Start Me Up

LCB Depot is pleased to announce that the next deadline for applications for participation in the Start Me Up scheme is 15th December 2006

Start Me Up is a project aimed at people starting a business in the creative industries in Leicester.  It has been designed to help people learn more about business, increase skills in areas including marketing, understanding finance, and the legal aspects of a business.

In addition, creative businesses will be offered other support to help them develop and grow their ideas.  It will enable test-marketing of the business with a £500 bursary and support tailored to each of the business needs.

Support lasts a minimum of 6 months and after this time participants will be matched with a mentor to help see them through the early years of business.

• Workshops on a range of business issues from Terms of Trade, to presenting themselves to other businesses, to understanding cashflow
• Bespoke support - flexible according to business need
• Free postal mailbox at LCB and use of hotdesks
• £500 test marketing bursary
• Access to other grants and support
• Access to the creative community
• Networking events
• Creative industry specific business advice
• ..... and stacks more besides!

Is it for me?
Start Me Up is a flexible programme of support.  The programme will be tailored to suit participants and businesses needs.  This is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of.  The deadline for the next round of applications is 15th December 2006.

This project is expected to be extremely popular, so applicants should expect to have to demonstrate their commitment to the project and to their business.

Participants must be a resident of specific regenerating communities within Leicester City – including Belgrave, Mowmacre, Highfields, North Braunstone, Saffron, Wycliffe.  Call the LCB Depot (contact details below) to check if the address is included.  To be eligible participants must have lived there for 3 months or more and be able to provide evidence.

Participants cannot be in full-time education or learning.

Participants are expected to attend all seminars and advice sessions.  These will be organised so that people with commitments can attend e.g. child and elder care.  Participants will be helped to put together their business plan & take advantage of of encouragement, support and know-how.

Participants need to have a business idea, or have started in business but are not yet ready to progress to renting / owning an office.

0116 261 6800
kate.cowan@lcbdepot.co.uk