Winners: Olytoyin Ogunbanjo and Angela Crossen
Local businesses launched with the help of Neighbourhood Renewal were among the finalists in the borough’s second annual business awards, held at Greenwich University on 28 February.
Ten finalists battled it out for two major awards in the categories of:
- Best Start Up Business
- Best Community Based Business.
The Best Start Up Business prize went to Angela Crossen of Cupcakes and Bakes. She won an award of £2,500 for her business, which bakes, sells and delivers individually decorated cakes for weddings, birthdays, children’s parties and other special occasions.
There were three finalists for the Best Community based business. The winner was Olytoyin Ogunbanjo of Listening Ears - a company that provides emotional support to people experiencing grief and isolation.
People can access the Listening Ears service by attending drop-in sessions held on Mondays between 1pm and 4pm at Abbey Wood Community Centre.
Enterprise project
Olytoyin Ogunbanjo was one of 200 entrepreneurs who received support to start their own business from Neighbourhood Renewal’s Neighbourhood Enterprise Project.
The project targets priority areas, including Woolwich, and helps residents to set up their own businesses by making full use of the business support services available in and around the borough.
Since its launch, more than 200 people have taken part in pre-start business workshops with many going on to launch their own businesses.
Do you want to start your own business?
For free business start up advice and support, contact South East Enterprise on 020 8305 2222.
Find out more about help starting up a business.
Benefit to the community
Cllr Denise Hyland, Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, who spoke at the awards said: "The Greenwich Business Start-up awards aim to celebrate, recognise and reward the achievements of new entrepreneurs who have successfully launched a business in the borough.
"The awards also encourage residents - particularly those living within the Greenwich Neighbourhood Priority areas - to explore the potential of starting their own business. It helps make them aware of the comprehensive programme of business start up advice and support that is currently available through the Neighbourhood Enterprise Project.
"Enterprise plays a crucial role in supporting neighbourhood renewal enabling new community businesses to provide facilities and services that directly benefit the local area and its residents."
20 March 2008