There are many reasons for not taking the plunge and starting your own business. However, don't worry because there's plenty of support out there for you. We help people in Leeds who might be looking to earn some extra money but arent yet sure what their business idea is - they just know they want to get out of the rut they are currently in.
Here are a few hurdles you might face with possible solutions from Sharing the Success.
I can’t get enough money together to fund my business
There are two schemes which may be able to help depending on how much you need. They offer loans to people who might not be able to get help from banks or other high street lenders in certain areas of Leeds.
Loans up to £5,000 for individuals
Stephanie Brown T: 0113 214 5252
Loans up to £30,000 for individuals or businesses
Richard Wharton T: 07850 379547
Brian Hatcher T: 07727 651187
I don’t have the right qualities or experience to start a business
There is a huge programme within Sharing the Success to help you begin your journey towards business so don’t worry if you are not ready to jump straight in. Our partners will run events, drop in sessions, shows, workshops and provide examples of people you can learn from giving you plenty of information on which to base your decisions.
For example there are sessions on the working for yourself and what that involves, finding the right business idea, confidence building and much more. Find out who can help you in your area here.
Any area
Winning Moves:
Tina Boden T:01785 827600
Middleton, Belle Isle
Health for All
Sonjia Hoyle T: 0113 270 6903 ext 24 or Kathyrn Scarr T: 0113 270 6903 ext 29
Any area
ABDN Minority Ethnic Enterprise Network CIC Ltd
Hamieda Begum T: 0113 322 9203 / 07894 546844
I don’t have or can’t afford work or office space
Why not consider one of the new catalyst or enterprise centres around Leeds. They offer office space at low or no cost, easy in and easy out terms as well as a network of people who will support you as you begin your business. Use these contacts or visit the 'centres' pages.
Beeston : Randolph Robinson T: 0789 439 3835
Chapeltown: Chris Peltier T: 0113 200 7970
Harehills: Michaela Begley: T: 07525 764753
East Leeds: Wendy Smith T: 0787 269 4804
West Leeds: Diana Holmes T: 0113 218 0121
I need more training and support before I start my construction business
There is lots of construction work going on in Leeds. It makes sense to be considering business ideas around this industry. Find out more about training and advice through Construction Leeds or about the construction taster sessions at Rise in Seacroft.
Construction Leeds: Richard Town T: 113 881 4814
Rise: Alison Mather: T: 0113 881 4816
I want to turn my artistic skills into a business
Artsmix have a fortnightly market which may be a place you can sell your hand crafted products. They also have a workshop where they rent space to new art or craft based businesses which includes specialist equipment.
Amy Bewick T: 0113 247 0066 or Laura Wellington T: 0113 391 2547
Union 105 is a studio and exhibition space in Chapeltown. They also hold regular events and discussions of an artistic nature.
Tim Smith T: 0113 262 6633