Go Carterton, the town’s business networking and advocacy group, this week announced the two winners of the inaugural Go Carterton Growth Fund grants. Wairarapa Dream Clean Ltd (Leah Wynne) and Rae Matheson Ltd (Rachael Matheson) were each awarded with $1000 to boost their business.

More than 15 applications from across the town were received, which was deemed a great result by the judging panel made up of Go Carterton executive committee members. While there was an excellent breadth of ideas, the two winners stood out for their well thought out plans, and the unique ways they would accelerate their businesses as a result of the grant.

Wairarapa Dream Clean Ltd, founded only two years ago, will be using the funds to accelerate marketing and generate leads in order to create employment opportunities in their business. Owner Leah Wynne said “This grant comes at just the right time, I’ve got the ideas and now I can find an expert to help me execute!”

Rae Matheson Ltd, recently established by 8-year Carterton resident Rachael Matheson, is using the funds for start-up costs for a Surface Pattern Design company which will largely operate online and leverage international sales through print-on-demand.

Go Carterton will open a second round of the Growth Fund later in 2019, with a launch event featuring the inaugural winners reporting back to the community on their projects.

For more information on the grant recipients head to www.cartertonnz.com/people