An iconic small business that has been helping homeowners get to the next level for years in the Cleveland area is now in Stark County, thanks to JumpStart.
CANTON, Ohio — Aaron Dukes enjoys running his own business: Impeccable steam washa home-based car cleaning and detailing service. For seven years, they have been making Canton drivers’ vehicles look like new.
“It’s been going pretty well. We’ve been growing every year. So auto care has been the best thing for me,” Aaron Dukes said.
But Dukes knew things could be better.
“It’s very difficult, I have to work all the time,” Dukes said. “I do it alone. I had a team for a while, but then I won’t have one anymore.”
For help retaining workers and taking their business to the next level, a client referred you to Good startan economic development agency that recently expanded into Stark County. Dan Brown, a resident entrepreneur and company founder, was eager to help.
“Every day I wear my entrepreneur hat to work and help small business owners like Aaron as needed with the issues they face,” said JumpStart Entrepreneur in Residence for Stark County, Dan Brown.
Dukes was one of five business owners who attended the opening. Small Business Impact Program in the county. For 12 weeks they built networks and received guidance.
“That program is really designed for small businesses that are looking to grow and have been in business for a couple of years,” Brown said. “So we can work with your past financial history to help you navigate where you’re going.”
“I’ve been able to continue to grow my business. I’ve learned different things,” Dukes said. The program concludes with a “Shark Tank”-style pitch competition with a grand prize of $10,000.
“That pitch competition helps you break down your business so you can share with the community what it’s all about,” Dukes said. “In that process, you’re actually learning all of this for yourself. You’re like, ‘Wow, I didn’t even know this. Where could our business be going in three years?'”
The Impact Program began in Cleveland. In fact, Brown was one of the first to go through it, after starting Composting by Rust Belt Cyclistsreducing food waste while creating jobs. Rust Belt Riders grew from a couple of employees to a team of 35 serving most of Cuyahoga County. Stark County leaders wanted to see success.
“They said they wanted to see those results here in our community, and we thought there’s a deficit and a gap in this ecosystem that JumpStart could uniquely fill,” Brown recalls.
Thanks to the advice he received, Dukes is cleaning up his act. He’s seeking more contracts for his fleet and building a solid business for himself, his community and his family.
“I’m building a legacy for them, making sure I continue to build my business,” Dukes said. “I just have something of my own to build and pass on to my family.”
JumpStart is now accepting applications for the upcoming Stark County Small Business Impact Program, which will begin in September. Participating businesses will receive $2,500 and the winner of the proposal contest will receive $10,000. To apply, click here. here.