Newsletter

Welcome to the second edition of the DEN Newsletter.

We are often asked to respond to the following types of questions:

• I have been to the statutory authorities and the agencies. I need more assistance with sorting out all the information and guidance about progress from here?
• I have a great idea, but where do I get money?
• How do I set up in business and how do I write a business plan?

This Newsletter deals with Finances and Part 1 of setting up in business.

Where do I get money?

There are ways of getting money, but because many disabled people are on low incomes, or on benefits, many financial institutions perceive them to be a greater risk and it becomes more difficult to convince the banks and others to support the fledgling business.

However, there are funds and ways and means of financing your business, although it is not easy. Some information can be found from your local business gateway www.bgateway.com

Access to Work

There are many misconceptions about the Access to Work Scheme and self employment, with a number of people believing that you cannot get Access to Work support if you are self employed. However, this is not the case!

The Access to Work Scheme can provide support with:

• alterations to premises or the working environment to make them more accessible;
• specialist equipment, that will enable you to work more effectively;
• travel to work costs if you are unable to use public transport; and
• a support worker, to assist with work related activities. (This can include a personal reader, communicator or interpreter or an assistant to help with personal needs in the workplace.)

After consultation with the Access to Work Advisor, or the Disability Employment Advisor in your local Jobcentre, you may have to undergo a workplace assessment, in order to identify the adjustments that may be needed or your equipment needs.

You may need to think about the things that can help you at work so that you are ready for the assessment. Additionally, you may also be asked to provide a business plan (see point 4 below and next edition of this newsletter). Once Access to Work has approved your application and support needs, they will then meet all the approved costs.

The Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust

For budding disabled entrepreneurs, between 18 and 30 years old, a grant of up to £1000 may be available from the The Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust together with mentoring for up to 2 years.

They may also lend up to £5000 repayable over a period of 5 years. The Prince's Trust website can be found at www.princes-trust.org.uk

Assisted Areas

The area where you live in Scotland (and for that matter, in England), can enable you to access funds. There are areas designated as ‘Assisted Areas', such as the Shetland Isles, parts of central/lowland Scotland and parts of the highlands in the North of Scotland. In these areas, one may get up to 30% of funding for things you may need for operating, depending on the area where the business is being started. However, one must have matched funding to get the money. Further information can be found at www.rsascotland.gov.uk

How to get on the right path … setting up in business Setting up in business needs a lot of preparation and there are a number of things to consider. You may come across a number of difficulties along the path to success, but with some motivation, determination and preparation (for the lows as well as the highs), it is more likely that your business will succeed and thrive.

Here are some tips that will help you to prepare for self employment:

Look at your strong points and any weaknesses you may have, as there is no point trying to start a business doing something you really don't like doing!

Remember that starting up a business can be hard work, particularly in the first few years. However, you are not superhuman, so try and ensure that the expectations you have of yourself and the support you may get from family or friends are realistic.

Please contact the editor@anAurora.co.uk with any stories or features that you would like us to publish for you.

Top