As The SME Rise Collective hits their next milestone of 130 SMEs supported since launch 5 months ago, it seems appropriate to reflect on all that has been achieved, but through the lens of those who have received the marketing packages and how it has helped them back on their feet during Covid times.
Here is SME Rise Collective in their words…
“When I applied for SME RISE COLLECTIVE, I wasn’t sure how it would benefit me – I just knew that after Covid19 my gym needed support, or we would have to close. The SME Rise Collective came through with not just one agency to help me but two! I have met two amazing ladies who are absolute professionals, and who have donated their different expertise to my business and I feel so humbled to have this type of support, after emerging from such an awful time for gyms. The business is now in a place, that I didn’t think we would ever be able to get to – and it is due to having the type of support that only SME Rise Collective could provide – as no one else is doing what they are.” said Michelle Kuehn, Real Boxing Only gym.
‘Being supported by the #SmeRiseCollective has been instrumental in helping our business recover and reach new audiences. The team have been amazing every step of the way and we cannot thank them enough for everything they have done. For CG Barbershop to be featured in Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar is a dream come true. From the whole team at CG Barbershop THANK YOU!” said Francesca Krachai, General Manager at CG Barbershop.
“Like with so many, COVID-19 hit TKD Lingerie like a sledgehammer. Suddenly our boutiques were closed, our bra fitters sat at home, our marketing plans and budgets out the window. We knew we had to be innovative in order to support our teams and get through the worst of this. We needed to continue to offer TKD’s high level of service and fit advice outside of the changing rooms. Concierge deliveries, virtual fittings and home fittings became our new normal. But how could we get the word out about this? All our time was taken up with the doing and we certainly didn’t have a budget for PR and Marketing. Being awarded an SME Rise Collective support package felt like a rainbow in the middle of a storm. It was a huge morale boost for the whole team and it has given us invaluable support and exposure at this critical time. We can not thank the SME Rise team enough.” said Kate Kikano, Founder of TKD Lingerie.
“The SME Rise Collective have been a great support in such unnerving times. Thanks to them I’ve been able to drive awareness of my brand all across Dubai and opened the doors to opportunities that may not have been there previously. It’s great to be part of a real community!” said Grace Downes, Founder, Beach Seventy Six.
“The concept of #SMERisecollective is awesome – it’s so great that female business owners are giving back to their fellow female business owners. I personally have benefited from some fantastic PR support which has truly given my business some much needed exposure. I am looking forward to being able to give back in the same way.” said Kate Lindley, Manager, Paw Pals Pets Nursery.
Natasha Hatherall, founder of TishTash and The SME Rise Collective said “We feel proud of all we have achieved to-date, but nothing puts it into perspective more than when you hear the difference it made to survival of the SMEs themselves. We set out hoping to make a difference to one company during this time and what we actually went on to achieve is so much more than any of us could have imagined.”
The work of The SME Rise Collective continues to support SMEs through the critical re-build phase in the next 12-18 months, with over 600 companies still awaiting support.
