Gola Treasures: Business Support Case Study

Gola Treasures started off making handcrafts artisan chocolate, made with cocoa beans from the Gola Rainforest in Sierra Leone.  Determined to make more of an impact in the lives of female farmers, the business has now pivoted.   

 Set up in 2020, the company places sustainability at its core, with founder Esther Olojugba determined to give the Gola Rainforest and women growing sustainable plant-based products a global presence. 

 She is passionate about connecting with low income female farmers to help them grow sustainable businesses and lift themselves out of poverty by offering their products to a global audience. 

 Keen to build her offering in the UK and further establish the business, Esther contacted the Cheshire and Warrington Growth Hub to support her in bringing her vision to life. 

 Through the Accelerate programme, she completed the CIM Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing Level 6 with Dimensions Training Solutions. 

 Esther also worked closely with SMART Cheshire Innovation Programme which has enabled the business look at its products in a more innovative and creative way, helping to build a strong brand message. 

 Esther said: “When creating Gola Treasures, I knew that sustainability would form the core part of how the business is developed. I had a very clear vision on what I wanted to do, but the Cheshire and Warrington Growth Hub helped me shape that vision and direct me to which skills I needed to build in order to grow my brand. 

 “I’m now looking to create a team of people who just as passionate about Gola as I am and I’m confident that I’ll be able to turn to the Growth Hub for further guidance.” 

 Andy Devaney, Business Innovation Director at Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Gola Treasures is a fascinating business – one that not only offers luxury, quality products, but that is also committed to building a sustainable future and helping to empower livelihoods. 

 “Esther’s passion and drive shines through and is clear to see in the brand she’s created – we’re really looking forward to seeing how Gola Treasures continues to flourish.” 

Find out more about Gola Treasures here

Find out more about Accelerate here

Contact the Growth Hub for support here