Investment & Fund Management
c encountered financial obstacles when seeking
Full Credential Description
Loïc Escamez, the founder of Le Jardin de la Clairette, faced significant challenges when he decided to transition from being a chief-pâtissier to starting his own food business. After leaving his job, he began producing traditional food products using ripe fruits and vegetables that local farmers could not sell. As demand for his products surged, he quickly found himself overwhelmed with orders. However, the rapid growth of his business brought about the need for compliance with EU food and safety regulations, which required him to acquire larger facilities and equipment.
Despite the success, Loïc encountered financial obstacles when seeking funding. Traditional banks were unhelpful; one even laughed at his request, while others offered loans with prohibitively high interest rates. This left him feeling disheartened and uncertain about the future of his business. Fortunately, he secured an EU-guaranteed loan through Banque Populaire, backed by the European Investment Fund (EIF). This financial support enabled him to purchase a new location, essential cooking equipment, and storage facilities.
With the loan, Loïc was able to expand his operations significantly, which not only helped him meet the growing demand but also allowed him to focus on his mission of promoting seasonal and organic food while reducing pesticide use. He expressed gratitude for the support from the bank, noting their commitment to guiding him through the expansion process. Looking ahead, Loïc aims to further grow his business by offering ready-cooked meals and creating new recipes for special occasions, as well as opening his own shop to foster closer connections with customers and the local community.