Cheshire Community Foundation awarded Megan a grant through the SWEF Enterprise Fund to support the launch of her dog grooming business, Brush N' Bone. Eight months on, the funding has helped her establish a professional grooming environment, invest in essential equipment and begin building a loyal client base.
Brush N' Bone was created to offer a calm, personalised grooming experience for dogs and their owners. Operating from a grooming cabin at Hopley House, Megan provides a range of services including baths and brushes, full grooms, clip-offs, puppy grooms and nail clipping. Her focus is on providing one-to-one care in a safe and stress-free environment, giving dogs a gentler alternative to busy grooming salons.
Prior to launching the business, Megan carried out extensive research into the local market and identified a clear gap in provision. While there were several established groomers in the area, many had long waiting lists, were fully booked or operated mobile-only services. Conversations with dog owners revealed growing demand for a more personal grooming experience, particularly for nervous dogs that benefit from individual attention.
With professional grooming experience already behind her, Megan combined industry knowledge with a genuine passion for animal welfare to create a business centred on compassion, trust and high-quality care.
How the grant helped:
The grant enabled Megan to purchase essential grooming equipment and supplies that would otherwise have been difficult to afford during the early stages of the business.
Funding was used to purchase professional tools including a high-velocity dog dryer, grooming brushes and combs, shampoos, nail clippers and canine wellbeing products. These items were critical to launching the business safely and to a professional standard.
As Megan explains: "The grant has made a huge difference to my business by allowing me to invest in essential equipment and supplies that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to afford so early on. It has helped me create a professional, safe and welcoming grooming environment and has given me the confidence to grow my business sustainably."
The equipment allowed Brush N' Bone to begin trading with the tools needed to deliver a high-quality service from day one, helping Megan build trust with customers and establish strong foundations for future growth.
Challenges along the way:
Like many new entrepreneurs, Megan has faced the challenge of building a business from scratch while managing the financial realities of self-employment. Developing a customer base takes time, particularly in a competitive market where reputation and recommendations are essential. Balancing these pressures while maintaining high standards of care has required determination and resilience.
Reflecting on the journey so far, Megan says: "One of the biggest challenges has been starting a business from scratch and building a client base while managing the financial pressures that come with self-employment. As a new business owner, there are always uncertainties, but staying consistent and providing high-quality care has helped me continue moving forward."
Despite these challenges, Brush N' Bone has continued to grow through local marketing, word-of-mouth recommendations and a strong commitment to customer service.
Plans for Growth
Looking ahead, Megan hopes to continue expanding her client base and further establish Brush N' Bone as a trusted local grooming business known for its personalised and compassionate approach.
She is keen to continue developing her professional skills through further education and training, enabling her to offer additional grooming services and enhance the customer experience. Longer term, Megan would like to explore opportunities to expand into larger premises as demand for her services grows.
Her ambition is to build a sustainable business that provides exceptional care for dogs while becoming a valued part of the local community.
What the grant meant
Receiving the grant provided more than financial support. It also gave Megan confidence and reassurance at a crucial stage in her business journey. The funding helped remove barriers to launching the business and demonstrated that organisations are willing to invest in aspiring entrepreneurs with strong ideas and determination to succeed.
As Megan reflects: "Receiving the grant has been incredibly encouraging and has shown me that there are organisations that genuinely want to support small businesses and entrepreneurs. It has taught me the importance of believing in myself, taking opportunities when they arise, and not being afraid to ask for help and support along the way."
Eight months after receiving the grant, Brush N' Bone is building a reputation for delivering high-quality, one-to-one dog grooming services and demonstrating how targeted early-stage funding can help transform a business idea into a growing local enterprise.
