At Duport, we are passionate about nurturing up-and-coming businesses. As part of this commitment, we proudly allocate 10% of our company profits to Purple Shoots, a charity dedicated to providing financial support to start-ups and small businesses. By partnering with Purple Shoots, we contribute to empowering entrepreneurs who otherwise struggle to access traditional financing, allowing them to pursue their dreams and make a lasting impact.
Empowering individuals to turn their dreams into reality is at the heart of what we do. Ada’s journey with Homeland Delicacy exemplifies this mission. Specialising in authentic West African cuisine and event catering, Homeland Delicacy has rapidly become a rising star in Sheffield’s culinary scene. When Ada sought to take her home-based business to the next level by opening a commercial space at Cambridge Collective Food Hall, Purple Shoots stepped in with the support needed to turn her dream into a thriving reality.
Securing a spot in the Heart of the City initiative at the Cambridge Collective Food Hall marked a significant milestone for Ada. This prime location offers a platform to showcase the rich and diverse flavours of West Africa to a broader audience, allowing Ada to share her culinary heritage with Sheffield’s bustling city centre. Recognising the immense potential for both Ada and Homeland Delicacy, Purple Shoots, alongside Business Sheffield, saw an opportunity to help Ada take full advantage of this transformative moment.
Ada’s journey is a powerful story of resilience and passion. After enduring personal tragedy and overcoming professional hurdles, she turned to her love of cooking to heal and rebuild. Homeland Delicacy was born from that passion, and despite facing financial setbacks and the burden of existing debts, Ada’s commitment to her vision never wavered. Her story struck a chord with us at Purple Shoots, inspiring us to provide her assistance to reach new heights.
We understood Ada’s financial situation and her determination to repay her debts. Despite these challenges, and through careful assessment Purple Shoots recognised her potential and provided a £6,000 loan, designed to address her specific needs. This funding would allow Ada to outfit her new commercial kitchen, develop her brand, and seize the opportunity offered by her new space in the Cambridge Collective Food Hall. Traditional lenders had overlooked Ada due to her financial background, but Purple Shoots saw her vision and the strength of her entrepreneurial spirit.
Thanks to this support, Ada is now empowered to bring Homeland Delicacy to an even larger audience, further establishing her presence within Sheffield’s food scene. Her determination, coupled with Purple Shoots’ belief in her, serves as a powerful reminder of the potential that exists when dreams are nurtured and given the resources to grow. Ada’s story is not only about her success—it’s a testament to the transformative power of support, collaboration, and unwavering commitment.
At Duport, we’re thrilled to contribute to success stories like Ada’s through our partnership with Purple Shoots, helping more entrepreneurs bring their visions to life.
If you’re ready to start your own business, you can take our quiz to find out what type of business fits your needs: https://www.duport.co.uk/formation-quiz/
