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At Business Sheffield, we’re passionate about helping businesses with purpose grow and thrive. Sheffield is home to a vibrant community of social enterprises that create real social impact while driving local growth and opportunity. Through our Productivity Grant, we support these businesses to invest in equipment, improve efficiency and build the capacity they need to make a lasting difference.
Among the many businesses we’ve supported is Roots & Bloom CIC, founded by Gina in 2019. Inspired by her stepdad’s dementia diagnosis, she set out to create a space where people could reconnect with nature and regain a sense of purpose through horticultural therapy. That vision became Roots & Bloom, a flower farm and floristry shop helping people across Sheffield to live well through nature.
Business Sheffield has been part of Gina’s journey from the very beginning. Gina connected with us six years ago when she first started shaping her business idea. Our advisors supported her through every stage, from registering the company and creating a business plan to finding the right land for the flower farm and applying for grants.
“Business Sheffield have been a part of our journey right from the start,” says Gina. “They helped us with everything, from forming the company and finding land for the flower farm to mentoring, grant applications and ongoing business support.”
As Roots & Bloom began to grow, Gina needed funding for her business. With guidance from her advisor, she applied for the Productivity Grant.
“We used the Productivity Grant to kit out the floristry shop,” says Gina. “It allowed us to buy the till system, install a lovely kitchen and display shelves, all the things we wouldn’t have been able to afford without the grant.”
The new shop at Leah’s Yard marked a turning point for Roots & Bloom, giving the team a permanent home and helping them reach more people across Sheffield. Throughout the process, Business Sheffield’s advisors continued to offer one-to-one support, helping Gina make confident decisions and overcome the everyday challenges of running a growing business.
“Business Sheffield have been an integral part of our journey,” she says. “It’s been really difficult at times, and without the support of their lovely advisors, I don’t think we’d be where we are now.”
Stories like Gina’s are why we do what we do. At Business Sheffield, we’re proud to support local entrepreneurs who combine business with purpose, helping them grow stronger and make a lasting impact on their communities.
If you’re looking to grow your business, invest in new equipment or create positive change, we’re here to help. Contact businesssheffield@sheffield.gov.uk or call 0114 224 5000 to find out more about the Productivity Grant and the free support available to Sheffield businesses.