Michael Wilson Jr., Durhamite and owner of WilSun Cleaning Services, says, the main inspiration for his business came from “God and dad.”

As Wilson tells his story, it all began when he was a teenager, mowing yards with his father and listening to him tell stories of his own entrepreneurial endeavors and growing up in McDougald Terrace, a local community on the east side of Durham.

For the younger Wilson, listening to those stories of his father are what “sparked the desire to be an entrepreneur,” as his father “gave an example of the commitment it would take to be successful.” This desire to be an entrepreneur, and the commitment required to be successful as one, stayed with Wilson.

Through the years, he worked at several different entrepreneurial pursuits, such as running a concession stand for the lacrosse team while a student at Mars Hill College, or developing a prototype for a new type of coverall, among other ideas.

It was in 2012 that Wilson set out for business on his own. After leaving Mars Hill College, he was looking for a job. It was happenstance that, one day, as he was working with his father, the elder Wilson suggested his son start his own window cleaning business.

The younger Wilson replied “if you get me the poles, I’ll do it and won’t look back.” It was as he was returning their work equipment for the day that he saw his father standing with two poles for him, his father telling him “don’t forget, you’re a Wilson, so go and make it happen.”

He did, and after one week of walking up and down Duke Street and Murray Ave, 10 miles every day, Wilson had found his first customer and started WilSun Cleaning Services.

While starting his business might have been serendipitous — and Wilson says he always had the drive needed to be successful — he lacked the knowledge and “stepwise process” to lead to sustained growth.

He also lacked the funding to support growth. It was a chance encounter (facilitated by his usual drive and dedication) that led Wilson to Helius.

As he was looking for customers, he came into contact with Syretta Hill of Set Up Durham, and it was she who introduced Wilson to Geraud Staton of Helius. From there, their relationship began, and sometime after, Wilson decided to go through with Helius’ program.

“Helius helped me think through my ideas and goals. They provided me access to resources to format and produce materials for my company, coaching on next steps, emotional support,” Wilson said. “Helius helped me get funding through micro lending with Kiva. They gave me hope and motivated me during my worst days, and never let me fail or stop. Geraud showed me that I can make it even if I’m a black man. Helius gave me hope.”

Now, after seven years of business, WilSun Cleaning Service is growing and thriving.

Having gone from seven clients to more than 60, Wilson is able to work with his business fulltime and is excited for the growth his business is experiencing.

“The future of WilSun Cleaning Services is bright,” he said.

The Helius Foundation provides small businesses and necessity-driven entrepreneurs with free business training and coaching, and access to low-interest microloans.