A new crowdfunding campaign has set its sights on transforming UK high streets with a unique business concept. Founded by Penny Power OBE and Gail Thomas, the Business Café aims to provide a dedicated space for small business owners to meet and grow.
Combining the relaxed atmosphere of a coffee shop with a professional business environment, the Business Café is poised to make a significant impact.
A Vision for Small Businesses
Penny Power, known for founding an online networking platform, Ecademy, in 1998, has teamed up with social entrepreneur Gail Thomas to bring the Business Café to life. Their first location is set to open in Peterborough, after successfully raising £58,000 of their £350,000 target on Crowdcube.
The aim is to create a nationwide network of cafes that provide a ‘home away from home’ vibe for small business owners. These cafes will offer free membership, allowing access to a private, lounge-style environment.
Unique Features of the Business Café
The concept is designed to fill a gap left by traditional coffee shops like Starbucks and Costa, where small business owners often feel out of place during meetings. Gail Thomas explains, ‘The Business Café picks up where Starbucks leaves off.’
All the coffee and food served will be tied up with a leading independent retail caterer, enhancing the local connection and quality of offerings.
Additional Support and Programmes
Each Business Café location will feature ‘Digital Friends,’ highly trained staff who offer free assistance with digital skills to help improve business performance. This support is invaluable for many small business owners looking to enhance their digital presence.
Another key feature is the ‘StrongMind-StrongBusiness’ programme, aimed at fostering mental strength among small business owners. This initiative will be central to the Business Café’s mission.
Penny Power highlights the importance of real-time, physical social experiences in a digital age. ‘You really do need both,’ she says, emphasising the value of networking and sharing problems over coffee.
The Founders’ Journey
Penny Power and Gail Thomas first met in 2011, when Gail hired one of Penny’s apprentices from the Digital Youth Academy. Since then, they’ve found working together to be enriching and complementary.
Penny brings expertise in networking, marketing, and digital skills, while Gail excels in financial management and operations. ‘We beautifully harmonise both left and right sides of the brain,’ says Penny.
Funding and Future Plans
The crowdfunding campaign on Crowdcube is just the beginning. With initial funds already raised, the business aims to continue gathering support to reach its £350,000 target for the Peterborough launch.
Once the first location is up and running, the plan is to roll out more cafes across the UK. Each location will maintain the core ethos of providing a supportive environment for small business owners.
Community and Social Media Presence
The Business Café already has a significant online presence, with various social media communities forming around the concept. This digital footprint will help drive awareness and engagement.
By leveraging social media, the founders hope to create a robust network that supports the physical locations. This online-offline synergy is seen as a crucial element of the Business Café’s success.
The Business Café Experience
The cafes aim to be more than just a place to grab coffee. They will serve as hubs for networking, collaboration, and support among small business owners.
With a focus on quality food, excellent coffee, and a conducive business environment, the Business Café plans to offer an unparalleled experience for its members.
The crowdfunding campaign to launch the Business Café marks a promising start for this innovative concept. With initial funds already raised, the founders’ vision is well on its way to becoming a reality.
As more locations open, the Business Café is set to become a staple on UK high streets, providing much-needed support and community for small business owners. This initiative not only fosters entrepreneurship but also strengthens local economies and promotes meaningful connections.