Business Grants for the DisabledMaking the jump to self employment can be a daunting task with fear of losing a regular income, negotiating changes to existing benefits and finding the capital to set up a new business. But being your own boss is a popular choice for both the disabled and carers as a way of finding rewarding work with flexible hours that can be tailored to meet your individual needs As well as providing the opportunity to work at your own pace in an accessible location of your own choice. So, what do you need? A business idea.....start up finance.....a network of support..... All of these and more...... It's important to discuss your business proposals with employment experts such as Business Link or a local enterprise agency. They can advise on the viability of your ideas, government initiatives and practical support such as drawing up a business plan. Your local Job Centre Plus or Citizens Advice will be able to tell you about "in work" benefits such as the Disabled Person's Tax Credit and Access to Work. Disability Living Allowance (DLA) isn't affected by self employment and the Carers Allowance has the usual restrictions whatever your employment status. Moving into self employment may be isolating with no office banter or colleagues to bounce off ideas. So, finding a local network of like minded people through organisations such as the Federation of Small Businesses or Disabled Entrepreneurs can make a difference and keep you up-to-date with funding opportunities. Do check your local council's website to see if they have any funding for small business start up's or improvements to local businesses. These will vary between regions and counties and will be restricted to a specific geographical area. Other sources of finance and business support include...... Business Link is the Government's on-line resource for businesses with detailed information on starting, running and growing a business. It has a comprehensive guide on obtaining finance and grants including an interactive Business Support Finder to search for grants, loans and business support. Their Growth and Improvement Service has videos, tools and articles to help take businesses to the next level. Specific business information for other parts of the UK: Scotland: Business Gateway Wales: Business Wales Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland Business A UK organisation run by disabled entreprenuers for disabled entrepreneurs. It supports anyone with a disability to become an entrepreneur by providing business networking opportunities and news on disability related business developments. There is an on-line blog but full benefits are obtained through purchasing the membership package. www.disabledentrepreneurs.co.uk The Frederick Foundation is a charity that helps disadvantaged people to set up or expand their own business. It is open to sole traders, partnerships and limited companies. The Foundation operates in the south of England covering Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Surrey, Sussex and Kent. Loans vary from a maximum of £10,000 (average £5,000)for start-up businesses and a maximum of £20,000 for established businesses. Repayments are negoitated over 2 to 5 years depending on the amount borrowed. To apply: complete the on-line form to request an application pack. The application form should then be forwarded with a business plan and supporting documentation to your local office. New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) The New Enterprise Allowance provides business support to individuals who have received Jobseekers Allowance for at least six months and have been assessed as having a viable business idea. The scheme offers a start-up loan of £1,000 with expert help and advice from a business mentor. It will also support the business for at least six months and pay a weekly allowance for 26 weeks. NEA is managed by Job Centre Plus who will also be able to assist with benefit calculations to help you decide if the scheme is financially viable for your own situation. PRIME is the Prince of Wales' Initiative for Mature Enterprise. It supports unemployed people over the age of 50 who would like to set up their own business. The organisation runs courses workshops, events and networking opportunities. The on-line community forum is currently closed. It also provides free essential information on starting and running a business. This includes videos on how to register your business and record keeping. There is also an e-learning guide to setting up your business, marketing and business planning advice The Princes Trust - Enterprise Programme The Princes Trust's Enterprise Programme supports young people aged 18-30 years who have a business idea. Applicants must be unemployed or working less than 16 hours a week and live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. It provides the opportunity to explore the viability of their business ideas and to obtain advice on employment options. It may also provide financial support to start your own business and business mentoring. The Trust has also produced a number of free downloadable guides to help in starting a business. To register your interest complete the on-line Enquiry form. Rise Up UK - The Magic will happen This is a new disabled led organisation that aims to provide information and support to disabled entrepreneurs. At present the website is still under development but will eventually include resources and a forum for support. It also hopes to match people with experienced mentors in their chosen employment field. www.rise-up.thecreativecrip.com The Stelios Award for disabled entrepreneurs in the UK is sponsored by Sir Stelios, the founder of EasyJet and is run by Leonard Cheshire Disability. It has a prize of £50,000 awarded to the disabled entrepreneur who can show how this money will make a major difference to their business. Two runner-ups will recieve a prize of £1,000 each. Those eligible to apply must:
Applications for 2012 have not opened. Now check out the other pages...... Disability and Employment - Information and Advice Disabled Employment Programmes See also Be the Boss (for disabled veterans) Enabled 4 Growth (for London) My4Hands- the story of one disabled entrepreneur. Return from Business Grants for the Disabled to Disability and Employment
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