CM CLUB: How much help did you get to start up?

[StrawberrySnowflakes]

i have been amazed at how much help i have recieved to get started as well as more support as i had not worked for 3 years.
This morning, i have just received another very substantial grant (dont have to pay back unless i cease trading within 3 months!!)from a company i applied to last year! and its to buy a dining table for mindees/my family and shelving storage for playroom..so everyone will benefit!..i just feel so and

what did u do then right off to companies?
I had help with a start up grant from the welsh esembly but thats it but more than most get so very lucky,
Interested to know how u went about getting help

i contacted local business link, they put me in touch with walker hall associates(they sort your business plan, give you someone to help you with tax and lots of other stuff) and went through a list of all the help i would be eligable for.
i also recieved a list from the business man at local surestart who i did training with, i can not fault them AT ALL..i have literally had £1000's of pounds to help me start up

I have applied for grants to set up my cm business and have not had a penny . You win some you lose some I suppose!

Where abouts do you live strawberry?

middlesbrough, but not 'hard up' area, just that theres lots of surestart areas around me and where i live is a big area, the main road (miles away from me) which ends this area joins with a surestart area IYSWIM???
have got meeting with someone tomorrow who wants a list of EVERYTHING else i need
all i need is antoher full timer now or a couple of after schoolys and ill be

i didnt get a penny no grants available when i started up

chel86, have you tried surestart, C.I.S, business link, job brokers, job centres..they all have a 'pot' from which to be taken, you just have to ask!, luckilly i was given fab support by business adviser at surestart, he actulaly typed up a lenghy list of people who would/could help..im sure someone would help..even my friend in much posher area than me, got ncma membership and insurance paid for?!

Thanks Strawberry. I'll have a look and apply! Like you say, you don't ask you don't get!

we have a business gateway where they will give you £1000 to start up when you have written a business plan