Case Study

Looking across Padel courts from up high, with the Chalk & Padel logo on the wall in the background

Chalk & Padel

Exploring Funding Options to Support Rural Diversification at Chalk & Padel

Chalk & Padel Limited, led by Director Ben Chick, is a Dorset-based business developing the county’s first rural indoor padel club. As part of a wider farming enterprise, the venture represents a strategic move to diversify and build long-term resilience.

The Challenge

Like many in the agricultural sector, Ben and his family have faced increasing pressure from rising input costs, low commodity prices and reduced government support. As a result, diversification has become an important priority to help secure the future of the business.

Alongside the core farming operation, Ben has been developing plans to launch Chalk & Padel - an indoor padel club designed to bring a new recreational offering to the rural community. As a new venture outside of traditional farming, this required exploring different approaches to funding.

Having typically relied on traditional bank finance, Ben was keen to better understand the wider range of funding options available, and to identify the most suitable route to support the new business.

The Support

Ben took part in the Funding Growth Workshop, delivered by Evolve as part of the Scale Up Finance programme, funded by Business Growth Dorset.

The workshop provided an overview of the different funding routes available to businesses, including traditional lending, start up loans and equity investment. It also created an opportunity to hear directly from professionals and entrepreneurs with experience of securing funding, offering practical insights into how different approaches work for businesses like Ben’s.

A key part of the experience was the opportunity to connect with other business owners - ranging from start ups to more established organisations, allowing participants to share ideas, ask questions and learn from each other’s experiences.

The Impact

Attending the workshop helped Ben to clarify the most appropriate funding strategy for the business. While alternative routes such as angel investment were explored, the sessions reinforced that a traditional banking approach was the best fit for Chalk & Padel, particularly given the availability of land as security and the associated risk considerations.

The experience also provided valuable reassurance, enabling Ben to move forward with greater confidence in his decision-making.

In addition, the connections made during the workshop have created opportunities for ongoing collaboration and support, with a network of like-minded, driven individuals to draw on as the business develops.

Testimonial

“I left with a lot more clarity on the best route forward for our business funding, and would highly recommend it to anyone at any stage of business who is securing or looking at different funding options.”

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