A woman entrepreneur who overcame a disability to start her own business has been nominated for an award.

Mabel Nakato set up Holly Credit Services in Croydon this year despite being left wheelchair bound following a serious illness seven years ago.

The success of her financial services business, which offers loans, has led her to be nominated for the Start Ups Adversity Award.

It recognises entrepreneurs who have overcome serious personal, financial or physical challenges in establishing a business.

Mabel, 36, was struck down with the illness while studying for a degree in Mathematics and Computing while planning for her wedding.

She said: “This award is a great opportunity for me to show my potential and to utilize the opportunities out there to expand and develop my business, in trying to help the community. I want to contribute to the community, create jobs and improve our economy as a result.”

Mabel was helped by Croydon Enterprise in realising her dream of starting her own business.

A spokeswoman from Croydon Enterprise said: “Mabel has certainly overcome obstacles in the face of adversity. It is her courageous fighting spirit that has now brought this gutsy lady the success she richly deserves in what used to be considered an all male environment.”

And a second Croydon woman has been nominated for a Start Up after designing a range of underwear exclusively for teens.

Sue Guerriri, 33, was frustrated by the lack of choice of age-appropriate, affordable underwear for her daughter.

Quick to spot a gap in the market, she set up her business, The SugaPlum Shop, last year and this entrepreneur has big plans for her business, including adding her own designer range later this year, as well as a high street launch.

Sue has been nominated for the Online Business of the Year Award, where the judges will be looking for the next Google, Facebook or Lastminute.com together with proof that a sizeable percentage of income is generated online.

Sue said: “I feel so honoured to be nominated for this start up business award. For someone to believe in my business and my product is truly amazing and this, for me, will be the highlight of my business career.”

A panel of distinguished judges will decide on the winners later this year and include such well known entrepreneurs as Chrissie Rucker - founder of The White Company, Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, the Black Farmer, and Alan Giles, chairman of Fat Face.

For more information on the Croydon Enterprise programme, call the business support hotline on 0208 680 6161 or visit croydonenterprise.com.