New Chatham Beauty Business Opens Following Support from Kent Foundation Launchpad Programme
A new beauty business has officially opened its doors at Chatham Dockside Outlet, becoming one of the first ventures to launch with support from The Kent Foundation's Launchpad programme.
Riviera Skin Clinic, founded by qualified beauty therapist Emma Graham, recently welcomed its first customers after receiving tailored business support through Launchpad, a programme designed to help members of the Armed Forces community start and grow their own businesses. The programme provides one-to-one business support, coaching and mentor matching to help participants develop the skills, confidence and networks needed to succeed.
Emma, who is part of the Armed Forces community, worked closely with a business adviser and was matched with a dedicated volunteer business mentor through the programme. Together, they helped her develop her business plans, overcome challenges and stay focused on her goal of opening her own clinic.
Reflecting on the support she received, Emma said:
"The support I've received has been invaluable. Having someone to talk through my ideas with, challenge my thinking and help me sense-check my plans has given me confidence throughout the process. The mentoring and advice helped keep me on track and focused on the steps needed to open my business. I genuinely don't think I would have felt as prepared without it."
Riviera Skin Clinic offers a range of professional beauty and skincare treatments and is the culmination of Emma's industry knowledge, determination and ambition to build a business of her own.
The Launchpad programme is specifically aimed at supporting Armed Forces spouses and partners, service leavers, reservists and veterans who are considering self-employment or looking to grow an early-stage business. Through tailored business support and volunteer mentors, participants are helped to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and build sustainable enterprises.
Caroline Hallett, Director of The Kent Foundation, said:
"Emma's success is exactly why programmes like Launchpad exist. Members of the Armed Forces community often bring incredible resilience, adaptability and determination, but starting a business can still be a challenging journey. Through specialist business advice and mentoring, we've been able to help Emma turn her ambition into reality, and we're delighted to see Riviera Skin Clinic open its doors.
"Emma has worked incredibly hard to get to this point and should be very proud of what she has achieved. We hope her story will inspire other members of the Armed Forces community to consider taking the step into business ownership."
The Launchpad programme is a pilot programme delivered by The Kent Foundation and funded through Kent County Council with support from Southeastern Railway, enabling participants to access personalised business support, mentoring and practical guidance at no cost for participants. Participants need to be a partner or spouse of a currently serving, reservist or veteran keen to know more about setting up their own business - they can visit https://www.kentfoundation.org/launchpadkent to find out more.
Emma's business is among the first success stories emerging from the programme and highlights the impact targeted entrepreneurship support can have in helping individuals turn their ambitions into thriving local businesses.
As Riviera Skin Clinic begins its journey, Emma is looking forward to building a loyal customer base and becoming a valued part of the local business community.
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