[Lis21]

Hi,
I am currently working on a business plan for a new organic horticultural/fine food product produced in South Devon and have found a niche in the market. I have visited over 30 retailers with another 20 to go...and have had a really positive response to my products. Some retailers have asked me for order forms!!

There is scope for further development of the product range and expansion too to other types of outlets, together with creating employment opportunities. I will be able to obtain Organic Certification within a couple of months due to the nature of the products!! I have a Sci degree and have teaching organic horticulture....

I am working with Business Link however I thought that perhaps on here I may find advice/suggestions from people who have been there and done it at ground level : )

So...Can anyone help? Do you know of possible start-up finance or investor opportunities? Any suggestions/advice would be welcome...

Lis

[Cameron Wallace]

Try to obtain a grant or a loan. Depending on where you're based you can obtain either or both of these. You can find information on Business Links but you can try locally. They have budgets that they are required to spend and given the industry you're looking to break into I am sure that these would be available. You do have to apply for them before you start your business.

[Lis21]

Thank you so much for your advice Cameron : )

I am hoping that Business Link will find time to see me very soon........it would be wonderful to have a little initial support for my new business.

I had a look at a loan system for the South West....possibly the same one that you were thinking of.... however the yearly interest and fee repayments would be almost double that requested by a high street bank.........well, thats how I interpreted it.. that wouldn't be good practice for supporting Small businesses in my mind.......just taking advantage.... its just an opinion..I could be wrong..

Anyway I guess I will find out!

Thank you again

Lis

[yesterday1]

Business Link were in my opinion a total waste of time, I went to see them with regards to starting up a business a while back and they wanted a five year business plan from me projecting profit/loss

Here's some sound advice. Go enroll at university, forget your age. Now your enrolled at uni, apply for a student loan. Boom 4 grand there, £1,300 up front. You might want to take up Art or the like as your intention is financing not being a book worm and obtaining a degree who knows, part-time course might help.

Now go to the big five banks and open up an interest free student overdraft with each one. Minimum £1,000 max I belive is £2,500, so all in all you've got say a total of £5000 minimum in interest free overdrafts and £1,300 in an interest free period student loan

£6,300, there you go, no business plan, no busy body to answer too.

To double your dosh, go to the casino , on a spin of roulette put it all on Red. Jk