Having always been a dog lover, Josh decided to set up his dog-walking service after several years out of employment. He was assisted in the set-up of his business by the Inspiring Enterprise project.

Journey to Inspiring Enterprise

Josh first came up with the idea of running his own business after visiting his local job centre,

“After several years looking for work and some poor work experiences, I was struggling to find a new career path. I had been on numerous courses over the years, but this was the first time someone suggested starting a business.”

Praise for Inspiring Enterprise

The job centre then put Josh in touch with Paul Creeden, Business Advisor for the Inspiring Enterprise project, to help get his business off the ground. Josh found Paul’s help invaluable,

“Having someone to help guide me through the idea of creating my own business and what I could do was exceptionally helpful. “

Plans for the future

Currently, Josh has found business quite slow and needs to recoup some initial outlay from purchasing insurance and equipment. But in the future, he hopes to expand and grow the business into other areas, such as puppy training.

“I understand that these things take time and although things are tough out there right now, I believe I can turn it around and hope to get my first customers soon!”

Josh’s top tip for future entrepreneurs

“Be open minded and honest with yourself. Use whatever you enjoy doing to your advantage and think outside the box.” 

Dog Days is based in the Southampton area. If you’re interested in using their services, you can follow them on Instagram.

Inspiring Enterprise

WSX Enterprise Ltd is a business support organisation delivering a range of start-up, business growth and digital skills projects across the UK.

Their Inspiring Enterprise project ran from 2016 until 2023 in Hampshire and Surrey. Our team of experts advised, mentored and supported over 1000 people to find a better future by moving them into self-employment, employment or training.
The project is currently not taking any new enquiries and will finish in April 2023.

It was funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and the European Union European Social Fund.