Start-up funding help

jools002

I'm desperately seeking help with start-up funding and I've spent months looking. I've been out of work for 6 months and have spent every last penny on re-training. I've asked my bank for a business loan but they've said I need to have been in business for 2 years for them to lend to me. I'm not able to get any credit because I'm unemployed. I basically need around £11k to set me up with a van and equipment which will then allow me to start earning. I'm also over 30 so Princes Trust is not an option for me. Can anyone please help?

Opinion

Might help if we know a bit more about what you want to set up.

jools002

I will be qualified in a few weeks as a Dog Groomer and want to get a fully equipped mobile van.

Horace

These days there are no start up grants, however, you could try crowdfunding which is a way of raising funds for all kinds of things.

bris

No one is going to help you with a venture that is a one man business with little prospect of growth for any investor.


You certainly don't need 11k because you do not need a custom van to start up.


your expectations are too high, buy the grooming equipment for a few quid and put the word about, a little local advertising and the clients will come to you, build from there.

motorguy

bris wrote: »

your expectations are too high, buy the grooming equipment for a few quid and put the word about, a little local advertising and the clients will come to you, build from there.

Have to agree.


You can buy a perfectly presentable van from £1,000 upwards.

Buy the minimum equipment you need from the cheapest sources (or second hand for the more expensive stuff)

Advertise on gumtree, local shops, get 500 business cards for a tenner off vistaprint, every customer you get ask them can they recommend you to friends and family.

Also, see if family or friends can lend you some cash to get started. Overdraft or interest free / low rate credit card could be an option too.

The worst thing to do with a brand new, unproven business is to lumber yourself with a load of potentially unnecessary debt.

jools002

Ok, thanks for all your advice.

Percy1983

Sounds a good idea but as said try and start small and see how it grows and grow your equipment with the business.

If I think back to the hardware/software I was using when I started my business and what I have now its quite amazing.

In short I had can existing PC, a £25 video camcorder a £15 tripod and borrowed another camcorder and tripod. I used range of different free video editors (to do many small tasks), which was highly inefficient with hindsight.

These days I have 12 camcorders a whole range of tripods/mounts, 2 custom built PCs and fully paid for professional software.

In short if you have the talent/passion then get the minimum needed and get some customers, keep investing the profits in things to make life easier/more efficient to take on more customers and see how far you get.

Good luck!