A Northolt resident and start-up entrepreneur living in a A2Dominion home is one of the winners of funding from the housing association’s enterprise programme that helps people set up and run their own businesses and social enterprises.
Amelia Charles, secured £2,023 in funding towards her business, Create U Limited, which produces a range of dolls for children that reflects diversity.
The 55-year-old entrepreneur was one of seven A2Dominion customers who shared a total of £14,272 after reaching the final of the housing association’s enterprise programme.
A2Dominion’s enterprise programme, which started in 2012 has supported 500 customers and awarded £160,000 in funding to 55 businesses and community and social enterprise start-ups.
Ms Charles said: “I have often thought about working for myself and the Enterprise Programme gave me that chance. The programme has equipped me with the fundamentals required to run a business.”
Ms Charles added: “I’m so happy to have taken part in the programme and have gained a great deal of knowledge, key skills and confidence as I start my journey as an entrepreneur. The funding is a bonus and I am looking forward to my next chapter.”
According to A2Dominion getting on to the scheme involves commitment from the entrepreneurs as they attended six months of workshops to help develop their business ideas, complete market research, create business plans and learn pitching skills. After that they had to take part in two knockout rounds before being the boardroom finalists were revealed.
The panellists, who decided on the finalists were A2Dominion director of specialist housing, Jo Evans, A2Dominion director of customer experience, Gary Blatcher, A2Dominion group board member, Nigel Turner, Spelthorne Borough Council senior economic development lead, Tracey Carter, Housing Quality Network founder and CEO, Alistair McIntosh and Lena Maye Ltd director and founder, Coretta Scott.
Jo Evans said: “It was fantastic to be invited to the boardroom finals and to see the finalists present their fantastic businesses. All of us on the panel were touched by the stories behind the businesses the inspiring entrepreneurs presented and at times some of us got quite emotional hearing their passion.”
Ms Evans added: “We were impressed by the quality and professionalism of the finalists, and also their determination to succeed. It was an absolute joy to be part of a programme that can help each of them towards their business dreams.”
