The inspiring entrepreneurs began their journey to success with 25 other customers last September, attending 6 months of online workshops to:
- Develop their business ideas into professional plans
- Improve their presenting skills, and
- Gain a full understanding of what makes a business succeed.
The participants then put their knowledge to the test in two knockout rounds before being chosen to pitch for one last time in our Boardroom Final.
Pitching via Zoom
After last year’s final was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, A2Dominion were forced to adapt the event so it could be held safely. For the second year running, the finalists took turns to present from our Ealing office via Zoom, pitching to ‘the board members’ online instead of in person. Samples related to the entrepreneurs’ businesses were delivered to each of the panel members’ houses in advance, so they could fully experience the businesses and products being pitched to them.
On the judging panel this year were:
- A2Dominion Deputy Chief Executive, Anne Waterhouse
- A2Dominion board member and Chair of our Customer Advisory Panel, Caroline Tiller
- A2Dominion Director of Housing, Dawn Wightman
- Director of A2Dominion Developments Limited, Mark Gallagher
Dawn Wightman, A2Dominion’s Director of Housing, said: “This year’s finalists blew the judging panel away with their professional and passionate pitches, and it was great to see such a diverse mix of businesses on display and learn the inspiring stories behind them.
“I continue to be amazed by how talented and committed our customers who enter the Enterprise programme are, and this year’s magnificent winners have done themselves and their communities proud.”
The winners were also awarded a business mentor for 12 months, who will help them start up the business and put the investment to good use.
Meet the fabulous five!
Helene Griffin, Staines - Helene received £2,760 towards her business ‘Cocoon Kids’, a community based therapeutic service which provides creative counselling and play therapy for children and young people aged 4-16 years.
Celina Dennis, Ruislip – Celina was given £2,600 to develop her hair care business, ‘SistaCurl’, which formulates and produces natural ayurvedic hair care products that promote healthy hair and scalp.
Peter Suksakorn, Stratford – Peter received £2,640 towards his ‘Loudmouth Tech’ business, an innovative piece of software that helps professionals become more effective communicators and presenters.
Deborah Brown, Dulwich – Deborah was given £2,000 to grow her business ‘Beautiful Balloons and Blossoms’, which provides unique balloon and flower structures for special occasions, parties and corporate events.
Felicity Daniel, Hounslow – Felicity received £5,000 towards her business, ‘Jenson’s Little Feet’. Her mission is to source and offer solutions that will make the clubfoot treatment journey as comfortable as possible for both babies and their parents.
See more pictures from the Boardroom Final 2021.
About the Enterprise Programme
If you’re an A2Dominion customer with a business idea, then we have a dedicated team to help take your business to the next level. As well as the Enterprise Programme, we now have our new Business in a Box programme to get you started on the path to success.
To find out more about how we can help, simply visit our enterprise page, fill out the form and a member of our team will be in touch. Good luck!