Shelley Smith, founder of Finnegan’s Whiskers, has opened Suffolk’s only cat café and feline foster home based in Sudbury. Shelley has partnered with local cat rescue centre, Mel’s Rescue, to home cats at the café and alleviate pressure on animal rescue centres. Visitors to the café will also have the option to adopt cats they interact with and participate in animal therapy sessions. These will be arranged at the café on an ongoing basis, along with events such as crafting and a book club.
In a bid to support other small businesses, she will also be working with local suppliers to offer cakes, brownies, savoury pastries and a range of hot and cold drinks for customers.
“I am so delighted to have taken the plunge into business ownership. Having worked in radio before having children, I am excited to get my teeth into a new project that involves two things I’m passionate about – cats and helping the community!
“I feel honoured to be recognised as one of this year’s Ambassadors and I hope I can inspire other entrepreneurs to consider their options when it comes to financing a business. Finnegan’s Whiskers is a dream business for me and the loan I received from Start Up Loans made my dreams a reality.”
Instagram: @FinnegansWhiskers / Facebook: @FinnegansWhiskers
