Confeserfidi (Italy)

GRIN transforms the traditional concepts of gardening and agriculture into something achievable and fun also for the city dwellers. This innovative start-up produces and distributes eco-friendly tools and easy-to-manage equipment for people who are not willing to compromise on living a metropolitan life or growing their own fruits or vegetables - on the balcony or even the rooftop. GRIN’s founder, Salvatore Martorina, is a young Italian entrepreneur who decided to start his own business after completing a degree in biology. The idea was to promote the creation of small scale urban green spaces: GRIN’s “do-it-yourself “approach transforms balconies and terraces into perfect miniature allotments where people can grow veggies or flowers at home. Achieving self-sustainability – or at least a more harmonious co-habitation of the individual with a green, ecological environment is at the core of Salvatore’s business model. GRIN’s products range from custom-made flower arrangements, ornamental plants, herbs and vegetables growing from seeds to office supplies made of biodegradable materials. The company also provides pots and trendy accessories that appeal to the creativity of the urbanite gardener. All products are sold online through an e-platform as well as a growing physical network of resellers. In 2014, GRIN received a start-up loan from EIF’s financial intermediary Confeserfidi, funded at 50 percent by JEREMIE Sicily ESF resources. This funding helped Salvatore to finance the first raw materials and services needed to set-up the company, in particular the creation of the IT platform for the website, where all the green orders can be placed. “Thanks to this support I was able to establish my company and support the cause of environmental consciousness and sustainability, which is very important to me”, emphasised Salvatore.

Company: GRIN (Italy) 
Type of business: Eco-friendly gardening products
EU-guaranteed loan from Confeserfidi 

For further information about EIF intermediaries in Italy, please refer to:
http://www.eif.org/what_we_do/where/it