Section 3 Resident:
Before former SHA Resident, Arteika Hunter started her own business, she had already spent seven (7) years cleaning hotels and readying college dorms for the upcoming semesters. Being a single parent of four children, and without a HS diploma or equivalency, she felt as though the time and energy she was putting into doing that work for someone else would never provide enough for her to build wealth for her family; so, she had to find another way.
Arteika had a vision:
She started CLEAN & GLO CLEANING SERVICES LLC www.cleanglocleaning.com in 2021 and has not looked back since. The business secured multiple contracts, including the regular cleaning of Beak & Skiff’s buildings in Lafayette, NY and the final construction clean-up of the new Chipotle in Auburn, NY. She said, “Clean & Glo not only created an income for me, but it gave me a way to provide jobs for my two older children. It takes determination and dedication to start a business and you have to keep moving towards your goal.” It also takes being in control of your fears.
Working with the Section 3 Program:
Arteika was fearless when she reached out the Section 3 Coordinator at SHA. She had heard that the program was helping people like her, so she made an appointment to stop in. There, she was-introduced to a network of individuals and other programs that were set up to help businesses like hers. She was- invited to attend multiple business networking events, meet with a tax/financial advisor, and took advantage of an opportunity for her and her son to earn their OSHA 10 cards. She also trained and became a Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) certified professional. These things all came to her at only the cost of determination, dedication and fearlessness. Arteika went ahead and completed her business’ capability statement and applied for her NY State M/WBE Certification. (Note: She completed them both on her own and received the M/WBE Certification within two months.)
Moving forward:
What she wants most at this point is to acquire more contracts and be able to hire more people like herself. She knows that both are things that she has already done and can do more of. She also wants to encourage others out there who may be in her same position to just go for it.
Section 3 Program Outreach:
The Section 3 Program provided Arteika a solid foundation on which to bounce her ideas and encouragement for her to continue pressing ahead. If you or someone you know has a small business, or has the desire to start one, feel free to call the coordinator at (315) 470-4270, or reach out via email rseigler@syrhousing.org.
Syracuse Housing Authority (SHA): “Building Neighborhoods and Growing Dreams.”
