive and unreliable rental generators. By owning her power source, Hannah can maximize her profits, improve efficiency, and increase her ability to cater to off-grid events.
Hannah explains that the SWEF grant will not only save her money but will also enable her to reinvest in her business.
“The grant has enabled me to buy a generator and a leisure battery to power my coffee trailer more efficiently. Hiring generators eats into my profits, costing around £75 for a one-day event and up to £120 for two-day events. Having my own power source has made my business more versatile, allowing me to attend more off-grid events and improve my overall profitability. The money I save can be reinvested into growing my business. I’m incredibly grateful for this support.”
By providing targeted financial support, SWEF has empowered Hannah to overcome operational challenges, improve sustainability, and achieve long-term success.
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