GORGEOUSLY Vegan, a Falkirk-based food delivery business is targeting plans for expansion after opening new premises thanks to support from Business Gateway.
Launched in 2016 by husband and wife team Gabriele and Michaela, Gorgeously Vegan offers a range of vegan British and Italian dishes, which can be ordered via the website and at a number of pubs, cafes and restaurants in the Forth Valley area.
Following the success of the delivery business, Gabriele and Michaela set their sights on launching their own premises and turned to Business Gateway for support.
In addition to one-to-one sessions from a business adviser, which helped the couple to plan their move to a café, Business Gateway supported Gorgeously Vegan’s successful application through DSL Business Finance to the Falkirk Loan Fund and Small Business Loan Fund.
As resulted, Gorgeously Vegan acquired the lease for Coffee on Wooer – an existing site in Falkirk – and launched Falkirk’s very first vegan café.
To support the expansion of Gorgeously Vegan, Business Gateway has also reviewed the firm’s business plan and financial projections and provided specialist HR support in preparation for its first employees.
Gabriele Panozzo, co- owner of Gorgeously Vegan commented: “We have always wanted to open our own dedicated vegan café to share our passion for cooking and veganism with the community. With the strategic advice and support of Business Gateway, we’ve been able to do just that.
“From assistance in achieving funding, to directing us to a variety of support services, our adviser provided the resources and assistance needed to help scale-up our business model.”
Louise Evison, business adviser, Business Gateway commented: “It’s been a pleasure working with Gabriele and Michaela to support the growth of Gorgeously Vegan.
“Veganism is growing in popularity and the new café opening in Falkirk will allow more people to enjoy vegan food. Gabriele and Michaela have engaged with lots of great ideas about how they want to grow the business and, with strategic support and advice from Business Gateway, I am confident that the business will go from strength to strength.”
