Redundancy to realisation: How SWEF enterprise funding helped Studio Bramble open its first pop-up shop

Millie Brown, Interior Designer/Director at Studio Bramble Ltd, received £1,900 from our SWEF Enterprise Fund (Established Business Grant), to help expand her interior design business based in Keynsham. The funding provided critical support to launch her first-ever pop-up shop. Here’s Millie’s inspiring story in her own words:

“I started Studio Bramble in April 2024, and it’s been an incredible journey so far. At Studio Bramble, we offer 2 types of interior design services to cater to different needs and preferences. We also have an online shop filled with beautiful homeware accessories and furniture. Starting this business felt like a natural progression for me after years in the industry.

The opportunity to start Studio Bramble came at a pivotal moment. The business I was working for went into liquidation, leaving me redundant. I chose to view this as the perfect chance to take the leap I’d been dreaming of for years.

I’ve always had a passion for design. It started when I studied Textile Design at university, specialising in Print Design, and grew throughout my career. I’ve loved staying on top of trends, colours, and materials, and sharing my passion for interiors on social media. Starting my own business allowed me to take everything I love and turn it into something uniquely mine.

When I learned about the SWEF Enterprise Fund, through an online search, I knew it could be the key to taking Studio Bramble to the next level. Expanding into pop-up shops and markets had always been a dream of mine, but the financial challenges made it difficult to pursue. From purchasing stock, to covering venue hire and travel expenses, there were so many upfront costs to consider. That’s where SWEF came in and completely transformed what was possible.

The £1,900 grant I received played a pivotal role in helping me launch Studio Bramble’s first pop-up shop, which opened in February 2025. The pop-up went so well, I made some great connections with influencers and potential clients.

The grant helped me secure a location, covering the costs of venue hire and transportation. It also allowed me to invest in marketing and promotion, ensuring I could generate excitement around the event. This support gave me the financial stability and creative freedom to focus on curating a truly immersive and memorable experience for customers.

Without the grant, none of this would have been possible. The funding covered everything from van hire to transporting products and setting up the shop space and even purchasing additional stock. It allowed me to showcase my vision for Studio Bramble and introduce the brand to a wider audience. More importantly, it gave me the confidence to take risks and dream bigger for the future of the business.

The SWEF website had all the information I needed to find out more about their grants and the application process. The process was straightforward, and the support they offered has been phenomenal — not just the financial help, but the workshops and events that help entrepreneurs like me expand our knowledge and connect with others.

For anyone considering applying for a SWEF Enterprise Grant, my advice is simple: DO IT! Without SWEF, Studio Bramble wouldn’t be where it is today. They provide more than just funding; they give you access to a network of resources and people who truly want to see your business succeed.

My goal now is to grow our pop-up presence and eventually expand into a permanent retail space. I want to evolve Studio Bramble into a lifestyle brand, offering exclusive furniture collections and making our interior design services a central focus. Thanks to SWEF, I’m one step closer to achieving that vision.”

Our SWEF Enterprise Fund provides business grants of up to £2,000 to young entrepreneurs aged between 18-30 in Somerset, North Somerset and BANES. We have grants available for Start-Ups and Established Businesses.

11/03/25