Guernsey's entrepreneurs under the spotlight

Monday 26 September 2022

A research project, focusing on Guernsey's entrepreneurial landscape has been launched with The Digital Greenhouse and Black Vanilla jointly exploring the island's success stories, and challenges small and start-up business face.

A survey has been launched, which aims to provide research outlining those challenges and the advantages for entrepreneurs setting up a business in Guernsey and what support is needed to foster further growth of local companies.

Lucy Kirby, Director at the Digital Greenhouse (pictured top), said: "We are pleased to be collaborating with Black Vanilla to hear from Guernsey's new business community. We run a wide range of programmes alongside other businesses and organisations, and it's great to see what else can be developed to help grow start-ups and small businesses.

"During the Covid-19 pandemic, we saw an influx of new businesses through our doors. However, we must ensure that these new ventures have a broad range of tools and support to thrive. We know that one size does not fit all and are pleased to see companies like Black Vanilla offering more services to the small business community of Guernsey."

Pictured: Nichole Culverwell from Black Vanilla.

The survey results will be launched during Global Entrepreneurship Week (12-19 November 2022). Digital Greenhouse's Global Entrepreneurship Week will host several events, including a panel event with local industry leaders to discuss the survey's results. The details of the panellists will be announced shortly.‌

Nichole Culverwell, Director at Black Vanilla, said: "Starting a new enterprise is exciting, but of course, it's hugely challenging too. Our local entrepreneurial ecosystem must thrive so small businesses and start-ups can access the support they need at all stages of the setup and growth cycle.

"We hope that local entrepreneurs will respond to the survey so we can learn more about Guernsey's small business landscape."‌

The survey is open to those who have started a new business, organisation or third-sector operation after January 2020. The survey can be filled in here.

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