Winners of Eco Entrepreneurs Fund 2022 encourage students to apply
The Eco Entrepreneurs Fund has helped sustainable businesses tremendously since it was set up, with funding, networking and confidence boosting opportunities.
Just ask Matt Cosier and Nick Cooper, the duo behind the successful Gaia Card membership scheme. They won the Eco Entrepreneurs Fund in 2022 and since then, their business has skyrocketed. With nearly 5,000 members enjoying exclusive discounts from ethical brands, coffee shops, fitness providers, and what's more, the Gaia Card has become a thriving part of the Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch communities, with even more locations in the works.
Not only has Gaia provided valuable benefits to its members, but it has also made a significant impact on the environment. Through the planting of 45,000 trees in Madagascar and 1,000 trees in Somerset, Gaia is actively working towards reducing its carbon footprint.
Matt, a former student at Bournemouth University with a BSc in Business and Management and MSc in Marketing Management, shares his thoughts on the Eco Entrepreneurs Fund experience. "The Eco Entrepreneurs Fund was an incredible journey for us. We met like-minded individuals trying to get their business ideas out there and doing amazing things to encourage greater sustainability. Winning the prize was great for us, it gave us a real boost. We were able to spend the money on developing our marketing for the Gaia Card which has contributed to the success we have had."
He continues, "I would encourage anyone with an ethical or eco-friendly business idea to apply for the Eco Entrepreneurs Fund. My advice to those applying would be to prepare a well-thought-out plan and approach for your pitch to the judging panel. We were up against some really good businesses and they had put a lot time and effort into their pitches."
