Newton Aycliffe resident Joanna Davies is starting her own business thanks to GAMP’s “Step into Business” scheme.
Joanna has always kept birds and started “Love Dove Me Do”, a dove hire business catering for all special occasions, as a way of turning a hobby into a business.
Working with staff at South Durham Enterprise Agency (SDEA), Joanna was able to put together a business plan in order to access the GAMP scheme.
This provided grant funding to purchase essential equipment in order for her to start her business.
Joanna, pictured above with GAMP co-ordinator Brian Riley, said: “I am so happy to be starting a business hiring fantailed doves in decorated cages.
“The idea came about when I rescued three fan tailed doves which were covered in oil. I took them in, nursed them back to health and it started from there!”
SDEA chief executive Steve Robson said: “It’s brilliant to be able to support, with the assistance of the AAP, small, quirky and innovative businesses to get off the ground. Joanna has a great little business idea and I’m sure it will take off.”
GAMP is the local Area Action Partnership for Newton Aycliffe and Middridge.
Its boss Riley added: “It’s great to see Aycliffe residents develop new businesses in the GAMP area, we hope that Joanna’s fledgling Business continues to fly high and we wish her every success for the future.”
