Apprentice star ignites business passion in Woodberry Down residents

On 3 March, at Skinners Academy, Woodberry Down, local residents attended the launch of a new programme, ‘Four Steps to Starting Your Own Business’ delivered by Genesis Housing Group. Joanna Riley from The Apprentice 2010 was the special guest.

The programme will provide support, advice, education, training and guidance on setting up and accessing financial support. Genesis aims  to encourage commercial and social enterprise in the area by helping residents to get their business ideas up and running, or help them build on businesses they may already have started up. Partners for the programme are Beyond the Barn (part of the Bromley-By-Bow Centre) and Inbiz.

The launch event featured presentations by three organisations which have successfully started up their own businesses from scratch. These included Renata, which is a social enterprise catering business set up by three single mums who employ vulnerable women, those who are hard-to-reach and the long-term unemployed.

Joanna Riley spoke about how she set up her cleaning company, while local businesswoman, Atiti Sosimi, talked about ‘what ten years in business looks like’. Residents also learned how to decide what kind of business to set up, what social enterprise is and how to make a profit.

Joanna Riley said: "It’s fantastic what Genesis are doing - it's a great kickstart for residents to start up their businesses. I wish I'd been given support like this!”

Veronica Mensah, resident at Woodberry Down, said: "Speaking to Jo really inspired me. After hearing the speakers, my passion is back and I feel that nothing is impossible. Genesis has done well to set up this business structure for people of Woodberry Down.”

Ruchell Peng, Genesis Regeneration Manager for Woodberry Down commented: "Alongside the ongoing regeneration of Woodberry Down, Genesis is working hard to equip local residents with the skills to build better futures for themselves. Thanks to everyone involved who helped make it a successful event and I hope to see some budding entrepreneurs emerge as a result of the tips they learnt."

For further information about the programme, please contact Paula Hines on 07717 692817 / paula.hines@ghg.org.uk.

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