A NEW Test Valley flower farm, Stockbridge Blooms, has received a business incentive grant of £750.
Kate McGrane set up her flower farm as a career change, after 30 years working as a nurse.
She’s starting out with a focus on dahlias as a cut flower but will then expand the range to extend the season and plans to sell dahlia tubers and seedlings, before replanting the dahlia crop.
This year, she has been selling some flowers through Andover market and local farm shops. She also sells bunches of flowers at the garden gate and pick your own is also available.
READ MORE: Josie's to take over Party at the Mill in Alresford
Kate said: “It is great to receive a council grant to support my new business venture and I have plans to expand the growing area in my garden and to increase the quantity and variety of flowers for 2024”.
Cllr Alison Johnston, who presented the cheque, said: “I am pleased to award the business incentive grant to Kate to help her flower business grow. The grant schemes are a great opportunity for those wishing to set up new businesses in Test Valley.”
Business Incentive Grants are for new businesses located in Test Valley. They will be paid once you have been up and running for six months.
Anyone starting a business can find out more and download an application form on Test Valley Borough Council's website.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here