An award-winning Galway chocolatier is looking for community support to make her dream come true – to build a state-of-the-art chocolate factory located along the Wild Atlantic Way!

Forbes 30 Under 30 chocolatier Gráinne Mullins, founder of Grá Chocolates, this week launched a Kickstarter campaign for 30 days with the aim of raising €50,000 from supporters and business investors.

Kickstarter, based in Brooklyn, New York, is a global crowdfunding platform focused on creativity – and for those who do contribute, supporter rewards include everything from having your name on a chocolate fountain or a year’s supply of Grá Chocolates – to truly exclusive experiences like having your very own pop-up Grá Chocolates shop or an exclusive dinner party cooked for you in your own home by Gráinne Mullins herself!

Founded during lockdown, Grá Chocolates has soared in popularity – but rising rent costs threaten to stall their progress. And that’s why the Kilchreest native has set out plans to build and own her own premises.

“I love my business and I truly think I have the dream job, but it’s hard to see the future when costs just keep rising and rising,” she admitted.

“We need a permanent home to continue crafting exceptional chocolate experiences for our customers.

“This factory gives us complete control and reduces reliance on fluctuating rent costs. It also opens exciting possibilities for the future,” she added.

And the new factory would be more than just a production facility. It would also feature an interactive visitor centre, shop, an innovator hub – to empower aspiring entrepreneurs by providing access to state-of-the-art equipment and mentorship to launch their food and beverage ventures – and a content studio offering a space for Grá Chocolates and external businesses to create high-quality content.

The project prioritises sustainability, utilising local ingredients, B Corp chocolate, and eco-friendly packaging. They plan to incorporate energy-efficient measures such as solar panels and sustainable heating systems into the new factory design.

“We want our customers to be part of this journey – and through Kickstarter, we can share our story and offer exciting rewards for their invaluable support,” said Gráinne.

You can follow Grá Chocolates’ journey on social media and their Kickstarter page for more updates.

Pictured: Gráinne Mullins…Kickstarter project.