Inspirational Stafford cafe owner who created safe community hub becomes Start Up Loans ambassador

A Stafford café founder determined to create a ‘safe space’ for her community has been named the British Business Bank’s 2026 Start Up Loans ambassador for the West Midlands.

Natasha Duncan launched Monk & Smuggler with her partner Nathan after redundancy prompted her to take the leap from corporate hospitality into entrepreneurship.

Her venture has since grown into a community hub hosting an oversubscribed book club, craft events and initiatives supporting local charities and organisations.

Start Up Loans helped turn her business idea into reality, and in 2024, Natasha secured an initial £12,280 Start Up Loan and a second loan of £2,720.

She put the funding towards vital equipment including fridges, furniture, and kitchen equipment.

Two years on, the investment has helped her grow the Stafford café into a thriving community hub, employing eight people and supporting local organisations including Stafford Women’s Aid, food banks, and homeless shelters. Natasha also supports members of her team to pursue further education, extending the impact of the business beyond its day-to-day operations.

Start Up Loans ambassadors, has been running for more than a decade and recognises top entrepreneurial talent from all 12 Nations and regions across the UK. In addition, two Ambassadors have been selected to represent specialist groups supported by the programme, including a Gen Z founder and a member of the Armed Forces veterans community.

This year’s ambassadors have been invited to pass on one piece of advice to someone starting a business today.

Natasha Duncan, founder of Monk & Smuggler, said: “My advice would be to go for it. Starting a business is challenging but it’s also incredibly rewarding. It’s completely normal to have doubts about whether everything will work out as planned but you learn so much along the way. You’ve just got to give it everything you’ve got from day one, keep learning, and keep going, because I can say from experience that the rewards are definitely worth it.”

Natasha and the other 2026 ambassadors will be celebrated at a launch event this week, before embarking on a year-long programme of passing on their entrepreneurial knowledge to encourage current and future start up founders.

Louise McCoy, managing director for Start Up Loans at British Business Bank, said: “Monk & Smuggler is an example of a Start Up Loans-supported business that is occupying physical premises, supporting its local community, and creating jobs.

“Starting a business is never easy, but founders like Natasha prove that with practical support, belief and access to finance, great ideas can become successful businesses. We’re proud to celebrate this year’s ambassadors and look forward to seeing them pass on the benefits of their experience to the next generation of entrepreneurs.”