Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi,
Does anyone have advice on sources of start-up funding to set up a small business? I'm wondering if these is any funding available specifically for autistic/disabled entrepreneurs.
Richard
Here's an encouraging recent success story. This woman started up her floristry business after being made redundant. She retrieves 'past sell-by' bouquets from supermarkets, then reproduces them for residential homes, mental health groups and other charitable organisations. She got her £70,000 start-up money from crowdfunding.
The Flower Bank
I'd also suggest looking at your local area, learning disability and autism charities and approaching the local authority such as your local learning disability partnership board (members), no harm in trying
I've heard it's a lengthy process, but another idea could be national lottery funding, children in need.
That's a possibility.
Have you thought about crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding: What You Need To Know
Thanks, but unfortunately I'm 20 years too late for their funding ;)
Another source of funding is Princes Trust, by there are age limits on thathttps://www.princes-trust.org.uk/
I'm not on benefits. I'm really looking to see if there are any alternatives to bank loans for start-up businesses, or using my own savings to get things going.
If your on these benfits you get get some funding from goverment.
https://www.gov.uk/moving-from-benefits-to-work/starting-your-own-business
I currently run my "business" on a voluntary basis - it's a special interest group for autistic children. I've had requests from schools to take the activities into schools but they have no funding of their own. I'm hoping to find funding which would allow me to take my business into schools, while paying me a moderate daily rate. Once it proves itself, I can look for funding/income elsewhere.
What sort of thing do you want to do? How much funding do you think you need? Can you avoid needing funding?