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im looking for advice on start up businesses for the unemployed

  • 15-02-2010 1:17pm
    #1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 489 ✭✭


    hi everyone. Am new to this site. I've been unemployed since january 2009 and in september I approached the enterprise board here in Limerick about a new business idea!!4 Months later and all necessary courses finished I started my business from scratch with no money or finance etc.This morning got the call to tell me i've been refused a small start up loan from first step(apparently there to help people like me) I asked why and was told they didnt like my business plan, so I asked if there was anything needed to be changed? could I come up to Dublin and discuss it with them. They told me not to bother. Felt very disheartened and am now worrying about bills etc and my capacity to really boost my idea and buy stock etc..When I approached the enterprise board here in the city last month was quickly fobbed off and wasn't given any idea of what i should apply for in terms of grants.The answer was I cant give you out that information. Was informed how busy they were with the whole dell layoffs and the amount of new applications. Was then informed from the local partnership groups you need to be investing money yourself in the business.Thats why I went for the small loan. My question is How does someone living on a 190 euro a week paying maintenance for a daughter have big finance. What supports are there really in the end?A few courses? what does that mean..f all if you've no money.Im sure someone out there with similar experience can offer me some advice. Thanks all :)


Comments

  • Closed Accounts Posts: 113 ✭✭alrightcuz


    welcome to the real enterprise/area partnership board, ive been trying to start my own business since October and im long term unemployed the ones there supposed to be helping , there only interested in people made redundant the ones with money,,,, Boo Hoo i lost my job im 3 months unemployed poor me i only got 25,000 of a pay package what am i to do. im on ****ing welfare trying to get out ive done the courses,, went back to collage got my degree,,, proved im capable give me a ****ing hand,,,, im from a poor area,, with only one parent,,,ive 3 kids and a partner how am i supposed to save money on welfare or get money from a family member who are as bad off as me,, and no bank will touch me,,,hole system is a joke.

    i wish u the best :)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 489 ✭✭dermothickey


    well cuz it is a load of b a l l s really..as far as im aware they give you a few courses if you've no mun no fun with them...paul partnership liked the business plan ledp too...there for those that wanna get up and running but from there your not in the next club...at least you've a few bob to tie you over..i'm broke by wednesday lunchtime..well all in all im gonna do plan A..which was what I was gonna do before wasting my time on the mickey mouse courses and promises..hearing continously from them 5 months ago..there are grants available..there are grants available...its a state of the country really...they will give to people with money others..forget about it your road is harder..


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 489 ✭✭dermothickey


    sorry i mis read it i thought you said you got 25000 and boohoo...i was thinking the poxy b o l l o c k s


  • Moderators, Computer Games Moderators Posts: 10,462 Mod ✭✭✭✭Axwell


    Theres a programme run by the Social Welfare for people who have been claiming for at least a year and want to setup a business. As far as I know for the first year you still get your full dole even though you are setting up a business and then the year after you get a percentage of it. I cant think of the name off hand but im sure you would find it with some research on their website. Wouldnt give you funding to begin with but would mean at least you would be able to keep your dole for the first year of setting up without them taking it off you if things worked out.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 489 ✭✭dermothickey


    Im on it and it is a load off my mind that at least there is a regular income coming in..its 100% the first year and 75% the next year..so it pays domestic bills :)


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,123 ✭✭✭stepbar


    hi everyone. Am new to this site. I've been unemployed since january 2009 and in september I approached the enterprise board here in Limerick about a new business idea!!4 Months later and all necessary courses finished I started my business from scratch with no money or finance etc.This morning got the call to tell me i've been refused a small start up loan from first step(apparently there to help people like me) I asked why and was told they didnt like my business plan, so I asked if there was anything needed to be changed? could I come up to Dublin and discuss it with them. They told me not to bother. Felt very disheartened and am now worrying about bills etc and my capacity to really boost my idea and buy stock etc..When I approached the enterprise board here in the city last month was quickly fobbed off and wasn't given any idea of what i should apply for in terms of grants.The answer was I cant give you out that information. Was informed how busy they were with the whole dell layoffs and the amount of new applications. Was then informed from the local partnership groups you need to be investing money yourself in the business.Thats why I went for the small loan. My question is How does someone living on a 190 euro a week paying maintenance for a daughter have big finance. What supports are there really in the end?A few courses? what does that mean..f all if you've no money.Im sure someone out there with similar experience can offer me some advice. Thanks all :)
    First Step wrote:
    All applications must be accompanied by a quality Business Plan. The Plan should include:

    Cash flow projections
    Market analysis
    Competitive edge
    Business history (if business is already established)
    SWOT analysis
    Your skills and experience in the business
    Loan use

    I take you business plan has got all of the above? Is it realistic?

