Danielle's Story

Making tails wag: How SWEF funding helped transform a rescue dog owner's hobby into a thriving business

Based in Northern Ireland, Danielle Swann received a grant from SWEF to develop her artisan dog treat business, The Doggie Pawtisserie.

What is your business?

I make artisan homemade dog treats that are tested and now, award-winning.

How did you get started?

When I rescued my very first dog as an adult, I began reading the back of dog food and dog treats and became very concerned by the amount of ingredients that were not easily available to the general public. I researched this and found out that I could make them myself.  I began doing this for my own dog, this then stretched to family dogs, then to friends' dogs, and now I make them for every dog.

How did you hear about SWEF and what led you to apply for a grant?

I heard about SWEF through social media.  As with anything, it seemed too good to be true! So I did a lot of research before deciding to apply.  I applied as I truly want to make dogs happy, and some financial help would have been invaluable. I was extremely lucky to be successful and have been able to fast-track different aspects that would not have been possible without SWEF.

How did the grant help you develop your business?

The grant has helped my business in so many different ways.  I was awarded funding for social media marketing, which has meant we have so many more followers and a bigger reach than prior to advertising online. I was also awarded funding to send new flavours to the lab to be tested. This has been invaluable, as everyone likes their dogs to have a variety of flavours to choose from.  The grant also enabled me to attend the largest agricultural show in Northern Ireland which was an amazing experience - over 110,000 people through the gates over the four day period.  The amount of business visibility this gave us, was outstanding!

How have you seen your finances change since you received the grant?

Yes – I receive more online orders and more people come to see us at the various markets we attend. People recognise my brand. I get emails from market organisers asking me to attend which was unheard of prior to being successful with SWEF.

Where do you see your business in a year's time?

I would love to see my business being able to allow me to do this full-time. This time next year, I want to be self-employed.

Anything else you want to share?

Thank you SWEF for believing in me and my business - many dogs have waggy tails because of the support received.

Where can we find out more?

Website: www.thedoggiepawtisserie.co.uk

Social media: @thedoggiepawtisserie (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok)

‍