Type=image;ImageID=3067;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=The official opening of the Polish delicatessen Kabanos;TitleClass=strong;
Councillor Mike Heap, Wolverhampton City Council's Deputy Mayor, cut the ribbon to declare Kabanos, in Cleveland Street, open on Saturday (6 December).
The Polish delicatessen is run by Karolina Cummings and Kamilla Adamczyk and represents the first business they have owned, following careers in retail and the restaurant trade.
Karolina and Kamilla entered the Wolverhampton Portas Pilot Idea2Reality competition and battled dozens of other budding entrepreneurs for a share of the first prize.
They have been given business support including being awarded a 6 month rent free shop and a contribution to business rates to help set up.
Kabanos will sell a wide range of Polish products, from cakes through to fresh speciality sliced meats. People will also be able to taste the products before they buy them too.
Poland born Karolina, a former University of Wolverhampton student, said: "We are very excited to get our business off the ground as we feel there is a market for it here in the city.
"This is both mine and Kamilla's first business that we own but we think we can offer something unique and different for customers.
"We actually submitted our application to Idea2Reality at the last minute so we were shocked and very pleased to find that we had made it to the shortlist and then go on to win it.
"The support we have received from the council, Access to Business and everyone involved with Idea2Reality has been fantastic and without this help, I don't think we would have been able to set Kabanos up."
Kabanos is the latest Portas Pilot venture to get off the ground in Wolverhampton. Alternative fashion outlet Corpse Clothing has opened up in the Mander Centre while the Shop in the Square, showcasing a range of products from different entrepreneurs is now trading in Queen Square.
The Fish Stall, which is based in Worcester Street, opened last month and the Hungry Bistro, is set to open its doors in Lichfield Street this week.
Nicholas Pitt, Idea2Reality chair, said: "Kabanos is a welcome addition to our city centre offer and we are delighted to welcome them to Wolverhampton.
"Idea2Reality has been an incredible success which has seen a number of new entrepreneurs set up their businesses in the city.
"The project has been vital to support independent traders and help them succeed in Wolverhampton."
- released: Tuesday 10 December, 2013