The Goldsmiths’ Centre announces first round of recipients of the Business Catalyst (Small) Grants 2024
The Goldsmiths’ Centre in London announced the five emerging jewellery and silversmithing businesses to receive the first round of £1,000 Business Catalyst (Small) Grants in 2024: Scarlett Cohen French, Ozlem Gunes, Megan Brown, Emma Wilson and Alice Fry.
Chosen by the Goldsmiths’ Centre team and guest judges Bettina Boerner, Head of Manufacturing at DeBeers Jewellers, and Darren Sherwood of Sherwood Jewellery, these talented individuals have recently completed or undertaken formal mentoring programmes, business consultancy, or business diagnostic programmes, including the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s, showcasing their dedication to bringing their business plans to life. Funded by philanthropic giving from the current members of the Goldsmiths’ Company, these grants aim to support successful business growth, whether that is an increase in sales, productivity or profitability, or the potential creation of new employment opportunities or an improvement in business processes.
Alice Fry will use her grant to invest in Rhino CAD software to create 3D printed and cast settings for her jewellery and silverware, showcasing her work at the Goldsmiths’ Fair and Craft in Focus Wisley. Megan Brown will hire a photographer and model to create a marketing brochure, enhancing her website and social media presence. Scarlett Cohen French will develop a collection of brooches and rings, using the grant to bring her CAD designs to life. Ozlem Gunes plans to improve her website through new imagery and copywriting to better attract customers, whilst Emma Wilson will expand her range of silver and enamel rings, using the grant to streamline production and offer a wider selection of designs, thereby growing her business and profitability.
“There is limited financial support for emerging businesses, therefore we are delighted to be able to support these five talented makers to develop their businesses and we look forward to sharing their progress in future.”
– Julia Skilton, Grants and Engagement Manager at the Goldsmiths’ Centre
Alice Fry
Emma Wilson
Megan Brown
Ozlem Gunes
Scarlet Cohen French
“I’m ever so grateful and extremely happy to have received Business Catalyst (Small) Grant! The Goldsmiths’ Centre has been very supportive with the ongoing development of my jewellery business in many ways than one, this grant will be help me move forward to the next level and I will be using it for a new website which is a crucial way of showcasing our work as jewellers and what we do.”
– Ozlem Gunez, jeweller and grant recipient
Applications for round two of this year’s Business Catalyst (Small) Grants close on Sunday 13 October 2024 at 5pm. To apply and find out more, visit www.goldsmiths-centre.org/apply-for-grants/business-catalyst-small-grants