Help our business to survive and transform

Aim

The aim of the project is to raise £15,000 to help our award-winning food business stay afloat and recover from the impact of COVID-19.

Background

I’m Ahmed Elshimi and I have spent the last 15 years working in the food industry.  I have been a chef for ten years before starting my food business 5 years ago - Wowshee.  

Wowshee – Vegan Falafels

Over the past five years, I have been running Wowshee - a Falafel street food business inspired by my Egyptian heritage.  The street food business is based in central London with the occasional pop-up kitchen events and festivals across the city.  We have participated in big festivals across London from Notting Hill carnival, Shoreditch, and Halal food festival.

Award-Winning Falafel

I represented Britain in the international competition in Sweden, Malmo where countries all over the world came to compete for the best falafel.  We were delighted to have won the best falafel sandwich award and to experience our success for the falafel that we serve daily in London.

COVID Impact – Survival of our business

Since COVID I have been out of business completely, due to not being able to secure any financial support.  This has resulted in my business not being able to continue and it has put me in financial difficulties.

Because of the empty offices and deserted streets we have not been able to trade at Soho, Berwick street market for over 6 months.  With the ongoing uncertainty and possibility of further lockdowns in the future; our ability to survive will depend on the support of the community and our loving customers.  

That is why we are asking for a contribution from all those that can help, to raise the £15,000 and to secure a government grant that could help us get back on our feet.

Survival fund

Our business has been operating in London for the last 5 years and unfortunately, after the pandemic, we are no longer able to trade.  We wouldn’t be where we are without our wonderful customers, and this is where we need you more than ever. We cannot survive without the support of our dear family, friends, and customers. Your financial support will keep us afloat and allow us to adapt to COVID-19.  We will be using the funds to help cover the costs of staff, increased rental fees, increased running costs, and delivery service to adapt to COVID-19.

Adapting to COVID-19 

We are looking to transform our business by adding a delivery service in our local area. The delivery service will help us cater to our local community where we can deliver our delicious award-winning vegan falafel every day.  By adding this service to our business, we can adapt to COVID-19 and ensure that we are more agile than the years before.

This project successfully funded on 1st March 2021