Santander X Startup Booster Grant Awards

On the 4th March, I discovered that I was a winner of a grant, to help me set up my small business, issued by the Santander Universities Global Programme. I was initially invited to apply for this ward through the University of Brighton, by the Beepurple entrepreneurial team. I graduated with a Master’s in Fine Art back in 2020, and being an alumni has given me various opportunities to apply for grants such as this.

I was encouraged to create a business proposal for the Santander X Startup Booster Grant, using a business model. During this time I felt very new to business as I had just joined the Beepurple mentoring scheme. I was very nervous about this open call however, I gained a lot of business knowledge from it! Fortunately, my business plan for Verity Petraits succeeded and this meant that I was able to create this website and start my business!

The Santander Awards were held at the University of Brighton with some really inspiring speakers such as the wonderful, Roxy Van Der Post of the Myosotis Film and Photography Company. I also had a lovely chat with Holly Price, the Deputy Relationship Director of Santander Universities UK. I am really grateful to Santander and Beepurple for their support, because without them, I couldn’t have started my small business this year or create an ecological conscious company.

I plan to use the grant towards prints I can sell online and in shops, and also towards the material costs for the Bespoke, Pet Portrait, side of my business. Watch this space!