The Startup Innovation Award
2024
Nominee
Finalist
Shortlist
Winner
Dog Country
Dog Country
The Dog Country project is an initiative aimed at creating a dedicated dog ‘space’ in the picturesque area of Kinlochleven, within the Scottish Highlands. It is intended to provide.
The project is designed to provide safe enclosed areas where dogs can freely engage in their natural behaviours such as running, playing, exploring, discovering, learning and socialising with other dogs. It would also offer wellbeing retreats, secluded areas, and nature bathing to local and visiting dog owners and offer support to local charities such as Lochaber Hope, Ewan’s Room and Lochaber Women's Aid.
Key Goals:
- Support dog owners and promote responsible dog ownership.
- Reduce biting, fouling, livestock harm and straying incidence.
- Reduce incidence of dogs being surrendered or euthanised.
- Provide a network and base for information regarding canine husbandry, welfare and sports.
- Provide health and social benefits including maintenance of good physical and mental welfare for both people and dogs.
- Build the foundation for responsible dog ownership that could be replicated community, village, town, city and countrywide
- Allow ‘real world’ training not found in more formal settings.
- Provide a natural outdoor environment to encourage learning through play similar in scope and ambition for children's outdoor learning facilities.
- Build partner networks through connected agencies in the wider community to preserve and nurture the environment, heritage and culture.
- Create a community hub for engagement where dog owners can meet, socialise, share experiences and thrive
Achievements:
Community Support: The project has garnered interest and wide support from local and visiting dog owners as well as the broader community. Featured in local media.
Planning and Development: Significant progress has been made in planning and developing the park, including securing a lease for the land, securing finance and designing the park layout.
Educational Programs: Plans to implement educational programs on dog care and environmental conservation are also in place.
I've built a reputation as a trusted business with repeat customers.
Judges Comments
Dog Country stands out as a business concept which is rooted in purpose, focusing on personal wellbeing, community value and animal welfare all driven by a personal passion for dogs and a belief that tourism and good animal welfare practices are two intrinsically linked thematic areas which can thrive together.
The judges loved the fact that the business model aims to have a multiplier effect far beyond the core activities of the business itself and recognises the many extensions and wide-ranging opportunities further down the line.
Businesses who prioritise purpose and values are Increasingly becoming the mainstream, meeting a growing demand for experiences to be purposeful and offer a sense of transformation - whether personal or through the wider impact generated from it.
Whilst the business model is extensively described, judges would like to see more numbers, such as assessment of the market size, possible economic forecasting both, in terms of the offer, pricing and potential revenue required to ensure the business is viable. This is particularly important both to asses the business potential but also how the varying overheads can be covered, whilst also pursuing the highly commendable community and charitable aims.
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