Stephanie Stott, founder of Cambridgeshire’s online creative hub is crowdfunding to launch The Trove Cambridge as a business venture through which she aims to better connect local creatives, creative organisations and the community.

Stephanie has been developing The Trove Cambridge over the last six years and through a very exciting opportunity with Natwest and Crowdfunder as part of their Back Her Business campaign and Bring It 2020 competition she is on her way to realising her dream career.

What started out as a personal blog is now an alternative platform to showcase the work and services of local creatives and creative organisations across the county.

Stephanie invites you to explore Cambridgeshire’s creative scene – whether you are looking to sign up for a creative workshop, attend an upcoming exhibition, find a printing or framing service, or buy a gift from a local artisan, The Trove Cambridge aims to help you find what it is you are looking for and to spark your curiosity.

After a very successful start, raising 50% of her initial crowdfunding target in just the first week, Stephanie is creating a buzz in the local community – with support from local artists, designers, makers, businesses and residents across Cambridgeshire:

“Since [Stephanie] first introduced [herself] to me at one of my open studio events a few years ago, [she has] been such a wonderful ambassador and support to our growing community.” — Sue Rapley, Local Artist/Member of #WeAreCambsCreatives

“What [Stephanie’s] doing enriches the community and showcases so many amazing artists that would otherwise go unseen.” — Stephanie Brown, Cambridgeshire Resident

“Empowering small business is the future. It is tough being a small business owner and what Stephanie from the Trove Cambridge is doing is so exciting, allowing us small businesses to flourish. Thank you Stephanie for taking this giant leap.” — Nadia Williams, Owner of Rosa May Crafts/Member of #WeAreCambsCreatives

“Love everything [Stephanie does] – an excellent business idea that supports other amazing businesses.” — Charlotte Steggall, Local Resident/Founder of The Ganburu Guide

Through the crowdfunding project Stephanie has launched a limited edition Treasures Box which is themed ‘Books & Bikes’ – a lovingly curated gift box featuring high quality prints and products from local artists; Naomi Davies, Alison Hullyer, Snowtap, Maureen Mace and Lily In Space. A celebration of our beautiful city Cambridge, this box is available to buy for £40.

Funds from the campaign will support an ongoing project to support local artists, designers and makers from across Cambridgeshire through the launch of an online shop.

The Trove Cambridge has also launched a new membership offer inviting local creatives and creative organisations to join their #WeAreCambsCreatives collective.

#WeAreCambsCreatives is a supportive and inclusive community of professionals, side-hustlers and hobbyists looking to promote their work and services. The Trove Cambridge welcomes new and established members, from yarn-bombers to fine artists.

Stephanie is seeking support from local business sponsors to enable her to launch the first issue of #CambsCreativeScene – a magazine which will be distributed to the public and local businesses from June 2020. She is working alongside local illustrator, graphic designer and printmaker Dario Fisher to bring this publication to life.

Although she has now achieved over 70% of her initial funding target, Stephanie is hoping to raise at least £5,000 by 1pm on Monday 30th March 2020 to support a number of ongoing projects which will not only provide benefits to the local creative community but the wider Cambridgeshire community too.

As part of Natwest’s Bring It 2020 competition she is also in for the chance of winning a prize of £10,000 to invest in this business venture. You can support this crowdfunding project by donating any amount (from just £1) or selecting from one of the fantastic rewards available.