New business set to clean up in Sandwell after mentoring support
SANDWELL Borough Council has teamed up with affordable housing contractor, Wates Living Space, to support the launch of a new cleaning business.
Rising Stars Cleaning, a bio hazard domestic and commercial cleaning service, was the winner of a Dragon’s Den-style pitch last autumn which saw budding entrepreneurs bid for the chance to win free business premises for a year to the value of £6,000 and hands-on business support.
La’toyah Lewis, of Rising Stars, impressed judges with the concept of a profitable business that would enrich the local community through the active training and recruitment of the long-term unemployed.
In order to get her business off the ground, Ms Lewis required a base from which she could operate and store chemicals. She was looking for outside investment in the venture and the local authority initiative offered the capital and support she needed.
The council is now honouring its promise and is giving the business access to council-owned premises free of charge for 12 months. Housing contractor Wates is providing the personal mentoring programme.
Cllr Ian Jones, cabinet member for Jobs & Economy, at Sandwell Council, said: “We are committed to supporting business growth in Sandwell and are delighted to have been able to use our resources in this way.
“We were fortunate to be in a position where we could offer free use of vacant council owned premises and Wates agreed to provide free one-to-one business support as a part of its commitment to boosting the local economy. We plan to nurture La’toyah’s natural enthusiasm and hope together we can help her make Rising Stars a real success.”
Ms Leiws added: “I am delighted to have been awarded this opportunity to launch Rising Stars – it is one thing to have an idea, but the logistics of setting a business up is another. To know that others have enough faith to invest in the business and support me on my journey is invaluable. I hope that I can make it a success and in doing so, give back to the local community by boosting employment prospects.”
