£10,000 Start Up Loan helps Eco-friendly cleaning business flourish
- Eòsaph Macbeth
- Aug 12
- 3 min read
Shades of Emerald are a West Midlands-based eco-friendly cleaning business providing fully integrated, high quality, and reliable janitorial services to commercial, corporate, industrial, and residential clients.
Founder Chima Elendu wanted to utilise his over 10 years’ experience in financial services and five years in the cleaning industry to start his own business and gain some much-needed personal freedom.
He envisioned a business that would create employment opportunities, have a positive impact on the local community, and promote a healthier, more environmentally friendly way of providing cleaning services.
However, with limited cash reserves, he would first of all need a financial boost in the form of a Start Up Loan to overcome the barrier in the way of founding his business.
A £10,000 Start Up Loan enabled Chima to set up Shades of Emerald and invest in key areas
Chima recognised a growing demand for reliable, professional, and eco-conscious cleaning services. With limited existing competition in the eco-bracket, he saw an opportunity to take advantage of a gap in the market.
Shades of Emerald are committed to using eco-friendly cleaning products that reduce environmental impact while maintaining high cleaning standards. Servicing both domestic and commercial spaces, they provide a wide range of services, including:
Regular routine cleaning
Deep cleaning
Hygiene and sanitation services
Biohazard cleaning
Infection control.
The latter two are typically not provided by standard cleaning companies. This allows Shades of Emerald to meet a wider range of client needs.
Setting up the business would require marketing, recruitment, and equipment purchases — funding was needed.
The £10,000 Start Up Loan accessed through First Enterprise and the British Business Bank enabled Chima and Shades of Emerald to:
Develop a professional and user-friendly website
Recruit staff and provide training
Purchase high quality cleaning equipment and supplies.
It allowed him to not only successfully start the business but also put the foundations in place to grow services, increase capacity, and support future business expansion.
This is vital as Shades of Emerald plan on pursuing larger industry contracts, which will come with equipment costs and a competitive pricing structure. Having the right team and marketing in place will help the firm stand out against the competition.
First Enterprise provided Chima with support throughout the loan application process
Applying for funding can be a stressful process. Debt can be scary, especially for a new business. So, it helped that Chima was able to work with a supportive Business Advisor that made the process smoother and boosted his confidence in his long-term plans.
Chima described his experience with First Enterprise and his advisor James Minott, saying: “We approached First Enterprise to access the funding and business support I knew we would need to help us grow and strengthen the business. As a new and developing company, I recognised the need for financial support to scale operations and invest in key areas of the business.
“First Enterprise was identified as a trusted provider that supports small businesses with funding and guidance, making it, in my opinion, the right partner for our growth journey.
“The experience was very positive. The loan process was simple, professional, and well-structured. Our Business Advisor, James Minott provided clear guidance throughout the application process and helped us understand the requirements and expectations. It really helped to build confidence in our growth plans.”
James was thrilled with Shades of Emerald’s successful loan, saying: “I instantly saw how Chima’s business could have a really positive impact, not only through job creation, but also through its environmental impact. I’m proud to have helped a very talented and intelligent minority-owner establish his business and put in place the building blocks to grow a successful long-term business.”
Have an idea that could positively impact your community? Need funding to get started? Get in touch
A Start Up Loan was able to help Chima bring his eco-friendly business idea to life. He’s now a job creator in his community and managing a productive business.
If you have a business idea you’d like to explore, but don’t have the funds in place to make it a reality — a Start Up Loan could be the solution.
To start the process, click on the link below, or give us a call at 03456 027 355 to discuss any concerns or queries you might have.
We all need a helping hand from time to time. A Start Up Loan could be the support you need to change your life for the better.
