Gintare joined the Restart Scheme in May 2024 in Shrewsbury. Gintare explained that after years working for employers, she would like to become her own boss. She had an idea that, alongside her business partner, to open an establishment that would provide healthy, nutritious meals for the community whilst also emphasising fast customer service and low costs (called The Meatball Shack).

Gintare was looking to progress with the business idea and asked for support from the Restart Scheme to help move her forward. Gintare asked if there was any specific self-employment support that the Restart Scheme could offer to help get her business idea off the ground. Daniel Williams, her Job Coach, discussed Supersonic Startup, which is am external service that provides bespoke self-employment support through one-to-one hourly sessions via telephone.

Gintare agreed that this would help, and completed the referral form with some guidance from Daniel. Gintare explained that due to having no specific qualifications within the hospitality sector, she would like to complete some courses to aid her in the long-term goal of running her business.

Daniel and the Restart Scheme supported Gintare with the costs of courses including Food Hygiene and Safety, Basic Accountancy, Corporate Tax Return, Hospitality and Training, BIIAB APLH - Personal Licence Exam, and Personal Licence Application Service.

Gintare is now self-employed and running her own business. She has regular contact with both Supersonic Startup and the Restart Scheme to discuss if there is any further support that she requires to help her business thrive. Gintare continues to receive fortnightly Restart Scheme in-work support calls. This ensures that Gintare is aided in resolving any issues with her self-employment, should they arise.

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