    In all seriousness, it's up to you to help yourself. Don't expect anybody to come along and do the donkey work and especially the Government. If you have the knowledge and conviction you'll do it yourself. It's up to you to go out and get the knowledge. The conviction is a given. First Step is not in the business of creating business plans.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 489 ✭✭dermothickey


    As you can read from my posts The business plan was solid all of the above included..a fair assessment. Got quality marks from Paul Partnership..youre one there even said she'd set up the same business herself if she could..Limerick Enterprise Development Project passed through 3 boards of management aznd committees..went to first step..rejected!! and was told in the language used "dont bother" Ive done all the donkey work required thats what Ive been doing for 5 months on courses..Was just saying its a sad state of affairs when a very small loan was gonna help create seven jobs and it gets knocked back by someone sitting in an office with hundreds more business plans in front of them. Ive invested myself the biggest asset to the idea..and as i said im going back to plan A..my original which was what I was going to do before approaching boards. I could have been out trading for the past 5 months if i hadnt gone near them


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 670 ✭✭✭Tail Wagger


    Hi lads, just to put my shillings worth into the pot, I like yourselves was in the same situation some years ago. As far as I'm concerned with these back to work scheme's the good for the guy who wants to work and doesn't want to be looking over his shoulder as to say, unfortunately for your honesty you get nothing from these places just the run around.

    You didn't mention what sort of business you were starting up?, the reason I'm saying that is you say you have to purchase stock, so I assume you are going retail. if so you may or may not have experience with this business.

    these back to work set up's don't give you money for stock..etc!. Have you worked out how much you need in cash etc!... Can you turn to the Credit Union or anything like that, all I'm trying to point out is if you need cash for stock your on a looser straight away.....

    Is there anything else you could try your hand at until you try and build up a bit of cash... you could start off gardening or small jobbing around the place where you live. don't get to disheartened if your serious with your venture you will eventually achieve it, if you are prepared to work hard at something else and build up some Capital.... keep up the dream any way and lots of luck.:cool:


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 169 ✭✭Guell72


    hi everyone. Am new to this site. I've been unemployed since january 2009 and in september I approached the enterprise board here in Limerick about a new business idea!!4 Months later and all necessary courses finished I started my business from scratch with no money or finance etc.This morning got the call to tell me i've been refused a small start up loan from first step(apparently there to help people like me) I asked why and was told they didnt like my business plan, so I asked if there was anything needed to be changed? could I come up to Dublin and discuss it with them. They told me not to bother. Felt very disheartened and am now worrying about bills etc and my capacity to really boost my idea and buy stock etc..When I approached the enterprise board here in the city last month was quickly fobbed off and wasn't given any idea of what i should apply for in terms of grants.The answer was I cant give you out that information. Was informed how busy they were with the whole dell layoffs and the amount of new applications. Was then informed from the local partnership groups you need to be investing money yourself in the business.Thats why I went for the small loan. My question is How does someone living on a 190 euro a week paying maintenance for a daughter have big finance. What supports are there really in the end?A few courses? what does that mean..f all if you've no money.Im sure someone out there with similar experience can offer me some advice. Thanks all :)

    Isnt there a scheme where you can get back tax you paid in previous years if you start a business. I dont know anything about it, but heard about it years ago. Have a google.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 489 ✭✭dermothickey


    its a unique idea which im keeping close to my chest!!1 stock is cheap the mark up is excellent the demand is there. I have all the necessary experience and am tipping away with it. nice and slowly. Sure the loan would have got me extra stock for the year..a website..advertising van signage.. the means to approach companies.. stationary...computer equipment office supplies..etc etc etc..everything necessary to start a business on a good footing...going after the big guns like dunnes which would benefit them and me everyones a winner, small local shops would see the value in stocking the product..happy days. At the moment fortunately my supplier is a friend im ordering a few pieces knocking on doors and the money is coming in slower..People are buying it..they are delighted and its small money for them to spend..:) Had my car stolen just before christmas and got a loan off the credit union to get me driving again...so that option is out...


