A GRAYS-based businesswoman has received backing for her catering business from an Essex charity that helps local people achieve their goals and dreams.
The ‘Precious Pearl’ charity is launching a giving circle at a charity event in Thurrock next week to support local individuals and small start-ups.
The initiative will be launched at the charity’s community champions’ grants and awards event taking place on Saturday, 13 July at the Thurrock Hotel.
Various individuals and organisations who are passionate about social change and empowerment will be contributing to a money-pot to help fund local start-ups and businesses struggling to stay afloat.
Grays businesswoman Olaide Akinsanya will be the first recipient to receive a donation. She will receive a £250 grant to build her catering business Kevtom. Bunmi Folarin, the founder of Resplendence in Laindon, donated the £250 to help Olaide build her business.
Olaide, who lives at Conway Gardens, said: “It’s such an amazing boost to my confidence to be given this grant by Precious Pearls. I was fortunate to attend their business workshop earlier this year and they have been supporting me to grow my business ever since.”
Tolu Akinsanmi, founder of Precious Pearl, said: “We are always looking for new ways to support the community. It’s always great to hear inspirational stories of those whose lives now impact the world around them in a positive way, and it’s even greater to be a part of that success story. We hope this initiative will encourage local businesses to support startups and struggling businesses and make a difference in the community.”
The grants will be given out at the community champion grants and awards, an event celebrating the skills and achievements of local businesses the charity has helped in 2019. Speakers at the event include Shola Alabi an author and education consultant, Aramide Adebayo a business woman who runs Longfeet Boutique and Tolu Akinyemi, a published author.
Early bird tickets to the event cost £35. Tickets are available via https://preciouspearlsawards.app.rsvpify.com/
Local businesses can also support the cause by booking a stand to exhibit their services or donating to support a local business. For prices and more information, contact info@preciouspearl.co.uk
Culled from Thurrock Independent.