As we eagerly await the announcement of the winners of Fund for Good, we are excited to share some of the incredible things that Manawanui Fund for Good previous recipients Bradley is doing.
Bradley is a Southland Entrepreneur who received a Manawanui Fund for Good grant back in 2020.
He loves to bake and launched his business Bradley’s K9 Munchies where he sells homemade dog treats online, across the country and locally in Invercargill. This business is important to Bradley and provides him with a sense of purpose and a meaningful role as a business entrepreneur.
Bradley's K9 Munchies was founded with a focus on giving back to the community - by donating $1 from every packet sold to a local charity. Furthermore, Bradley was on a mission to grow the brand in order to continue his own financial independence journey and to provide employment opportunities for other people with disabilities.
We are delighted to hear that Bradley has recently employed two new members to join the K9 Munchies family – Sammy and Zion. Ka pai Bradley!
We asked Bradley some questions about his new business venture and how things are going for him three years later.
How has your experience been so far as a business owner, what are the top 3 things you have learnt?
The experience so far has been great. I have learnt self-respect, how to meet goals and knowledge about saving money.
What inspires you?
Meeting people. Last year in December I was asked by one of the accessibility coordinators to give a speech in Wānaka. It went really great I enjoyed giving a speech and meeting people with disabilities and parents.
It's one thing employing support workers. How different is it employing workers for a business you run?
At the moment my mother, sister, best friend Zion (which I have known for 26 years) and my friend Sam are offering a helping hand when we get busy baking our treats. So far as an employer it has been quite fair.
How has owning your own business impacted your Self Direction?
It has completely changed my lifestyle, I feel important and a little bossy at times. It has been great I love people; I enjoy baking and meeting people such as dog owners who are quite interested and have supported me.
If you want to order some delicious treats for your fur-baby take a look at Bradley’s website here: https://www.bradleysk9munchies.nz/
Bradley and his whānau have achieved so much – he is an inspiration to so many people and we are absolutely delighted to have been able to help out. Bradley champions the importance of Self Direction and we can’t wait to see K9 munchies take over New Zealand.
A big thank you to Bradley for answering our questions and providing an update on where he is at now. We wish you both all the best and can’t wait to see what you achieve.
Ka pai Bradley!