Business fund finalists toast £15,000 prize

Communities

Five of our outstanding A2Dominion customers secured a combined £15,000 in business funding in late March, after reaching the Boardroom final of our Enterprise Programme.

Enterprise Programme finalists 2022

The inspiring entrepreneurs began their journey to success with registrations last September, followed by online business development workshops and 2 knockout rounds before being chosen to pitch their idea in our Boardroom Final. 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 fantastic five!

Cherelle Fergus – Victoria (Westminster) – Cherelle, aka Chae, received £3,500 towards her ‘Chae’s Bakes’ business. She makes delicious bespoke cakes and baked goods in a variety of flavours for all dietary requirements including gluten-free, vegan and lactose-intolerant. Chae believes that everyone should be able to eat cake and is on a mission to make that happen!

Holly Poore, Stanwell (Spelthorne) – Holly was given £2,500 to develop her business ‘The Elf Imaginarium’, a fun, year-round bespoke Elf mail service that not only captivates the child in a world of pure imagination but is also a unique way of identifying any underlying mental health issues that they may need support with.

Minakshi Sharma, Hayes (Hillingdon) – Minakshi received £3,000 towards her business, ‘Heart & Soul Creative Studio’. A self-taught resin artist, Minakshi creates bespoke and customisable items ranging from decorative pieces to homewares, adding a unique touch of luxury and sparkle to your home or business.

Esnath Shumba, Feltham (Hounslow) – Esnath received £3,000 towards her Boerewors sausage business, Flames Foodservices Group Ltd’. This special brand of beef sausage is infused with rich flavoursome spice blends and is a tasty, pork-free alternative suitable for all dining occasions.  

Emma Nor – Victoria (Westminster) – Emma was given £3,000 to develop her yet to be branded candle business. Her aromatherapy candle company uses pure essential oils containing no toxic substances, creating a clean burn. The oils used in the blends are also thought to aid positive wellbeing, with the potential to help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and premenstrual syndrome.

See more pictures from the Boardroom Final.

Dawn Wightman, A2Dominion’s Director of Housing, said:

“What struck all of us on the panel was not just the quality and professionalism of this year’s final five, but also their determination to succeed in order to support and inspire their families."

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 also have our Business in a Box programme to get you started on the path to success.

To find out more about how both programmes, simply visit the enterprise page on our website, fill out the form and a member of our team will be in touch. Good luck!

Felicity Daniel took part in our 2021 Enterprise Programme and reached the final with her business, ‘Jenson’s Little Feet.’ Read her amazing story