Getting started
Fatimah, 23, from West Ealing first heard about our Business in a Box programme through her A2Dominionemployment advisor. She was working and studying as an apprentice at the time. But it wasn’t until she met Denise Da Silva, who leads the programme, that she fully understood how the programme could support her.
Fatimah and Denise got talking while volunteering at our food distribution programme in partnership with the Felix Project. During their conversation, Denise explained that Business in a Box is a series of three practical workshops. Each session is led by a specialist business coach and is designed to give people the confidence, knowledge and tools they need to start or grow their own business.
Growing confidence through Business in a Box
Fatimah joined the online workshops at the end of 2024. The sessions quickly exceeded her expectations. What she thought might be a simple online course became an in-depth, supportive and practical learning experience.
She left the workshops with:
Useful tools she could apply straight away
Greater confidence in her ideas
A clearer sense of what she wanted for her future
Personalised one-to-one mentoring
After completing the workshops, Fatimah began regular mentoring sessions with Denise. Together, they explored her ambitions and mapped out her short, medium and long-term goals.
This personalised support helped Fatimah shape a business idea she cared deeply about and gave her a structured pathway towards achieving it.
Taking the next step with the Springboard Fund
With a strong development journey behind her, Fatimah applied to the Springboard Fund to support the training she needed to turn her goals into reality.
She successfully secured funding to begin an accredited Level 5 massage therapy qualification, an 11-month course.
The qualification is now giving her the skills, experience and industry recognition she needs to bring her business to life.
Launching Sukoon Health
Fatimah’s business, Sukoon Health, takes its name from the Arabic word for peace, stillness and calm.
As part of her training, she has already begun practising, gaining experience and valuable feedback. She is now preparing for a soft launch, moving from learning to earning. Her long-term ambitions include offering a range of therapeutic services and developing her own wellbeing products.
Alongside her business journey, Fatimah has also secured a new role as a Business Support Officer, giving her greater financial stability and the flexibility to continue building Sukoon Health.
Fatimah said: “If I wasn’t an A2Dominion resident, I wouldn’t be in this position today. From the apprenticeship to the Business in a Box workshops, to the support from Denise and the Springboard Fund, every step has helped me grow. A2Dominion gave me stability, confidence and opportunities I never thought I could access. Now I’m building a future I’m proud of.
“If you’re thinking about taking part in Business in a Box, whether you have an idea or you don’t, no matter how confident you feel, I would say just attempt it. There’s nothing to lose. It’s free, and all you’re doing is learning. Even if it doesn’t benefit you right away, you might pass that knowledge on to friends or family. It’s just good to get involved.”
How we support our customers
Dele Ryder, Partnership and Fundraising Manager, said:
“Business in a Box is just one of the ways A2Dominion invests in our customers and communities. We’re inspired by the ambition and creativity our customers bring to the programme, and we’re proud to support them as they turn their ideas into reality. Together with our partners and dedicated teams, we look forward to seeing even more customer businesses take shape in the future.”
Business in a Box is part of A2Dominion’s commitment to helping customers build independence, skills and brighter futures. Through our programmes, customers can access:
Free expert-led workshops
Tools and templates to build confidence
One-to-one coaching
Opportunities to apply for start-up funding
Connections to partners, employers and further training
If you’re an A2Dominion customer with an idea or a dream you’d like to explore, get in touch to find out what support is available.
