Big Green Adventures Secures Investment to Expand Sustainable Outdoor Offerings

A Crantock-based outdoor activity provider has secured a £26,000 investment to support business growth and meet rising customer demand. 

Big Green Adventures, which operates ocean-based experiences near Newquay, received funding through SWIG Finance via the South West Investment Fund, a program backed by the British Business Bank.

Founded in 2011 by Dale Unnuk, Big Green Adventures offers surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, bodyboarding, and kayaking experiences. 

The company employs five permanent staff and supplements its workforce with freelance instructors during the peak summer season. 

With a reputation for its eco-conscious approach, the business plans to use the funding to expand its range of sustainable equipment, including kayaks made from recycled fishing nets and wetsuits crafted from natural materials.

Beyond its water-based activities, Big Green Adventures is also looking to diversify by expanding corporate team-building offerings. 

Unnuk is working with local landowners to establish pop-up glamping and camping accommodations, broadening the company’s appeal to corporate groups seeking outdoor experiences.

The investment was secured through the South West Investment Fund’s small loans program, which is administered by SWIG Finance. 

Unnuk was referred to SWIG Finance by Access to Finance, an advisory service assisting businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly with investment opportunities.

“The process was really easy, and the support from SWIG Finance and the South West Investment Fund means we can grow to meet demand,” Unnuk said in a report by Cornish Stuff. He also highlighted the value of working with a lender that understands the unique financial challenges of seasonal businesses. 

“The personal support from my business manager, Nicki, was fantastic—she really cuts through the usual financial jargon.”

Nicki Kimberley, a SWIG business manager, underscored the significance of the investment in helping a local business thrive. 

“From the outset, Dale’s passion for his business and knowledge of his sector was clear,” she said. “While a mainly seasonal business, it is embedded within the local area, working closely with other organizations to encourage beach safety and environmental responsibility.”

The South West Investment Fund is designed to promote sustainable economic growth by supporting small and growing businesses throughout the region. Loans from the fund range from £25,000 to £2 million, with additional equity investment options available up to £5 million.

For businesses in the outdoor hospitality sector, this investment highlights the importance of securing financial backing to scale operations and enhance guest experiences. 

As demand for eco-friendly and adventure-based tourism grows, access to capital can help operators invest in sustainable infrastructure, diversify offerings, and extend their market reach.