KLEENUP: Revolutionizing the Cleaning Industry with the Help of Maryland SBDC
For Asrorjon “Jon” Shukurov, entrepreneurship is more than just business—it’s a mission to create opportunities for others. As an immigrant, business leader, and founder of KLEENUP, Jon saw a gap in the cleaning industry that needed innovation. His solution? A groundbreaking digital platform designed to connect professional cleaners with residential and commercial clients on-demand. However, turning this vision into reality required financial support, strategic guidance, and the right connections. That’s where the Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) came in.
The Challenge: Building a Tech-Driven Marketplace
Jon came to the Maryland SBDC with an ambitious goal: to launch and scale KLEENUP, an app- based marketplace for cleaning services, making it possible for Marylanders to connect with vetted and quality cleaners in their area at fair prices. His platform disrupts the traditional cleaning industry, offering cleaners more earning potential, flexible schedules, and a hassle- free way to find clients, while providing consumers affordable, on-demand cleaning services. However, he faced multiple challenges, including:
● Securing funding to develop the platform
● Structuring a sustainable business model
● Navigating legal and intellectual property considerations
● Expanding market reach and user adoption The SBDC’s Role in KLEENUP’s Success
With the support of SBDC consultants Candace Pruett, Rick Leibowitz, Luis Diaz-Colorado, and
Aldo Barillas, Jon received strategic guidance in several critical areas:
1. Fundraising & Financial Planning
● SBDC consultants helped Jon refine his financial projections, ensuring he had a clear roadmap for funding and growth.
● Through SBDC’s assistance, Jon secured $50,000 in private investment to support app development.
● He received guidance on alternative funding options, including angel investors, government grants, and pitch competitions.
2. Business Model Optimization
● Consultants helped structure KLEENUP’s revenue model, ensuring sustainable operations.
● Instead of high commissions like competitors, KLEENUP adopted a 10% connection fee, making it more attractive for cleaners while remaining profitable.
● SBDC helped him identify key metrics for investment pitching, including tracking revenue per project, user adoption, and cleaner retention.
3. Legal & Intellectual Property Support
● SBDC referred Jon to the Maryland Business Opportunity Center (MBOC) for trademark registration and legal assistance.
● He received guidance on structuring SAFE notes (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) to attract investors while minimizing legal costs.
4. Market Expansion & Growth Strategies
● KLEENUP successfully launched in the Baltimore, Annapolis, and Towson corridor and plans to expand across the East Coast.
● Jon was connected with local workforce development groups to recruit more cleaners and service providers.
● SBDC provided marketing support, helping Jon explore referral programs, Google reviews strategies, and customer acquisition campaigns.
5. Recognition & Visibility
● Due to his outstanding efforts, Jon was named SBA’s 2023 Maryland Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year, an award that significantly boosted KLEENUP’s credibility and exposure.
● Jon authored The Immigrant’s Companion: Making Your American Dream a Reality in both English and Spanish to help his fellow immigrants assimilate and become contributing members of this society as quickly as possible
● SBDC worked with Jon to prepare pitch presentations for competitions like Shore Hatchery, helping refine KLEENUP’s messaging and investor appeal.
The Results: A Platform Poised for Industry Disruption
Thanks to SBDC’s guidance and Jon’s relentless drive, KLEENUP officially launched in February 2025. Within weeks of going live, the platform has onboarded multiple cleaners and started facilitating transactions. With its low commission model, streamlined job-matching system, and user-friendly interface, KLEENUP is quickly gaining traction as the go-to platform for on- demand cleaning services.
Jon remains deeply committed to creating economic opportunities, particularly for immigrants and underserved communities. His journey - from launching a traditional cleaning business (Interworld Cleaning) to pioneering a tech-driven marketplace - highlights the impact of entrepreneurial resilience and expert business support.
What’s Next for KLEENUP?
With continued support from the Maryland SBDC, Jon is focused on:
● Scaling KLEENUP’s operations nationwide
● Forging strategic partnerships with universities, real estate firms, and workforce agencies
● Exploring technology enhancements to improve job matching and user experience
● Seeking additional funding to accelerate growth and market penetration
Jon’s story is a testament to how the right guidance, resources, and determination can turn a bold idea into a thriving business.
"Maryland SBDC and its affiliates have been invaluable partners in my entrepreneurial journey. From securing funding to refining my business model and expanding my network, their support has been instrumental in making KLEENUP first a reality, and, second, a commercial success . I am grateful to SDBC and the State of Maryland and particularly want to single out Candace Pruett, Rick Leibowitz, Luis Diaz-Colorado, and Aldo Barillas for their assistance and trust." – Asrorjon Shukurov, Co-founder of KLEENUP.
For more information about KLEENUP, visit www.kleenup.com or give it a try and download the application here https://kleenup.com/download/
Posted: 04/18/2025