PLANS by the owners of Beanies children's centre to expand its new "parties for grown-ups" business have received a £20,000 boost.
The three mums behind Beanies, Karen Cartwright, Prima Yadave and Hina Shah, have been successful in obtaining a low interest loan from the council-backed Croydon Enterprise Loan Fund (CELF).
And in doing so they brought the total amount of funding provided by the council to support existing and aspiring businesses to £2 million since CELF launched in 2008.
Over that time the fund has lent to more than 200 businesses, creating and protecting around 300 jobs.
Mrs Cartwright said the loan would be used both to expand activities at the established children's centre in Middle Street, Croydon, and to help the Project B arm of the company, launched earlier this year.
Project B concentrates on providing a venue for parties for adults ranging from birthday events to anniversaries and wedding receptions.
Mrs Cartwright said: "We will use the loan towards renovation work on the building in Middle Street to provide the venue and help market Project B."
The landmark cheque was presented to Beanies by Councillor Toni Letts, the council's cabinet member for economic development.
She said: "The council is passionate about supporting small businesses and helping local aspiring start-ups make their entrepreneurial dreams a reality.
"Small businesses are vital to our local economy, creating jobs for local people, which is why it is really important we are there to help them succeed."
