An emerging Dorset tech business has received a £10k Start Up Loan boost via SWIG Finance to develop its online business planning platform, Plana.
The Plana platform enables key stakeholders to collaborate in business planning and keep track of progress and was officially launched in April.
Mark Painter, an experienced business growth consultant, designed Plana for consultants, academics and business owners to support seamless and cost-effective collaboration across multiple business functions.
Plana was developed over 10 years and its step-by-step method breaks down tasks into bite-sized chunks to simplify the process.
Once a business plan has been finalised, it can be used as a working document to ensure that employee objectives are aligned with corporate goals.
Plana currently employs one person but is looking to expand its headcount as the business grows.
Mark commented “The funding we received was pivotal, particularly in enabling us to complete the final software development phases of Plana and build a brand-new website. Since receiving the loan, we have focussed on the completion of the Plana platform and have undertaken further rounds of testing and market research. We have been encouraged throughout by the positive feedback we have received”.
SWIG Finance’s Jo MacEachen said “Having run his own business before, and supported other businesses, Mark is no stranger to business planning. The Plana platform has been carefully developed over time and we are sure that this will have a far-reaching impact on many budding entrepreneurs”.
About SWIG Finance
SWIG Finance is a non-profit company that supports viable South West businesses that can’t secure sufficient funding from their bank.
We’re growing every year. In 2022/23, we lent £14m to 478 businesses, helping to create and secure over 1,000 jobs and generate £44.6m in social impact. Download the report here.
If you’d like to discuss your funding requirements, get in touch with our friendly and professional team: info@swigfinance.co.uk / 01872 227 930.