Start up

Sources of grant aid

There are no grants available specifically for hairdressers.

Grants or loans available for training, however, could be used to fund courses relevant to the trade. These may lead to the award of qualifications such as NVQs or SVQs in hairdressing or management skills. In-salon training is often combined with a college course on a day-release basis. The Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Authority should be contacted for further details (Tel 01302 380 000).

Grant aid to help all types of businesses to start up or expand is available through a number of national, regional and local schemes. EC grant aid is mostly channelled through UK government schemes and is generally only available direct from Brussels, to fund Research and Development.

Locally run start up schemes may offer new businesses a one-off payment on start up, or a weekly allowance over a fixed period. Support such as subsidised rent and rates is often available to encourage new businesses to set up in a particular area. Other grants administered locally provide financial help for existing small companies to grow and develop by funding such things as product research, marketing activities or environmental improvements. Business advice, training and loan schemes are also available in addition to financial help.

For details of all schemes contact the nearest:

• Business Link (in England)
• Small Business Gateway (in Scotland)
• Business Connect (in Wales)
• Invest Northern Ireland (in Northern Ireland)

They can provide full details of what is available in each area, and advise on the best way to proceed.

In addition, advice is available from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and from the High Street Banks.