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 489 ✭✭dermothickey


    guell that sounds brilliant im gonna look in to that but wouldnt be so sure if there would be much there for me as ive been out of work for a while now and spent time in my youth flapping around new zealand


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 670 ✭✭✭Tail Wagger


    its a unique idea which im keeping close to my chest!!1 stock is cheap the mark up is excellent the demand is there. I have all the necessary experience and am tipping away with it. nice and slowly. Sure the loan would have got me extra stock for the year..a website..advertising van signage.. the means to approach companies.. stationary...computer equipment office supplies..etc etc etc..everything necessary to start a business on a good footing...going after the big guns like dunnes which would benefit them and me everyones a winner, small local shops would see the value in stocking the product..happy days. At the moment fortunately my supplier is a friend im ordering a few pieces knocking on doors and the money is coming in slower..People are buying it..they are delighted and its small money for them to spend..:) Had my car stolen just before christmas and got a loan off the credit union to get me driving again...so that option is out...
    =======================================================

    Well at least your letting us know a little bit about your venture, ie retail and door to door selling. Thats why I asked you in my above post, right you have a car you can purchase some stock! Next... Get a few heads into your car and go door to door, ie if your selling to the punters at the door for €3 example sell to your mates on a sale or return basis, ie 4 guys + yourself 10 items each. Go out 5 nights a week, sell 10 each per night equals 50 a night = 250 a week and so forth. Weekends go to car boot sales if you believe in your product you will sell loads if you don't believe in it you'll perish.... I did the same as you about 20 years ago and it went on for about 5 years it went really well. you'll have to work hard at it, expect all the knocks and loses but if your a hard worker you'll pull it through in the end good luck...:cool:


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 489 ✭✭dermothickey


    thanks tail!!! exactly what im doing at the mo..except on my own..a lonely salesman...i love it though...have thought of getting a few on board...thats gonna happen in april!!the longer evenings and the warmer weather will keep them at it for the summer months, plus i'll have a few more small bob in my pocket..your figures are spot on


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 169 ✭✭Guell72


    guell that sounds brilliant im gonna look in to that but wouldnt be so sure if there would be much there for me as ive been out of work for a while now and spent time in my youth flapping around new zealand


    This might be it or there may be other schemes.

    http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/it/leaflets/it15.html

    Its does my heart good to see someone getting up off their hole. :D


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 489 ✭✭dermothickey


    this one sounds great thanks guell..gonna bookmark it and return to it tomorrow and fine-comb it see what the crack is.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 117 ✭✭happyeveryday


    Hi dermothickey,
    Thought i'd put my two cents to this.
    You should never start a business because there are grants or tax allowances available. They are a bonus, but not a good reason to start and definitely not a reason why not to start.
    The other thing is, if you ask 100 self employed people how quickly they expected to expand compared to the reality, the majority will tell you it was slower than expected. There are plenty of examples of successful businesses that started with too little stock, not enough logistics etc, etc. You just have to put your heart and soul into making it work.
    You seem very positive about your product and that's important. You should use your satisfied customers as your publicity, every time you sell, turn and say, "thanks for your business, and if you think you have any friends or family that would be interested in purchasing, please tell them, I need all the business I can get, thanks again". People buy of people as the saying goes.
    Also don't worry about vans, signage, office equipment and stationary etc. Believe me there are businesses that started in cargo containers, one laptop and a borrowed equipment. Just be professional with you dealings and everyone will think you are a good outfit.
    Anyway best of luck.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 489 ✭✭dermothickey


    Thanks Happy everyday, encouraging words..you are 100% right, Its working slow each step is positive people are happy, It will lift when it is ordained to. Very true about expectations of grants etc..if anything it has made me more determined to "do it alone" Only I can make it work in the end, though the cash flow would be handy. Starting the thread on a day of great dissapointment venting some let downs and frustration, but when honestly looking back I benefited from some, not all of the courses available and am grateful for the opportunities gained. I suppose the feeling was, damn I should have started in September instead of looking for support. Though without giving an excuse I was informed to approach and start seeking support, never knew it was there, then the knock backs were a bigger let down to me, so apologies to all who got me on these courses and encouraged my idea.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 169 ✭✭Guell72


