Ukrainian national brews success in Scotland with new coffee shop 

About the business

Green Cup, which was opened at the start of August by Inna Arnautova, offers specialist coffees and teas in Lochgilphead. It also serves various cold drinks and snacks, including delicious cakes and take away savoury food.  

How Business Gateway has helped

Inna, her husband and their three children moved to the area from Ukraine in January 2023 amidst Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.   

Keen to establish her roots in Argyll and Bute further, Inna had an idea to launch her very own coffee shop and approached Business Gateway for support earlier this year. She was soon connected with Donald Melville, a business adviser.   

Drawing on Donald’s expertise and resources, Inna successfully navigated the challenges of starting a new venture in a foreign country. Inna benefitted from advice on taking on a new premises and routes to funding.   

Through Business Gateway, Inna also attended a specialist adviser surgery which taught her more about using social media channels such as Facebook and Instagram to market her business to the right audience.   

Since its opening, Green Cup has proved popular with locals, and visitors alike, gaining positive attention for its new and unique offer in the town.   

Inna Arnautova, owner, Green Cup, said: “I’m incredibly grateful for the support I have received from Business Gateway. Starting a new business was a long haul but Donald helped me along the way with any questions that I had. I’m looking forward to what’s to come in the future.”