Moore is more motivated than ever. Armed with an 8(a) certification which gives minority- and women-owned businesses competitive positioning in applying for federal contracts, the company was awarded a federal contract which takes effect in December 2009. And Moore excitedly hints that federal contracts will play a big part in the future of Elohim Cleaning Contractors. “I dedicated a good year and a half to just learning the federal procurement data system,†reveals the savvy businesswoman. “[I spent time] finding out contractors who were expiring from the program, finding their contracts, and coming up with partnered arrangements.â€
The company also secured its first line of credit in November 2009 as it took on a six-figure casino construction cleanup job that her father, Theodore Moore, senior vice president of the company, was instrumental in securing. Elohim Cleaning Contractors generated $2.7 million in 2009, and as Moore expands into government contracts and janitorial services, she projects that the company will rake in $10 million in revenue in 2010.
Last year, Moore was recognized as a Black Enterprise BE Next Award nominee, and more recently she was named the 2010 Small Business Person of the Year by the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.
Moore’s tip for young entrepreneurs: “As young people, we are risk-takers and we can afford to take those risks. That’s what sets us apart from older people. Our risk isn’t scary to us because we know we can recover. Take risks that you can afford to take. Be innovative. Be creative.â€