    Thanks Happy everyday, encouraging words..you are 100% right, Its working slow each step is positive people are happy, It will lift when it is ordained to. Very true about expectations of grants etc..if anything it has made me more determined to "do it alone" Only I can make it work in the end, though the cash flow would be handy. Starting the thread on a day of great dissapointment venting some let downs and frustration, but when honestly looking back I benefited from some, not all of the courses available and am grateful for the opportunities gained. I suppose the feeling was, damn I should have started in September instead of looking for support. Though without giving an excuse I was informed to approach and start seeking support, never knew it was there, then the knock backs were a bigger let down to me, so apologies to all who got me on these courses and encouraged my idea.

    That said though, if there are grants available you would be crazy not to take them.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 489 ✭✭dermothickey


    haha..for sure...never bite the hand that feeds you and all that!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 117 ✭✭happyeveryday


    Starting the thread on a day of great dissapointment venting some let downs and frustration, but when honestly looking back I benefited from some

    you'll remember the events that cause frustration but not the feeling, the good days that's what you'll really remember.

    And yeah I agree with Guell72 take anything available but imo only put 30 mins a day into chasing down grants that are realistic.

    Again best of luck.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 66 ✭✭shaner


    hey dermothickey, good to see you taking control of the situation. wish you every success in your new venture.

    you mentioned getting a website set up. if it's a bells and whistles site which you'd be looking for an online shop etc that wouldn't be easy or cheap but if it's just a brochure site to show off your product to potential retailers etc you could probably get it done cheap / free / as a favour from someone.

    from my experience as a sole trader if you keep your costs very low you can make a decent profit quick enough. one lesson I learned though was not to expand too far too quick. keep the pace steady and you'll be looking back in a few years time hopefully with satisfaction.

    shane


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 489 ✭✭dermothickey


    Its a website fo advetising and fo effeing people to the poduct, with an online shop.My Fiend in England was gonna do it fo me on the cheap, Tin me in it etc...It will have to wait :)

    Probs with my rrr's


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 72 ✭✭patmar


    Hi dermothickey,
    Thought i'd put my two cents to this.
    You should never start a business because there are grants or tax allowances available. They are a bonus, but not a good reason to start and definitely not a reason why not to start.
    The other thing is, if you ask 100 self employed people how quickly they expected to expand compared to the reality, the majority will tell you it was slower than expected. There are plenty of examples of successful businesses that started with too little stock, not enough logistics etc, etc. You just have to put your heart and soul into making it work.
    You seem very positive about your product and that's important. You should use your satisfied customers as your publicity, every time you sell, turn and say, "thanks for your business, and if you think you have any friends or family that would be interested in purchasing, please tell them, I need all the business I can get, thanks again". People buy of people as the saying goes.
    Also don't worry about vans, signage, office equipment and stationary etc. Believe me there are businesses that started in cargo containers, one laptop and a borrowed equipment. Just be professional with you dealings and everyone will think you are a good outfit.
    Anyway best of luck.
    Good sound post Happy. The cold reality of going in to a business is a shock even for the most highly trained. Business is all about the letter T, on one side sales and the other side cost of sales. The difference between the two is profit. Getting the sales as high as possible and keeping the costs as low as possible. No amount of business courses or degrees will be enough to help face the truth that you are only as good as your last sale. The person who started the thread has started selling and there he/she must concentrate all efforts


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 117 ✭✭happyeveryday


    Patmar what is the T?

    I like to go with ABC, Always Be Closing, without closing your cost of sales, your hr management, your finacing or marketing means nothing. ABC.


  • Moderators, Computer Games Moderators Posts: 10,462 Mod ✭✭✭✭Axwell


    Patmar what is the T?

    I like to go with ABC, Always Be Closing, without closing your cost of sales, your hr management, your finacing or marketing means nothing. ABC.

    I assume they mean the T shape of trading accounts, credit one side, debit the other. Or in their example sales vs cost of sales.


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