Question:
I am a recent graduate returning to Doncaster after completing a Fine Art degree in Manchester and was wondering if there are any grants to start new businesses in the area. I have a group of friends who are keen to work together on some form of arts magazine and web site for Doncaster as there is often a lot going on but nowhere to find out what and when?
Claire from Doncaster
Answer:
Hi Claire,
If you are looking to start up a business in South Yorkshire there are a number of schemes you may wish to follow up - most notably the Creativity Works!/Creative Exchange !, project CIDA runs on behalf of the three boroughs of Rotherham, Doncaster and Barnsley. If you want to apply for funding for equipment or, in some cases, marketing literature, or even training, you simply need to contact Barnsley Development Agency and ask for a Registration of Interest Form. There are only limited funds available at present and before attempting to complete the form I strongly recommend you contact the Business Support Team here at CIDA as they can offer you help in completing the questions and developing a Business Plan.
As for setting up some kind of Doncaster based "What's On Guide", I have to say that, traditionally, these types of publications do not turn into sustainable businesses but that's not to say you shouldn't try. The problem is always generating enough revenue from advertising to pay for the costs of production especially if you're only covering the Doncaster area.
I would recommend you look seriously into who will buy adverting space and see if you can get actual commitments from local businesses. Then, when you have a sense of how much money you can bring in, look at costs of printing, distribution, production etc. Just try this as a rough exercise and see what the figures look like.
Business Link South Yorkshire are also worth talking to, as is the Small Business Service at the Chamber of Commerce.
Good luck and please get in touch with Chantelle Brandon-Reeve at CIDA 01484 483140.
Question:
I have just taken receipt of an Arts Council pack for funding under something called Grants for Arts. Whilst the forms seem very simple, I am unsure as to how I explain what I want the funds to do, and what the creative benefits will be...Do you have any simple advice to help me get started?
Karl Dean
Answer:
Karl,
The first thing you need to check is when the new G4A application details come into action. I think it is early September but the Arts Council web site will give you precise details.
Secondly, you need to write your project down on a single A4 sheet and describe what you will do, what it will cost and what you think the benefits will be. The Arts Council has very clear guidelines on what they will support and what they want projects to achieve.
You may want to send this to the Arts Development officer in your area, Graham Riding and he will give you some further advice, or you may wish to contact the Arts Council in Dewsbury to see if they will also look at your initial proposal and give you feedback. When making your enquiry, try and assess which officer it is best to talk to at the Arts Council as they have specialists who deal with different topics, i.e. Dance, Visual Arts, Literature, Workspace etc..
If you have any problems please call the CIDA Help Line on 08000 111633
If you have any other funding enquiries, send them to carmen@cida.org and Keith Evans, CIDA's Managing Director, will answer them for you.
Your Funding questions answered