I need my independence back desperately

[Pinktreacle]

I really need some advice from all you smart mumsnetters. I have been a stay at home mum for 9 years. I am desperate to leave my partner. I am so unhappy.
After applying for jobs daily for over a year with no luck at all, I have decided to start my own business. The problem is I need some sort of grant, as I can't afford the set up without a small grant. I have no way of doing it without one.

Could somebody please give me some advice on grants or business start ups, so I can find a way out of my miserable life? I feel so overwhelmed. I can't cant carry on like this.

Please help!

You need to give more information to get decent advice. What's your business?

There's not a lot of grants about, you might be eligible for retraining or in kind support.

If you had a decent business plan you might be able to get a business account with an overdraft facility.

You say you are desperate to leave. Can you leave without an income? Can you separate/divorce and stay in the house?

How realistic is it to set up a viable business before you leave? It could take years for you to earn an income.

Tell us more about your situation.

if you can answer the questions above I'm sure you'll get great advice.

Does this involve selling something from home, Pink ?

Whatever you are thinking of be careful and do lots of research - there are many people who start up and then don't earn a dime

It's selling a service. My friend is doing it and earns good money.

We rent and He won't leave and private letting agencies practically laugh at you when you enquire and say they don't want people on tax credits let alone housing benefit. This is the reality out there. It's very difficult.

Is it a council or HA tenancy. If you are joint tenants you need legal advice on how to transfer the tenancy into your sole name.

It's a private rental

Start Up Loans is government backed, I know someone who got a loan to start a business - you could check out their website?

Oh thanks for that hoot. I'm going to look it up right now x

Thanks HOOT, I've looked the website up and it looks great. They give you free mentoring too.

Just be real careful if it's some sort of network marketing, Pink. Such schemes are often punted as a lucrative life saver but very few people seem to be able to make them work - or at least not without alienating their entire friendship group - and if you're having a difficult relationship that might be the last thing you need.

Do your research very carefully - as a PP advised. The MSE forums are often also useful in that regard.

Bear in mind that you'll be self-employed, which landlords hate even more than HB. They'll often want a year's worth of certified accounts with your proof of income.

Thanks for the warning but it's nothing like that at all. Like I said my friend has shown me her business and she's doing well, so I'd like to give it a shot. After applying for so many jobs and getting nowhere, I've not got that much to lose.

We have never had a problem renting as self-employed, but yes you're right the do want to see accounts which I won't have at first. It's just so hard to get anywhere to live these days. It's so easy to want to leave but when the practicalities come into play, I can see why women stay put. I remember a thread by FREESPIRITED who showed the difficulties she faced and what she went through was horrendous. I don't think she ever updated. I often wonder what happened.

Good luck.

Thank you Cozie, I need it!