Puppy school pawses to collect council grant
Andover dog lover Karen Lassman is the latest business owner to receive a grant boost from Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC).
Karen’s Puppy School and Day Care, based in River Way, Andover, has been awarded a £750 Business Incentive Grant.
Offering dog home boarding, puppy socialising and puppy training, the school is perfect for dog and puppy owners. Karen was encouraged to set up her own business after friends were impressed with her track record of training their own dogs. She then subsequently gained qualifications in dog training and first aid.
Karen said: “I’ve always had a dog and I understand how important it is for owners to know that their dog is given plenty of attention and care during the day.
“The council have been so helpful throughout my journey into becoming a business owner, offering brilliant advice as well as a valuable boost through the Business Incentive Grant which has allowed me to invest in developing my business further.”
St Mary’s ward member, Cllr Iris Anderson presented the cheque to Karen. She said: “I am so pleased to hear that Karen has launched her new business and that it has been so well received in the community. I understand that Karen already has a few customers which is a great start to what I have no doubt will be a great business going forward.”
Karen sought expert advice from TVBC’s Animal Welfare Officer, Rod Mason when setting up the business. Rod said: “The new regulations covering animal activities like home boarding and breeding have been challenging but as a business friendly council we are always determined to work with new and small businesses to ensure that they have the very best chance of success.
“I am very proud and impressed by the consistently high standard achieved by the home boarders in Test Valley and Karen is no exception”.
The Council’s Business Incentive Grants are available to anyone looking to set up their own business in Test Valley.
Anyone who successfully applies for the grant will receive £750 if their business is still going strong six months later.