Budding entrepreneurs are being encouraged to sign up to a scheme aimed at helping older and disabled residents.
Community Catalysts helps people interested in setting up their own business offering care and support on a self-employed basis or as a small enterprise.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is funding the scheme in the city and is signposting people to a directory of local new and established care and support options on a website called Small Good Stuff.
Councillor Duncan Walker, cabinet member for adult services, said: “We are looking for local people who would be interested in setting up their own business offering care and support, helping to increase the number of options of support for older and disabled people in Stoke-on-Trent.
“The Community Catalysts scheme offers people looking to work for themselves, the freedom to choose their own hours and work locally.”
Amongst those involved already is Deborah Sanneh from Mrs Sanneh’s Home Help Services, in Stoke-on-Trent.
She provides services such as cleaning, washing and ironing, meal preparation, medication support, de-cluttering, digital support, a sitting service plus transport for appointments or social trips out.
Deborah said: “I first heard about Community Catalysts from the Chamber of Commerce. Community Catalysts offered me a wide range of support to ensure my business was conforming to all the necessary regulations.
“I’ve been running my own enterprise, Mrs Sanneh’s Home Help Services for around six months. I love the fact that this career has given me independence from an employer. I work to suit my work/life balance.”
To find out more about Community Catalysts, click here or email [email protected].
