Help / grants for starting up own business? Can you help me?

[marz92]

I wonder if anybody can point me in any directions re: Grants etc.

I am about to be made redundant after 25 years as a local news photographer (10 years with my current soon to be ex employer). As I have a wealth of knowledge in this field I wish to continue in this career, but not with newspapers as there is no money and the quality generally is rapidly going down hill.

So the question I put to any of you in the know, is simply this? Are there any grants out there for the self employed for starting up one man band businesses. If so, where do I go to explore them? I intend to work from home and not from an office, hence lean on the expenses.

If any of you experts could give me any 'free' advice I would be much obliged.

Many thanks
P.

[Racefan_uk]

Citizen's Advice and your local Business Link will offer free advice. There used to be a service through the job centre too years ago, not sure whether they still do though.

[Morningside]

Edit: pop down to your Jobcentre plus and have a word.

Edited by Morningside on Monday 16th March 18:49

[SXi Lad]

Your Bank may be able to give you some advice, although they may only support your enterprise with a business plan.

[marz92]

Morningside said:

Edit: pop down to your Jobcentre plus and have a word.

Edited by Morningside on Monday 16th March 18:49

Thanks will do! Love the picture of George! Bless

[marz92]

Racefan_uk said:

Citizen's Advice and your local Business Link will offer free advice. There used to be a service through the job centre too years ago, not sure whether they still do though.

Thanks too! Will do!

Any other positive comments out there from anybody - keep'em coming!
Thanks

[marz92]

SXi Lad said:

Your Bank may be able to give you some advice, although they may only support your enterprise with a business plan.

Yeah, that one I'd thought about!
P.

[Muntu]

Chat to your local chamber of commerce too, thay may well have access to free start-up advisors

[SXi Lad]

Prince's Trust?

[Morningside]

^^^ Maybe too old for that. Under 30?


Forgot to add:
1st rule: Work out how much you need to live on for each week. BTW: It looks scary written down.

As a side thing. Check you dont have any restrictions for working from home. Also dont forget extra cover for the car+contents.
How much are you looking at for starting? I mean to borrow (lets say) £5000 for a startup is quite heafty if business is slow for the 1st few months. How about looking at a loan or starting small and building up? As I am sure you know starting off with a few 'shots' with your own money would be better that a £10,000 camera, £14,000 car and no work

BTW: I also looked at business link advice but found them a little bit too much in-your-face and (hate to say this) a bit negative.

So I thought f' it and just went ahead.

Edited by Morningside on Monday 16th March 19:14

[StevieBee]

Suggest you post this on the Business section...

There's plenty of grants out there but don't expect to be given them on a plate. The easiest and most plentiful are those that are based upon "match funding" (you put in £1 - they put in a £1). You will need to present a business plan, cashflow and marketing plan.

Sources of info already quoted are sound. Suggest you also check our Federation of Small Businesses and your own trade bodies can also help.

If you have your own kit, then start up costs shouldn't be that excessive anyway.

[marz92]

Thanks guys for your input.

Will look into all of this.

Prince Trust? Yeap you're right, over 30! Infact over 40!

[AlexKP]

Racefan_uk said:

Citizen's Advice and your local Business Link will offer free advice. There used to be a service through the job centre too years ago, not sure whether they still do though.

Business link is your starting point. This is what they do.

Then possibly your local chamber of commerce, but your BL will advise you.