Dumfries and Galloway Council - Young Entrepreneur start-up grant helps Lochmaben business flourish Steven Boyd has turned a hobby into a full time business with the help of a start-up grant from the Young Entrepreneur Project. Opened this year, Syndicate Tattoo operates from the fully licensed Wee Studio in Queen Street, Lochmaben. Steven said, “I started tattooing by chance 3 years ago when someone gave me a tattoo kit and practised on fake skins as a hobby. I was really pleased with some of the designs. Although I had been good at art at school, it was not a skill I thought to use as a business until I was made redundant. Jobs are hard to find, especially full time jobs, so I decided to try self-employment, which also gave me flexibility as a parent. “Business Gateway referred me to the CX Project and Young Entrepreneur Project. The start-up grant has been a real help with purchasing good equipment and inks, marketing materials and signage. People’s response has been amazing, often through Facebook, and I am pleasantly surprised that tattooing has become a full time job. When customers return for more, I know I am doing a good job at a competitive price and I am doing something that I enjoy. I am really grateful for the Projects’ support and advice. My mum has also been a fantastic support and has provided the space for the studio.” John Grierson, Site Director for Magnox at Chapelcross, said, “It’s great to see that the funding we provided has supported someone into employment following redundancy. There are options for self-employment if people think about using the skills they already have, including hobbies with some extra training, funding and business advice.” Colin Smyth, Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Economy, Environment and Infrastructure Committee, said, “Steven made a bold move and it is now paying off. The Young Entrepreneur Project is having great success in guiding young people in their quest for self-employment and job satisfaction. Our priorities include supporting young people into employment and improving our local economy and helping businesses like Steven’s is an integral part of that.” Young business owners between the ages of 18 and 25 years can apply to the Young Entrepreneur Project for either a pre-start up grant or a start up grant if their business is in the Dumfries and Galloway postcode areas of DG10 to DG16. In certain, limited circumstances support is available for business owners up to age 30. To keep up-to-date with future events and find out about funding opportunities, visit the Inspiring Entrepreneurs Facebook page. For more information contact Lindsey Mason, Young Entrepreneur Co-ordinator on 01387 260171 or by email at [email protected] Businesses outside the age limits, but within the same postcode areas can enquire about funding from the CX Project. For more information on the CX project contact [email protected] or visit the Facebook page.
Posted on: Mon, 12 Jan 2015 18:13:39 +0000
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