Megan Fletcher - Co-Founder
The closure of Little Drivers left a void in the local community, impacting parents and children who cherished it as a safe and fun space. For Megan and Imogen, both mothers to young girls and self-employed business owners, the closure was especially disappointing. They saw an opportunity not only to restore the beloved soft play but also to bring their own ventures, For Goodness Bakes and Little Legs with Imogen, into a shared space that could serve as a community hub.
Driven by a vision to revive the soft play and create a welcoming venue for families, Megan and Imogen aimed to bring their unique perspectives as parents into the new centre. However, they quickly realised that securing the lease, equipment, and renovations would require substantial financial support. This led them to reach out to Roxanne Goodman at Female Founder Finance, who provided guidance on the best funding options available.
From the beginning, Megan and Imogen were determined to build a soft play centre that went beyond just child entertainment. They envisioned a space where parents, guardians, and families could also feel comfortable and supported.
To refine this vision, they conducted a survey that received nearly 200 responses from parents, childminders, and childcare providers across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. The feedback underscored that the things important to them were shared by the broader community.
“When Megan and Imogen approached us for funding through a connection at Long Eaton Rugby Club, it was clear that their vision was something special,” Roxanne Goodman, founder of Female Founder Finance, shared. “Their business plan was detailed and demonstrated a clear sense of purpose deeply rooted in their experiences as parents and the needs of their community.”
After reviewing their plan, Roxanne recommended a start-up loan to give them the initial financial boost required to open Mighty Monsters. “This loan would provide them with the working capital needed to launch their venture and sustain operations during the critical early months,” she explained.
“With the cost of the rent, equipment, and planning that was to go into this new venture, we knew we needed some help,” Megan and Imogen recalled. Roxanne introduced them to the start-up loan program, which offered the working capital needed to secure the lease, source equipment, and initiate planning.
“This has benefited us massively as we were able to begin planning our new venture, getting in touch with suppliers for quotes, and knowing what we could do in our budget!” they shared.
“We have built a soft play business which, whilst obviously being about the children, has their parents and/or guardians at the heart,” they explained. The upcoming Mighty Monsters centre will cater to children from newborns up to 12 years old, offering spaces and activities suited for each age group.
Roxanne has witnessed their dedication first-hand and considers their journey inspiring. “It has been a genuine pleasure to watch Megan and Imogen bring their vision to life with Mighty Monsters. Their hard work and commitment to building a community-focused venue are truly admirable.”
Since May, Megan and Imogen have worked tirelessly to transform their vision into reality, overcoming numerous challenges along the way. Now, with the lease secured and the opening set for November 2024, Mighty Monsters stands poised to become a cherished resource for local families, providing an enriching and safe environment for children and parents alike.
Megan and Imogen are excited to open the doors to Mighty Monsters and look forward to making a lasting impact on the community that supported them throughout this journey. With the support of Female Founder Finance and their own determination, they have successfully created a business that brings together the best of local partnerships, family values, and community spirit.
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