Setting up a community micro-enterprise in a local community not only offers support to people who need it at a place and time that suits them. It can also really benefit the person who has set up as self-employed. You can be your own boss, choose your own hours, set a fair rate of pay, and work in your local community. You can also bring your own approach and values to it and take pride in supporting the community you live in.
Dawn and Claire set up their own community micro-enterprises with the support of Community Catalysts. Both experienced the benefits of setting up as self-employed. Dawn runs Dawn ‘Til Dusk, a micro-enterprise that offers care and support to older and disabled people. Claire set up Hummingbird Home Helpers that offers practical support so people can live day-to-day life to its fullest.
They explain more about the benefits in the following video.
The benefits of being self-employed are immense. I can live my life as well as earning money, controlling the hours I work, controlling what work I take on. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.
Claire, Hummingbird Home Helpers
Dawn and Claire’s journey to setting up their community micro-enterprises was made easier with the support of their local Catalyst. It allowed them to be able to channel their passion for supporting people and connect with others doing similar. There was less worry about regulation, safety issues and paperwork as the Catalyst was alongside keeping them right.
“My little good angel that sits on my shoulder and tells me what to do”.
Claire, Hummingbird Home Helpers
I was really scared at first. I wasn’t sure about going self-employed. But Community Catalysts gave me the confidence and the help and support to set up my business.
Dawn, Dawn ‘Til Dusk
If you’re sceptical about the impact of setting up a community micro-enterprise, watch the following interaction between Dawn and Seema. It shows how building a strong relationship is key and that simple supports can make a real difference to the quality of life.
Dawn chats about the joy she gets from giving support and Seema shares what the help means for her life.
If you’ve been inspired by this story and would like to set up your own community micro-enterprise, share your details with us and we’ll get back to you. Or email: info@communitycatalysts.co.uk.