Funding Needed

angel2010_2

I am seeking funding for an arts related course and will be applying to the Arts Council, however following quite a bit of research there does not seem to be much other funding in my area.

I have found Business most unhelpful on all occassions.

Any other advice appreciated!

kingfisherblue

Try putting a few details into www.grantsnet.co.uk - they will send you email alerts when something that may be suitable comes up. You can also browse the site to see if there is anything already listed.

paulwf

What sort of amount are you looking for?

Why do you need to do this course?

Can you generate enough income to cover the cost?

angel2010_2

I have searched the net alot but my postcode seems to be excluded from most funding. I have always funded everything else in the past and have never claimed benefits, but this is a larger, longer term business idea which requires specialist training. The earning potential is at least #1,400 per month.

When I set up my holistic therapy business 4 years ago I could not get any funding whatsoever and feel like I am coming up against the same brick walls.

angel2010_2

Just tried grantsnet but nothing, thanks though as will check back.

hm71_2

try your local CVS they usually have a lot of information regarding grants available. They will prob have a website. or your local council will have a funding officer.

angel2010_2

Thanks have spent the day trawling the net but seem to miss out on the criteria regarding funding. Alot of the support appears to be for long term unemployed.

The other option seems like a career development loan but this wasnt really the route I wanted to take.

Business Link no response after a week!

stephenni1971

Is your idea creating a new product/market?

Are there possibilities for job creation other than your own?

When I set up my holistic therapy business 4 years ago I could not get any funding whatsoever and feel like I am coming up against the same brick walls.

The earning potential is at least #1,400 per month.

I take it your holistic therapy business is no longer? - if not can't you use funds from it to fund your course?

The earning potential isn't huge, is it gross or net of costs, premises supplies etc.

angel2010_2

What I am saying is that I have to find a way to make money, my holistic business has not even bought in £500 this year, I am currently doing 3 jobs just to survive and my original question more related to my disappointment in trying to find advice/get any grants. I have never claimed benefits but clearly if I did I would have more options open to me for business start up.

The figure I quoted is actually net profit after costs.

paulwf

This is going to sound harsh for which I can only apologise but people usually seem to prefer to go for grants when they aren't sure if their business idea is going to be profitable.

If you are sure the idea is going to be profitable then a career development loan is the way to go. If you aren't sure it is viable try and come up with another idea where you would be more than happy to take a loan.

Holistic therapy is a prime example where people are always asking for grants...as you've proved it unfortunately isn't always the most profitable area.

With respect to getting advice, Business Link are very good but you may have to give them a nudge. Expect to have to do this a lot in business, bank managers and solicitors just seem to operate to a completely different timescale to the business world.

BTW good on you for taking 3 jobs rather than relying on benefits. You obviously have the stamina and motivation to succeed which are the most important things in any business startup. Good luck with the project.

angel2010_2

Thanks for your reply, looking at career development loans.