Calling all small business entrepreneurs – need funding?
19-03-2025
Calling all small business entrepreneurs need funding?
As with any new business start up there is an element of risk capital that needs to be raised. The world of fashion (darling) is so very precarious and as a budding designer, with your new collection in sketch form, you need to find out what sources of finance are open to you.
Just look at the on-costs that a collection has, rent, rates, fabric, samples, trimmings, telephone, accountants the list is endless so at the outset minimise the risk as much as possible. Below is an overview of some of the current fund raising schemes available to help you on the way. For a full explanation of the funding sources please visit www.londonfashionforum.com.
Arts Council
The Arts Council England is the national development agency for arts in England, distributing public money from the government and National Lottery.
Visit the website or email enquiries@artscouncil.org,uk for further information.
Hidden Art
Hidden Art is an established network of over 1800 designers and creative businesses based in East London. Visit the website or email info@mazorcaprojects.com for further information.
British Council
British Council requires no application form as it only needs you to follow an artist scheme which is clearly explained on the website. For more information email artweb@britishcouncil,org
Ethnic Minority Business Forum
The Ethnic Minority Business Forum is working closely with the Small Business Service. Visit the website www.ethnicbusiness.org or email embf@sbs.qsi.gov.uk for more information.
Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust
The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust aims to advance education in the UK in modern and traditional crafts and trades, particularly those associated with Royal Warrant Holding firms, by granting Scholarships for further study and training. The funding amount is between £2000 and £15,000. For further information, either visit the website www.qest.org.uk or email qest@rwha.co.uk or the haute couture specialist on www.sonjanuttall.com/
The Princes Trust
The Princes Trust is a well established funding provider which helps people who have great concepts but no start up capital. They offer low interest loans up to £4,000 or £5,000 if in a partnership. They also offer advice from volunteer business mentors. To find out more please visit the website www.princes-trust.org.uk or call 0800 842 842 to find out your nearest Princes Trust office in your area. You can also email webinfops@princes-trust.org.uk for further enquiries.
Every Woman Grants
Every Woman and NatWest are working together to deliver key financial help, quality business advice and guidance and a selection of easy-to-use tools to assist you in making smart business decisions.. For further information visit the website or email info@everywoman.co.uk or call 0870 746 1800.
These are a few pointers for you – if any of you have any feedback on the above companies, good or bad, we would welcome any feedback. Happy hunting!
Jennifer Holloway – Industry Advisor
For a full preview of this article please see www.londonfashionforum.com where the article has been written by a budding journalist Kyrsty Hazell.
