So right back to the start...

Having done my 2nd redundancy, which to be honest hit me harder than I let on, my mind was made up...it was old-fashioned sweets. So I did what all good business people should do - hit the research. That was my first suprise, there were so many already doing it.

The more I looked (and purchased), the more adament I was that my marketing skills could really bring something to this. I looked, noted and surfed for days on end. Made calls, attended a couple of meetings. Bless, I even went to speak to the local enterprise centre. Firstly I should say, for those who have no real experience of 'business' the resources available were excellent. However, for those of you with a bit of knowledge (and those others like me that have been learning business/marketing theory since 15 and been heavily involved in someone elses business) it was a bit of a waste of time. The one good thing I got out of it was some key local business folks knew I existed - and I got a couple of contacts. Well worth doing.

The one real boggle I had was the lack of financial support available for a young (29), white male. Without finding a postcode that was covered in a 'support' area we got nothing! So much for plenty of opportunities for all. I'd just like everyone, whatever age, creed, sex or colour to get the opportunity to benefit from some start-up financial support. I think then you'll find plenty more businesses being created, after all many of us of all shapes and sizes are seriously looking to start a business. And there will be plenty of people like me who have 'had' very little need for any state help in any area of our lives up until now. Just to be told that we don't fit the check boxes! Funny, our business rates and taxes that we'll pay seem to fit the check boxes fine.

Still, whether you think there is or isn't funding available, one thing I would say - keeping asking! Eventually you will find the answer you are looking for. If one route is a no, there may be another. If you don't fit the profile for one type of funding, think laterally (ps. I'm not suggesting get a sex change by the way) - by that I mean can you move the location of you office, can you look at investing in training...all kinds of things like that.

Next time...how to be cheeky and get loads of contacts easily when starting your new venture.