Six budding local entrepreneurs have received a donation of £500 to go towards starting up their own business.
The grants were awarded by Daventry & District Housing following a presentation themed on BBC’s ‘Dragons’ Den’ in December at the Holiday Inn, Flore.
Each individual showcased the business plan they refined during a 12 week business start-up course called Strive, to a panel six judges.
The course, which was run by the Enterprise Cube in partnership with Daventry & District Housing, Spire Homes and South Northants Homes, gave 18 people an opportunity to hone their business skills and build business plans during a series of workshops, debates and exercises.
DDH supported a total of six local Daventry residents, including one DDH tenant, who have set up a range of different businesses, including dog grooming, nail painting and gluten free catering. Each entrepreneur received an investment of £500 towards their company to help with costs including new equipment and marketing.
One of the success stories is DDH tenant, Carron Spike. With 19 years experience as a nurse and midwife, Carron’s business plan is to set up a nursery in the Daventry area specialising in teaching young children German, at which she is proficient. Carron is set to complete an NVQ in childcare and is currently looking for appropriate premises in the Daventry area.
DDH Resident Involvement Officer, Caroline Godsell, said: “The Strive programme gives local people an incredible opportunity to improve their career prospects and develop their aspirations of working for themselves. Schemes like this help people to become financially independent and having six new businesses in Daventry will also provide a boost to the local economy.”
The programme is open to anybody who lives in the Daventry district and has a business idea, as well as the motivation and drive to see it through
The Strive business start-up course will be returning in 2015. If you would like more information or know somebody who might be interested, please contact Caroline Godsell on 01327 707500 or via email at getinvolved@ddh.org.uk.