A SWEF Enterprise Fund grant from Dorset Community Foundation has helped ambitious Maks Zielenski grow his security camera business. The 29-year-old from Bournemouth was awarded £500 from the fund, which supports young people aged 18 to 30 with up to £500 to start a business or up to £2,000 for those trading for less than two years.
He launched Digital Doctors Online after gaining experience as an electrical fitter for Poole yacht builder Sunseekers, where he worked part-time while studying for a Business and Management degree at London Metropolitan University.
"I had a few friends who knew I was working at Sunseekers and asked me to install some security cameras for them. I had a Level 1 Marine Electrical Certification and had gained some valuable hands-on technical skills so I knew what the quality should look like," he said.
"More and more people started asking me about doing some work for them and as I was finishing at university I thought 'why not just start a business?'. I'm very ambitious and I'm not afraid to work hard and I have the skills."
What he lacked was the right tools and equipment, but he heard about the SWEF Enterprise Fund at a business networking event and applied.
"I had a meeting with the panel and told them about my ideas and what I wanted to achieve and I was so happy to hear I had got the money," he said.
He used the grant to buy tools, a drill and accessories, a stepladder and NSI CCTV Installation training.
"The tools are so good because I don't have to worry that something might go wrong with them and the training gives me credibility," he said. "It's amazing because £500 doesn't sound like a lot, but it gave me the opportunity to set myself up."
As well as offering smart external and internal security cameras that can be accessed through an app, he offers internet back up and Virtual Private Networks.
"It's going well so far and I've had quite a few recommendations," he said. "I work all over the area and I've had some jobs in London as well. I've got lots of ideas and as the company grows I want to employ my stepfather, who is disabled."
He said he is getting more requests from people who have elderly relatives they want to check on. "Also some clients want to use the cameras to keep an eye on their pets," he said.
Maks grew up in Poland and moved to Dorset ten years ago. "I wanted to study here but when I arrived I realised what a massive decision it was. But I thought 'I just left everyone and started a new chapter' and I've got nothing to regret. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made."
Another benefit of being a grantee is being connected with other SWEF recipients and being able to discuss business issues with them. "It is a really great idea and helpful as well," he said. "When you are on your own, you don't have experience in running a business and it is good to talk to people who have it."
He said receiving the grant was not just about the money, but the faith shown in him by the SWEF panel. "I probably didn't believe in myself as much as they did," he said.
"But when someone is saying 'Maks, yes, we believe in your idea, in your business and in what you're doing' it is so good. When I got the money it was amazing and I felt like 'wow, alright, let's rock and roll and let's move forward."
Find out more about Maks' business at digitaldoctorsonline.com or on Facebook. Find out more about the SWEF Enterprise Fund at dorsetcommunityfoundation.org.
