Member Article

Walsall Wood tattoo studio receives £1,500 grant from Walsall Business Support

A new tattoo studio in Walsall Wood has received a £1,500 grant from Walsall Business Support, which aims to help grow business and skills in the town.

Business owner Dan Weller, who opened Ink Eightyeight in Salters Road in March, has been awarded the grant to help establish his new studio. The money will go towards start-up costs, including the purchase of furniture and specialist equipment.

Dan commented: “After 16 years as a tattoo artist, I thought it was about time I opened up my own studio. I wanted to start it up in Walsall as it’s where I’m from and I already have a large customer base here.

“I applied for a grant from Walsall Business Support to help me set up my shop and was really grateful to receive funding. It’s been a big help and has supported me in taking on another tattoo artist as the equipment they need is very expensive.”

Formed by leading local business figures to distribute funds collected from the legacy of Walsall Chamber of Commerce, Walsall Business Support provides grants to applicants who want funding for projects to enhance business life in the borough.

WBS director John Punch said: “We offer grants for businesses looking to bring growth, skills and employment to the borough of Walsall, with the aim of benefitting as many local people as possible.

“As we are keen to attract new businesses to the area, we were really pleased to be able to provide Dan with a grant to help him launch his new studio. Ink Eightyeight is a fantastic example of how a small start-up business can benefit from a Walsall Business Support grant, and we wish Dan every success in the future.”

In addition to the £1,500 grant, Dan has benefitted from a marketing audit of his business, fully funded by Walsall Business Support, to provide him with advice on steps he could take to further promote his shop.

Dan added: “Applying for a grant from Walsall Business Support was really easy, so I’d definitely recommend it to others looking for funding. I hope that raising awareness of the financial support out there will help other business owners too.

“I have lots of exciting plans to grow my business in the future. Hopefully my tattoo studio will bring more people and trade to Walsall Wood, especially as there are beauty shops next door and a pub over the road. With a 16-year following, I have quite a large local customer base.”

Walsall Business Support can provide grants and a free training needs analysis to businesses looking to generate growth, create employment or shape training opportunities for the borough of Walsall. Using an online application form on the WBS website, bids for financial support can be submitted by businesses needing investment in a new project or a company wanting to improve skills.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Osborn Communications .