Single parent mum Sarah Bandick saved for 18 months to pay for a course to brush up on her dog grooming skills.
Now she has launched her own business thanks to the support of a free course.
The 22-year-old from Trunch was one of the graduates of the Enterprise North Norfolk course aimed at getting emerging, new and young businesses off the launch pad.
Ms Bandick is hoping to open a North Walsham salon to move her new venture from her home.
'I love animals and have a background in animal care - having worked for Hillside Animal Sanctuary. And I wanted a job I could work around my family' said the mum-of-two, whose children Archie and Willow are aged two and one.
'I had to save for 18 months to pay for the grooming course. 'The Enterprise North Norfolk course put everything into place, helping with things such as bookkeeping and marketing,' she added.
ENN provides free support through courses, workshops and ongoing mentoring thanks to join funding by the North Norfolk District Council and Norfolk County Council.
NNDC leader Tom FitzPatrick said the project was 'really making a difference' by providing support and advice for new businesses.
It was on course to help 100 new ventures since its launch last year in an area where 90pc of the 6,000 businesses employed less than 10 people.
Mr FitzPatrick said the council was also launching a new pot of grants to act as a catalyst for new and growing businesses.
The graduation session was held at Cromer's Rocket House cafe, where its young entrepreneur owner Robbie Kirtley told guests that passion, drive, service, and staff training were among the keys to success.
GRANT SCHEME
The Business Enterprise and Start-up (BEST) Grant Support Scheme has two pots containing a total of £130,000 available on a first come first served basis.
The Enterprise Grant is available to sole traders and those employing less than 10 people.
The Start-Up Grant is available to those wishing to start a viable new business within North Norfolk.
Grants - to help with things such as equipment or marketing - will be awarded on the basis that a minimum 25pc contribution is made by the applicant.
The minimum grant available is £500, the maximum is £2500
For the full terms and conditions and details on how to apply visit www.northnorfolk.org
AWARD WINNERS
Arienne Jonas (Fakenham) photographer
Catherine Ball (Sheringham ) greetings cards
David Higgins (Gunton park) IT security
Deborah Winchester and Karen Seaward (Sheringham) Yolos shop
Gill Powell (Cromer) freelance administrator
Gillian White (Sculthorpe) bookkeeper
Jeff lander (Matlaske) bookkeeper
Julie Hardingham (Cromer) holistic massage
Louise Haddock (North Walsham) home care
Paula Green (Cromer) Harmony Beauty and Hair salon
Paula Robertshaw and Terry Money (Cromer) Touch of Wood crafts
Pauline Thorpe (Egmere) domestic energy assessor
Sarah and John Clark (Cromer) bespoke cake makers
Teresa Butler (North Walsham) hand smocking and sewing
Steve Grace (Ingham) supply chain business adviser
Alison Cushing (North Walsham) children's vintage clothing
Sarah Bandick (Trunch) dog grooming
Vivienne Curl (Fakenham) cards and plants stall at homes for the elderly
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