Member Article

Aspiring female entrepreneur to take Newcastle street food startup to Edinburgh

Newcastle-based businesswoman Lizzy Hodcroft has completed a successful fundraising campaign which will allow her to take her street food startup north of the border.

Hailing from Jesmond, Lizzy reached her £1,400 target within ten days via fundraising website GoFundMe.

The 26-year-old, who still works 40 hours a week as a restaurant duty manager, is now able to take her burgeoning food business, The Sweet Beet, to the Foodies Festival, set to take place in Edinburgh this summer.

She said: “I had been thinking about going solo and setting up my own business for a while. After almost a decade in the hospitality industry I wanted to be able to have the freedom to use my creativity and love of Southern flavour so I decided it was the time for me to venture out and do what I love on my own.”

In less than two weeks, all the money has been donated, following major support from friends, family and the local community, who have all backed the startup.

Lizzy continued: “GoFundMe has given me a huge amount of confidence in the business – the support I’ve been shown by so many people has been very important, at a time when I’m taking a big business leap.

“All the money will be used for the entry fee to the Edinburgh Foodies Festival, where I will be able to exhibit and sell street food and my unique salsas and spreads.”

Lizzy, who grew up in Dallas, Texas and lived there until she was 17, completed her chef training at Newcastle college.

The Sweet Beet, which takes inspiration from Lizzy’s Texan roots to produce unusual flavours and ingredient pairings, will trade for the first time this month.

She added: “In The Sweet Beet I’m taking the wild style of Texas and producing it in food, which can be seen in our Bacon Jam, Habanero Lime Jelly and my favourite, Tomato Marmalade.”

Kelsea Little, spokesperson for GoFundMe.com said: “It’s wonderful to see the impact that the funds raised on Lizzy’s campaign have already had on her street food business. We wish The Sweet Beet lots of luck at the Foodies Festival this year!”