I'm in the process of starting a new business. I have a sound business plan, suppliers lined up and some deals on the table for retail premises.

 

but I'm looking for any areas that may provide access to funding be that grants or other means.

 

has anyone had experience in start ups who can point me in the right direction. I'm based in Durham and it will be a retail operation

 

Cheers

My brother started a taxi firm and got a loan/lottery funded through the council.

I supose it depende what you are selling. Might not go for it if its a sex shop for instance :whistling:

My brother started a taxi firm and got a loan/lottery funded through the council.

I supose it depende what you are selling. Might not go for it if its a sex shop for instance :whistling:

 

Sort of the same industry...only at the back end dealing with the consequences...........baby and toddler supplies:innocent:

Business Link is the place for you, its the government business portal. Tons of 'self serve' stuff online and access to local support via the directories like the 'business support finder', pump in your postcode and tick the appropriate boxes for your type of business and it will give you the results for you area.

 

Here's a link to the business support finder, the local authorities and support agencies submit their updates every 6 months to this site - http://online.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/bsfSearch?viewPersonalList=false&purposeId=0&r.lc=en&page=1

having established a couple of businesses in the past, and now working as a regional account manager visiting retail shops on a daily basis, some things i remember are

for funding

bank---- have a good business plan, with a 3 year projection of turnover/outgoings and p+l, try to guess all their questions and have your answers ready, even if they dont lend you the money its a very good preparation/practice for other agencies. try a few different ones.

 

credit unions, local government enterprise centres, government business schemes, local regeneration schemes,

retail in general is going through an extremely tough time atm, however rents etc are very good, good luck with your venture